Swiss Rugby Launches "Elite Centers"

Lausanne, 17/01/2022  -  In collaboration with Swiss' elite clubs, Swiss Rugby has decided to take advantage of the "Winter Break" to bring together a large number of eligible players involved in the Swiss championships for a dedicated 6-week training program for the Men's XV, Women's XV and Women's 7s teams.

From January 16th to March 6th, up to 40 male and 40 female players will have the opportunity to participate in several training sessions that will take place in different locations in Switzerland, and will be led by our Natis coaching staffs, Simon Dupuy and Maxime Tonietta for the Men, the trio Nick Blackwell, Mike Conway, and Ali Nouri for the Women, and Rahel Bosshard for the Women's 7's.

Yet, be aware that the objective of these sessions is not solely to prepare for upcoming international events.  The concept is also to take advantage of this period of the year to enlarge the groups, to allow many players to participate in these trainings, and thus to give them qualitative content which will be beneficial to them in their respective Club when championships resume at the end of March.  The final purpose of these "Elite Centers" is to improve the quality of the players and the game in the various Swiss Championships, in agreement with the Clubs and their coaches who follow the development of their players.

The first session of the Men "Elite Center" took place yesterday in Macolin, in the snow, with a great fitness and skills workout session in addition to physical tests.  As for the Women "Elite Center" , it took place over two days at the Vessy Sports Center, which has a synthetic field.  Saturday was dedicated to Rugby 7's training, while Sunday was planed for XVs.

The feedback of these first "Elite Centers" are very positive.  All the players were delighted to meet up and share these moments. The atmosphere was very studious and the content of the sessions was very much appreciated.  Everyone is eager to continue the program which dates are highlighted below.

Elite Center Men (XV)

• January 23rd
• January 30th
• February 12th & 13th
• February 27th
• March 6th

Elite Center Women (XV)

• January 29th & 30th (7 et XV)
• February 12th  
• February 26th & 27th (7 et XV)
• March 5th & 6th Mars (7 et XV)

(on the weekend of February 5th & 6th, the Swiss national 7's team will play an international preparation tournament in Montpellier)