Jonny Wilkinson questions and answers: January

Why do you think there are so many more players and coaches who move from rugby league to rugby union and not the other way around? Hector Gordon, Bray, Berkshire

The two codes are similar in many ways and coaches of rugby league can often bring new insights into the game of rugby union. Rugby league could be considered more complex from a coaching point of view but both games have their own challenges. Rugby league players are perhaps able to adapt to the union game more easily than the other way round.

Hi Jonny, I’m 14 years-old and I love most sports, but lately I feel like I’m doing to much and I’m injuring myself. Did you ever over do it and if you did what did you do about it? Sarah Hawkins, Dunstable

It is always difficult to know where to draw the line especially if you are enjoying yourself. The time may be coming when you have to select which sport you want to concentrate on so that you can train and prepare specifically for that sport. It is also vitally important to speak to your coaches with regard to your training regimes to ensure that you are fully and correctly prepared. It is important to eat well with a sensible diet and ensure you have the correct amount of rest.

Hi Jonny, I am 22 years-old and currently suffering from a bad injury (ACL rupture). It means I won’t be playing any sport for a long period of time. What advice could you give me in dealing with such a bad injury and what techniques did you use to stay upbeat and focused? Carl Green, Tamworth

Firstly, I am assuming you are getting the best medical advice and assistance. It is also important to try to gauge when you may be able to commence rehabilitation. Knowing the time limits is always helpful to me as it gives me a base to work on. I also find it useful to use and work on other parts of one’s body, not involved in the injury. It also provides time to set new goals for your return to ensure you are stronger and fitter than before the injury.

What is your opinion regarding the exclusion of rugby from the Olympic Games. Should it be an Olympic sport? Jessica Sawicki, Orono, Minnesota, USA

Decisions of this scale are beyond any player’s control!

What are the best foods to eat to build up muscles and improve stamina? Jim Gilbert

It is important to have a balanced diet but red meat, tuna, egg white – basically high protein foods – should form the main part. I would stress that you should take professional advice before changing your eating habits.

Yet again there are no Welsh sides in the latter stages of the Heineken Cup. Do you think is an indication of the state of Welsh club rugby? Do they need to do more to compete at a higher level? John Lark, Hollywood, Worcestershire

I do not think one can read too much into this. Some sides have been missing key players but some of the performances have been absolutely awesome. Wales were Grand Slam winners last year and one does not move from hero to zero just because one fails to qualify for the Heineken Cup finals.

Are you back training with the Falcons yet? Kelly Fox, Pattingham, Staffordshire

Yes, I have been training with the side for quite some time and will, hopefully, be playing very shortly.

Brian O’Driscoll had an outstanding game for Leinster against Bath. With him firing on all cylinders, so you think Leinster can beat Toulouse and go all the way in the Heineken Cup? Colin O’Leary, Dublin

The game against Bath was a great spectacle and players on both sides equipped themselves admirably. On a personal note it was good to see Brian back in full flow and I truly believe that anything is possible but then again, I am sure Toulouse have their own views.

See other pages for more questions and answers from Jonny this month

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January 19, 2006

Jonny, I am a front row player and was recently having a debate with a friend who is a scrum half about whether you need to be small to be a scrum half. He says you do, what do you think? Conor Mitchell, Marlow

Certainly in the amateur days one tended to see small scrum halves although Dewi Morris was built like a flanker. Nowadays, one sees Justin Marshall and Joost van der Wezterhuizen who cannot be considered small. As long as you are up to the job and nimble on your feet, I do not think size matters.

Have you ever considered having ago at ballroom dancing like Darren Gough on Strictly Come Dancing and would you ever be up for that kind of challenge? Liz Williams, Bromley

No.

What is the best way for a girl to get into rugby? My school does not allow girls to play rugby and there are no local clubs for girls? Rebecca Holland, Horsham

This is difficult to answer if your school and local club do not offer the facility for girls/ladies rugby. I feel you will have to go on to the internet or contact the RFU at Twickenham directly to gain information of the nearest club. Unfortunately it will probably mean a little extra travelling.

