Celtic Crusaders to train in Australia
Celtic Crusaders are set to return to training at the end of this month, with their entire squad for Super League 2009 going into a tough three-week training camp in Queensland as they prepare for their first competitive match in February.
And the Welsh side will link up with Brisbane Broncos, who played a friendly match at Bridgend’s Brewery Field against the Crusaders in February 2007. The NRL club’s personnel will assist the Crusaders in specialist areas such as kicking, defence and nutrition.
The club’s main base will be in Brisbane’s Griffith University that has played host to the last two Student Rugby League World Cup tournaments. They will also have opportunity to use the Gold Coast for two sessions a week at one of the many beautiful beaches in the area.
In addition, the Crusaders will be taking part in interactive joint training sessions with three sides from the Queensland Cup competition (the second level of rugby league in that part of Australia).
Anthony Seibold, the Crusaders’ assistant coach and team manager is a former Brisbane Broncos player and he knows the benefit of training in a world class facility alongside such experienced personnel.
“We're doing this training camp in Queensland because of its warm weather and that helps power and speed gains,” he said. “By having a three week camp we'll get more of a benefit in those key areas to help us compete in Super League.
“With a number of new players coming in, it's also an opportunity for them to bond with existing players and staff in a controlled environment. The whole idea is that we can have the best preparation possible in order to start Super League in the best condition.”
Seibold will be writing a blog from Australia throughout the three-week camp and regular updates will be found at www.crusadersrfl.com.