My fitness plans help Northland’s to their best ever finish.

It was around this time last year that I was contacted by Watisoni Ratulevu, the coach of the Fijian Province of Northland. He was looking for some support in helping his team raise their fitness levels so that they could compete within the Fiji national rugby championship (the Sanyo cup). He wanted to improve upon previous years.

I designed and sent through a four month training programme which covered aspects that every team member should do within their sessions. This included sprint training, aerobic conditioning, core and resistance work as well as agility sand plyometric methodology.

Being a good few thousand miles from the South East corner of the Fiji where Northlands are based I could not personally oversee the training by the coaches of Northland followed the plans to the best of their ability.

The result were sensational. Northlands have achieved their highest ever finish. They came 5th in the championship compared to their usual finishing position of 11th or 12th place. They also managed to win the Farebrother cup for the first time in their history.

Northlands coach Ratu wrote to me saying:

“We finished 5th this year compared from the previous years where we always finish 11 or 12 of the points table. It was a big improvement and we made a great achievement by winning the Farebrother Cup from the Champion team last year.

This is a history into the book of Fiji Rugby and to the people of
this province, Great Achievement Ben, I would like to thank you for
your big support into our team, A Big Vinaka Vakalevu which means
Thank You very Much Indeed.”

The success of Northlands could have been even better but for the fact they lost numerous games by just 3 points or less. Hopefully next season they will take things forwards once more and press for the Sanyo cup.

Ben, we are now heading to our off Seasons programme, If u could support us in sending one of your off seasons Weights Progrmme.

Bye

Ratu"

Match Report of Northlands first ever Farebreother cup win.

Northland set a new record in Fiji Rugby's history following their 15-13 victory over Tailevu to stake their claim at the Farebrother-Sullivan trophy in a closely contested match at the Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori Saturday.

Coach Watisoni Ratulevu was lost for words when the final whistle was blown acknowledging the Almighty for the victory.

'It was through Him that this game was won," Ratulevu said. "He was our provider through preparation phase and on the field of play hence to Him we must give back the credit."

"As coach, to be able to contribute a piece of success to Northland Rugby Union's history is beyond words. I thank the players for the effort and my fellow coaching staff as well as the supporters. We look forward to Naitasiri next week with hope that the trophy will remain on Tailevu soil."

The Northland versus Naitasiri match will be played at 3.00pm at the Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori Saturday 11 October 2008.

Saturday 4 October 2008
Tailevu 13 Northland 15
Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy Challenge
Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori
Half-time: 5-10
Referee: James Bolabiu
Kick-off: 3.00pm

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