I’ve come back from six years away from playing rugby, but haven’t rediscovered my old form. I miss being able to just play on instinct knowing I was doing the right thing. Now it takes major effort and I can’t understand how I was able to loose my skills. I’m also frustrated and I’m starting to loose my confidence, despite my team mates telling me I’m a huge asset to our game. Can you help? Davina Harriss, Basildon

Six years is a huge break and both body and mind have to retrained, which will take time. As long as you have the will to play and the self-belief that you can attain higher levels then you should battle on. Listen to and believe what your team-mates are telling you.

What’s the best training drill to practice my sidestep? Which player has the best sidestep in the game? Chris Barber, London

The best side stepper in the game, in my opinion, is Jason Robinson who tends to favour a two-footed side step. The secret of the side step is to create deception by change of direction and change of pace, but in essence, changing direction at pace. Agility drills such as running in and out of cones and pushing off both left and right foot will help but to carry out the side step movement with a friend would be the best way forward. There is a section on agility training for side stepping demonstrated by the Hotshots in a DVD recently released.

My 21 year old son at is captain of Nottingham University’s first XV and has the opportunity to go for trials with London Irish. At what age should a player be established in a professional rugby club like Newcastle and London Irish? He will be 22 before he can really dedicate more time to his ambition of playing professional rugby. Now the game has taken a new dimension of fitness, when is a young player regarded as too old to start the big league? John Hopson, Madrid, Spain

Congratulations to your son for his achievements so far. You are never too old to continue improving your game. However, in the professional game it is more difficult to commence rugby at an older age. I would say that your son is of the right age and also having put education first, will be able to offer 100 per cent to achieving his future goals in the game. One should never look back with regret on such a major decision. Urge him to give it his best shot and good luck.

Do you think the England team would benefit from Lawrence Dallaglio’s presence in the squad? Patrick Kennedy, Loughton

Lawrence is a tremendous asset in any side. Not only is he an extremely talented and committed player with a wealth of experience, but he is also a great decision maker and will give any team he plays for 100 per cent.

Do players get much barracking from rival teams’ fans like at football matches? Ursula Potter, Bristol

There is some barracking towards the bench, which tends to be returned and is usually all in good spirit. It is unnecessary for crowds to boo players when they are injured and to heckle place kickers. However, most of the time the crowds are brilliant and sometimes come up with hilarious comments. To be honest, once you playing you are not aware of the crowd.

Read more questions and answers from Jonny this month on previous pages()

2 January 10, 2006

Do you ever make any new year’s resolutions? And like the rest of us, how long does it take you to break them? Carla Torgerson, London

I do make New Years resolutions. Last years was to enjoy myself more but it only lasted a few weeks before I found I was getting bogged down with the pressure and my own expectations. This year my resolution is the same but I feel I have formed a better plan of action and have set more realistic goals.

With regard to your kicking technique, you mentioned about mentally transferring the natural power source behind the navel down to your foot. Do you also use this technique to provide protection when tackling or being tackled, for example moving the power source to your shoulder? Jeannie Mitchell, Bournemouth

Perhaps naturally I do but I think the strength in my defence comes from a subconscious competitive energy and a desperate will to succeed. It is the desire to win that drives me into contact situations and prepares my muscles and joints.

Do you ever do yoga or pilates to build up your core strength and relax? Jenny Nugent, Kings Lynn

We use various parts of yoga and other disciplines in our daily routines to strengthen, stretch and relax. At the moment I am focussing very intensely on core training to help my groin problem and to come back stronger.

Jonny, as you have been a captain, how much do think a captain should dictate how a team plays? Sam Joyce, Potton

The captain’s job is important. A captain in my opinion should be a leader by example and should maintain overall control of the team’s direction and tactics as they change through the course of the game. Faith and confidence, however, should be placed on the fly half/scrum half/pack leader and No 8 to make calls on plays during the game.

What do you think of Wembley stadium? Do you wish you could play rugby there? Steven Jenkins, Penrith

Wembley Stadium is awesome. It holds a massive aura for anyone in the UK regardless of which sport one follows. I played at the old Wembley stadium against Wales in 1999 and despite losing so desperately at the end, I was pleased and proud to have been able to perform on that pitch.

I play as a utility back and cannot find a position that I like the most. Should I just progress as a utility back or go to the position I play best (No 13). Also, what is a way to motivate a team who has been losing badly? Name and address withheld

I think the days of players having to have a specific position are almost over. Being able to perform all the skills, to defend in any situation and to manipulate defences in attack is what is important. What makes a player different and special is that player’s individual style and way of approaching the game. With regard to motivating a losing team, it is vital to look for continual improvement and to create a togetherness. Building this is far more important than short-term success. This will ultimately bring lots of wins and, importantly, enjoyment.

