The Countdown to Kick-off: Why Pre-Season Preparation is Non-Negotiable
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The wait is almost over. For the players of Potchefstroom Dorp Rugby Club, the 2026 season is no longer a distant date on the calendar, it is officially here. With the first warm-up games scheduled for early February, the window to transition from "holiday mode" to "match-ready" is closing fast.
In a sport as physically demanding as rugby, showing up is only half the battle. The club has made it clear that to earn a spot in the squad, players must demonstrate their commitment on the training field. The upcoming trials will serve as the primary stage for players to prove they have the fitness and discipline required to represent the "Dorp."
Practice Times & The 2026 Calendar
To remain competitive and eligible for selection, players are expected to attend all scheduled training sessions. These sessions are designed to sharpen skills and build the team cohesion necessary for a successful season.
Weekly Training Schedule:
Days: Monday Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 18:00 (6:00 PM)
Venue: Piet Bosman Park (1 Piet Bosman St, Potchefstroom)
Key Milestones for the 2026 Season:
February: Friendly matches and warm-up games to test team combinations.
March: The official start of the high-stakes PVR (Platinum Vice-Rector) league.
April to August: The main season, featuring the prestigious Neser and President Cups.
Registration Reminder: All prospective players must complete the registration form here to ensure they are added to the official communication groups for schedule updates.
The Importance of Discipline: More Than Just Fitness
Success on the field is a direct result of the work put in during those intensive weeknight sessions. For the coaching staff, practice is about more than just running drills; it is about building a foundation of resilience.
1. Developing Rugby-Specific Fitness There is a significant gap between general gym fitness and the "match fitness" required for 80 minutes of rugby. Practice builds the specific cardiovascular endurance needed for repeated high-intensity sprints and the explosive power required for set pieces.
2. Tactical Precision and Structure Trials are not merely a test of individual speed or strength; they are a test of how a player integrates into the team’s tactical structure. Regular attendance ensures that defensive lines and attacking plays become instinctive.
3. Injury Mitigation Conditioning the body for high-impact contact is the best way to prevent season-ending injuries. Pre-season training hardens the muscles and joints, ensuring players can endure the long campaign from March through to August.
Earning the Jersey
Potchefstroom Dorp Rugby Club has built a formidable reputation in the North West, and that legacy is maintained through hard work. The message from the club is consistent: Selection is earned through attendance and performance at trials.
The foundation for a championship-winning August is being laid right now in the dirt of the practice field. For those who want to be part of the 2026 legacy, the journey begins at 18:00 this Monday,19 January 2026 .
🏃♂️💨 🏉 ⚡ 🥇
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