The Programme

It’s been two years since the last series of Autumn Internationals, when the Southern Hemisphere nations came to the British Isles to battle against their Northern Hemisphere rivals.

After what was an incredible World Cup last year, fans of the home nations were forced to reconfigure their body clocks to catch their teams battling it out on the other side of the globe in New Zealand; now it’s time for the Southern Hemishpere to travel north and take on the European elite.

Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Argentina, South Africa, Australia and reigning world champions New Zealand will all be travelling north of the equator to challenge the home nations on home soil this month.

The recent summer tours of the Southern Hemisphere in June were a harsh reality check for a few of the home nations, but a platform to build on for all nevertheless. Ireland were whitewashed by New Zealand, Wales lost 3-0 to Australia and England could only salvage a draw in their 2-0 series defeat to South Africa. Scotland, meanwhile, rewrote the record books with their first-ever 3-0 series win, beating Australia, Fiji and Samoa.

Now comes the time for the Southern Hemisphere elite to return the favour, as they arrive at the gates of Murrayfield, the Millennium Stadium, Twickenham and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium this coming weekend.

Recent form and rankings make the Southern Hemisphere nations favourites, but the European elite will still fancy their chances on home soil. With each european ground being a fortress for their retrospective teams, those south of the equator may struggle to deal with the intimidating and hostile home crowds. They will still be expected to dominate but as with every series of Autumn Internationals – upsets will be expected.

The Competitors:

Fiji: Despite their population, Fiji are ranked sixteenth in the world by the IRB, as of 26 September 2011. The small Pacific Island have produced some of the most explosive and athletic players over the past decade.
Fiji have built a reputation for causing upsets. In the the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Fiji defeated Wales 38–34 to claim a quarter final spot, theoretically ranking them in the top 8 in the world.
England will be expected to win this game but they must not underestimate the Fijians.

Australia: The Wallabies are currently third in the IRB rankingings,
and along with their southern hemishphere rivals, are famous for their pace and skills.
Their last major competition victory came in 1999, when they won the World Cup in Great Britain.They came close in 2003 on home soil against England, but were beaten in extra time by Jonny Wilkinson’s famous drop goal.
England will put up a stern test, but Australia will be expected to win this one.

South Africa: The South African Rugby Union team are currently ranked second in the world, and have been one of the major powers in rugby over the past few decades. The Springbok’s most recent success came in 2007, when they defeated England 15 – 6 to become world champions. England and South Africa have met on the pitch a total of 35 times with South Africa winning 60% of these games. This years Autumn International game will prove difficult for England, but on paper, this one is far too close to call.

New Zealand:New Zealand have always been famous for their rugby – It’s the national sport and since the begining, their All Black jerseys and pre-match Haka has struck fear into all opposition. Currently ranked number one in the world – the All Blacks are a force to be reckoned with.
They are currently on a 20 game winning streak and for England to triumph in this fixture would be anything short of a miracle. New Zealand will be expected to win this game, but anything can happen on home soil.

 

BAMMA and Mixed Martial Arts Champion runs the Programme through his daily training routine

It’s 8am on a Saturday morning and the alarm has just gone off for a full days training ahead. It’s not a case of ‘rise and shine’ but a case of ‘rise and grind.’

I don’t really get a weekend when I’m in camp, but alas, it’s all for a good cause!

For breakfast, I’ve had a pint of water, made a brew and sipped on a green tea, eaten a banana and then had a protein shake. On the side, a few multivitamins and an actimel to get me going for the day.

Straight down to the gym bright and early, they do say the early bird catches the worm after all.

I start my days training on the treadmills with my brother Mick. He trains quite often with me, although I train harder. Brotherly competiton, you know?

Firstly,it’s an absolute must to start with a warm up. I’ve got to, otherwise I’m risking muscle injuries, which I can’t afford. Five minutes at 4mph moving on to 7mph for another five minutes. After that, 20 minutes at 10mph. Steady away.

I then rest,barely, for literally just one minute and then back on the treadmill for two more rounds of 8mph at five minutes a time, upping 1mph every minute. I do this to specifically build my stamina and endurance, it helps should my fights go to those later rounds. It came in handy in my last fight against Andre Winner at BAMMA 10. Five, five minute rounds.

I try to keep my heart rate at about 186 beats per minutes (bpm), peaking at the last minute of running at around 191bpm. Although closer to fights I’ll lower the rounds but build the intensity of training.

A recovery drink later and I’m home for some food. Today, a three egg omelette with ham and tomato, a side of salad and of course some water to help keep me hydrated. Eggs are a good source of protein, which helps me build strength and muscle. After my dinner, it’s time for a rest following my morning workout.

Around about tea time I’m back at training. Time to hit the pads with Mick again! I’m working on my strength and conditioning so I’m doing eight, five minute rounds of full Thai boxing. It’s not particularly fight specific, I’ll never be fighting so many rounds in the cage.Again, closer to fight time, I’ll lower the amount of rounds and build on intensity.

Following that; a banana, a recovery drink to help my muscles and lots of water with electrolytes which will help me recover. For my evening meal I’m eating Salmon and Broccoli, which are both high in protein, with a side salad.

Diet-wise, I’m not being too strict just yet, I just aim to consume plenty of fruit and protein/protein bars. Again closer to fight time, I’ll stricken up my diet to help me be in the best shape possible when I step in the cage.