Scotch Rugby Preseason Program 2026
About
🥇SCOTCH RUGBY - PRESEASON PROGRAM 2026**12 January – 29 January 2026**
The SCRUM Club is proud to offer a *voluntary, non-school-run Preseason Program* for boys preparing for the 2026 rugby season.
This program has been intentionally designed to build strong foundations physically, mentally and culturally, so boys arrive at the start of term **confident, connected and ready to enjoy the season ahead**.
📌Participation in this program has no bearing on team selection during the season.
📌Summer sport commitments always take precedence.
📢WHY PRESEASON MATTERS
Preseason is not about doing more for the sake of it.
It is about preparing well so the season can be enjoyed fully.
Boys who commit to preseason typically:
✅Feel more confident once the season begins
✅Reduce injury risk through improved strength and conditioning
✅Develop habits of responsibility and self-management
✅Build relationships with teammates before competition starts
✅Enjoy training and games more because they are prepared
Preparation builds confidence.
Confidence builds enjoyment.
Enjoyment builds commitment to self, to team and to the game.
📢LEADERSHIP & COACHING EXCELLENCE
The Preseason Program is overseen by Scotch 1st XV Head Coach Eric Tom, whose leadership and experience bring exceptional depth and credibility to this program.
Eric is:
*Head Coach of Scotch College Rugby**
*Head Coach of the Victorian State Men’s Rugby Team**
*Head Coach of Power House Rugby Club, leading their 1st XV to back-to-back premierships in Victoria’s premier competition, the Dewar Shield
Eric’s coaching philosophy is grounded in:
✅High standards
✅Clear expectations
✅Player ownership
✅Strong team culture
✅Respect for the game and for one another
This preseason structure reflects those values and provides boys with a professional, age-appropriate approach to preparation not just as rugby players, but as young men.
📢 PROGRAM STRUCTURE
📌Dates:
Monday 12 January – Thursday 29 January 2026
📌Frequency:
4 sessions per week for 3 weeks
📌The program consists of two types of sessions:
1️⃣DIY Gym Sessions (Monday & Wednesday)
* Boys complete allocated gym sessions independently
* Sessions are designed by a specialist Personal Trainer who plays rugby
* Focus on safe, progressive strength development
* Boys will need access to a local gym
* All sessions and instructions are delivered via the CoachMePlus training app
These sessions encourage boys to take ownership of their preparation and develop strong personal habits.
2️⃣In-Person Training Sessions (12PM Tuesday & Thursday). Boys meet at Kooyong Station (most days 11AM) and travel together to location.
* Delivered at various locations across Melbourne
* Full session details provided through the **CoachMePlus app**
* Sessions may include:
* Strength and conditioning
* Rugby skills
* Judo
* Beach running
* Cardio gym workouts
* Mindset and mental preparation
These sessions focus on team connection, shared challenge and building confidence together.
📢BUILDING INDEPENDENCE & TEAM CULTURE
A key intention of this program is to encourage boys to take responsibility for their preparation.
Boys are expected to:
✅Check the CoachMePlus app for session times and locations
✅Know when and where training is taking place
✅Arrive prepared and on time
✅Take ownership of their commitments
Where possible, boys are encouraged to meet at the designated location listed in the app and travel together using public transport.
This approach:
✅Builds independence
✅ Strengthens team bonds
✅Encourages leadership and communication
✅Reflects the values of Scotch Rugby
If families are not comfortable with this approach, transport arrangements may be made independently.
📢 LIVING SCOTCH VALUES
This program is aligned with the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Reverence.
* **Respect**
For coaches, teammates, facilities and the opportunity to represent Scotch Rugby.
* **Responsibility**
Taking ownership of preparation, time, effort and behaviour.
* **Reverence**
For the game of rugby, the traditions of Scotch College and the privilege of wearing the jersey.
Preseason is an opportunity for boys to **live these values through action**, not just words.
📢EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Boys who register for this program are expected to:
✅ Commit to sessions they choose to attend
✅Take responsibility for checking the training app
✅ Arrive prepared, on time and ready to train
✅Represent Scotch Rugby with maturity and respect
✅Support teammates and contribute positively to team culture
This is an opportunity for boys to step up, take ownership and set strong standards for the season ahead.
📢📢 IMPORTANT INFORMATION
* This is a voluntary, non-school-run program
* Participation does **not** influence team selection
* Summer sport commitments take priority
* Boys must join:
* The **CoachMePlus app** (registration details to follow)
📢Please note:**
The **first DIY gym session is Monday 12 January**, so early registration is encouraged.
📢COST
**$300 per participant**
(Ability to join in week 2 or 3 for a lower fee if away on holiday.)
This fee covers:
✅ Program design and coordination
✅ Specialist strength programming
✅In-person coaching sessions
✅Access to the CoachMePlus training platform
📢📢 A FINAL WORD
Preseason is an invitation, not an obligation.
It is an opportunity for boys to:
✅ Take responsibility
✅Prepare well
✅Build connection
✅Develop confidence
✅Enjoy the season ahead
We encourage boys to see this program as something they actively choose as a chance to invest in themselves, their teammates and their enjoyment of the game.
**Preseason is where habits are formed, standards are set, and seasons are shaped.**
We look forward to seeing the boys step into 2026 prepared, confident and connected.
Date
Monday 12 January 2026 11:00 AM - Thursday 29 January 2026 12:00 PM (UTC+11)Location
Various Locations - See CoachmePlus App