Continuing on the training theme and separating the important aspects of your programme from the less important and superficial, I am reminded that one should never judge an athlete by their outfit.

#Flip flops, shorts (rugby club issue or board shorts), replica rugby shirt. Oh, and a massive kit bag.

The time of year is irrelevant, the rugger bugger look is an annual look. It screams I PLAY RUGBY. So what’s my point? I have no issue with it, except for when it gets abused by wannabe rugger buggers. Sure, immerse yourself in the culture of the sport, after all it is fantastic and in my experience you’ll gain mates for life. However, if you’re genuinely serious about your rugby performance levels then it doesn’t matter what you rock up in – instead, it becomes about how hard you work on and off the pitch to improve performance. The best flip flops in the world and worlds largest rugger bugger bag will not help you on Saturday afternoon.

Having coached at all levels of the game you get to see all of this become reality. My advice is take a look in the mirror, make training your priority and strutting a nice to do (after you win a cup final or a pro contract).

Nathan Kelly is a qualified RFU Level 3 rugby coach as well as a fully qualified strength and conditioning coach. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your individual or group performance preparations then please contact Nathan here for a free consultation.

This article was written by personal fitness trainer Nathan Kelly – find on Google+