Is Gavin Henson coming under an undue amount of criticism and attention from the media? James Monroe, Cardiff

Gavin Henson is a very talented rugby player who, for that reason, has found himself at the top of the game. This brings, and will continue to bring, extra pressure and extra expectation as well as a higher profile. It is inevitable that all of his moves on the pitch and off it are viewed, reviewed, and analysed, and that it will change his life. I think Gavin and other players in this position will need help and a certain strength of character, but I believe Gavin has this and will go from strength to strength.

As a primary school teacher, I play an important role in promoting young sport. What advice would you offer me for making sure rugby is given the time it deserves? Mary Kelly, London

In my opinion rugby is the best team sport around. On the surface level, rugby brings huge excitement, enjoyment and a chance to learn many skills. There are also many huge life lessons to be learnt at a young age such as:

Pride in performance.

Unselfishness in working for others enjoyment and success.

Integrity in one’s effort and belief.

Motivation and fulfilment in setting goals, facing the pressure of challenges and overcoming them.

Grace in defeat and victory. ()

January 4, 2005

How do you always accelerate in your tackles can you give me some advice? Nick Venteer, Johannesburg, South Africa

Whenever faced with a tackle, firstly it is important to focus on the exact spot you are attempting to drive into with your shoulder. Make sure you are on your toes rather than on your heels and accelerate into the tackle by keeping your legs pumping. This is extremely important with a side-on tackle when you opponent is running away from you. If you do not keep your legs pumping then you will end up having to lunge, which usually results in the opponent being able to step out of the tackle.

What was the best Christmas present you received this year? Howard Swan, Wokingham

Spending time and having huge fun with my family.

Considering all your past injuries, are you planning on changing your training regime to minimise future injuries? Patrick Kaa, Invercargill, New Zealand

Most of the injuries I have suffered recently have been one-off incidents. I am always reviewing my personal training sessions and take advice from those around me who are in a position to put forward this information.

Hi Jonny. I am currently doing my A levels and was wondering if you could tell me how you relieve stress? Tessa White, Newark

The work has to be done but once you are confident that you have put in the effort, I would suggest you get out and enjoy yourself and clear your head. Sport is a great stress reliever as it means you are putting both your body and your mind into a different field and can feel great afterwards.

Hi Jonny, I am 15 years-old and play scrum half. What is the best way to make a successful pass off your weaker hand? Alex Cooper, Alton

Alex, the secret here is to practice the pass that you believe to be weaker more than the one you believe to be stronger. Find a friend who is willing to receive and pass the ball back to you and look at doing sets of 10 passes either side. Build up your confidence in being able to make that pass knowing that you have been putting the work in.

What is your opinion on the merits of blades vs. studs on boots? Chris Tozer, Stoke

I cannot actually speak for the merits but I do tend to be aware of the ground surfaces I am playing on and choose my boots accordingly.

What are you personal and professional goals for 2006? Margaret Skinner, Loughton

To gain a place in the first team for Newcastle Falcons and play on a regular basis without any further serious injuries.

What is the difference between a dump tackle and a spear tackle? Matt Powell, Engadine, Australia

A spear tackle is when an opponent is lifted and then speared into the ground onto his head. This is a total no-no and has been banned. If a player is lifted off the ground – which can happen in a head on tackle – then he is driven back onto the ground but on his back. This is sometimes referred to as dumping one’s opponent. However, one has to take on the responsibility to ensure that this does not turn into a spear tackle.

Hi Jonny you often hear about people saying you have to read the game well to be a great fly half. I was just wondering what you do in order to practice reading the game. Is there anything specific that helps you with this? David Higgins, address withheld

Reading the game is being aware of what is going on around you and playing the game accordingly. Most players in the Premiership do have videos available whereby they can study the opposition. It is also being totally confident in the moves that you have in your armory and being able to bring your teammates into the game at the correct time. A great deal of this is down to communication, which is a pre-requisite for a fly half. Do not be embarrassed about yelling at your teammates and ensure that they let you know how they see the game unfolding.