MARK DUFFY’s Post

SHINE THE LIGHT 🔦 Respect The Ref Check out an awesome feature piece put together by our Digital Marketing Executive Max Sharp. We wanted to shine the light on our North Harbour Rugby Referees Association (NHRRA) referees and start to change the negative narrative towards referees. Just like players, they: - Attend trainings to develop their skills - Review footage and their own performance to be better - Keep fit to ensure they can perform at a level - Have to hit certain fitness KPI's if they wish to progress through the ranks - Are assessed, coached, and developed by educators within the NHRRA community Finally, they are human beings, just like players. Let's think twice before we hurl negative abuse towards an official. Respect the ref.

My new article for Total Rugby Analysis takes a closer look at Northampton Saints, ahead of their meeting with Bath Rugby in this weekend's Premiership Rugby final. I've analysed the improvements made by the Saints and have highlighted some key players in their squad. Comments welcome as always. #sports #sport #sportsjournalism #sportsanalysis #rugbyunion #rugby #rugbyunionanalysis #rugbyanalysis #premiershiprugby #englishpremiership #premiership #northamptonsaints #northampton #saints #tactics #analysis #tacticalanalysis #teamanalysis #scoutreport #phildowson #englandrugby #england #rugbyunionjournalism #rugbyjournalism

The importance of holistically developing professional athletes in practice...

𝗙𝗜𝗫𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗜 The 2024 Sportsman's Warehouse Premier Interschools season kicks off this weekend, promising another thrilling chapter in the traditional KZN rivalry between two formidable schoolboy rugby teams, Glenwood High School and Maritzburg College 🏉 Which team are you backing? 🔴🟢🟡 OR 🔴⚫️⚪️ Unlock the complete 2024 rugby season fixture list for the Sharks High Schools' Rugby Association now! Simply visit our website and click on the 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 tab to get your free copy today!! #pegasuspublishing

My new article for Total Rugby Analysis looks at Super Rugby Pacific's defending champions Crusaders, who won in midweek but who had lost all five of their matches before that to leave them bottom of the table. I've looked at where they have been going wrong and why they can still climb the table as the campaign goes on. Comments welcome as always. #sports #sport #sportsjournalism #sportsanalysis #rugbyunion #rugby #rugbyunionanalysis #rugbyanalysis #superrugbypacific #superrugby #crusadersrugby #crusaders #robpenney #tactics #analysis #tacticalanalysis #scoutreport #teamanalysis #rugbyunionjournalism #rugbyjournalism

My new article for Total Rugby Analysis looks at Spain winger Martiniano Cian, who has recently starred for his nation in the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship. I've broken down his game and shown how he has fitted into Los Leones' tactics. Comments welcome as always. #sports #sport #sportsjournalism #sportsanalysis #rugbyunion #rugby #rugbyunionanalysis #rugbyanalysis #rugbyeuropechampionship #rugbyeuropechampionship2024 #spain #spainrugby #martinianocian #tactics #analysis #tacticalanalysis #teamanalysis #scoutreport #playeranalysis #rugbyunionjournalism #rugbyjournalism

Today I have no idea if I love rugby league or I hate rugby league!! A 22 - 22 draw in Jack Owens Testimonial match against Whitehaven provided a reminder (not that one was needed) that there is still plenty of work to be done before we become the side we want to be. Of course nobody was getting carried away after last weeks win, and we learned a whole lot more about ourselves yesterday, where we came up against what I thought was a good 'Haven side. It was a step up and our next, and final pre season game against Warrington is obviously another step up again. Pre season is all about learning, about what is working and what is not working and assessing where players are in the squad pecking order. In addition, they are called pre season matches for those reasons, with the aim being to be as ready as you can once your team gets to playing "competitive" matches. For the Vikings this year, these matches are all part of a steep learning curve, as following extensive changes made at the club, to coaching and playing personnel, there has to be a period of transition. No amount of work on the training pitch can replicate what happens in matches and therein lies the importance of pre season matches. Win, lose or draw, they are all about so much more than the result, and what's more we will get it right..... #coyv #rugbyleague #newbeginning #evenmoredetermined

2024 rugby season loading ... 🔋 To get your company listed in this year's Blue Bulls, Golden Lions, or the Sharks High Schools' Rugby Association Digital Magazines, contact Shana Devitt: shana@pegasuspublishing.co.za to find out more 🏉 #pegasuspublishing I #BlueBullsSchools I #LionsSchools I #SharksSchools I #rugby I #union I #schoolboyrugby I #skolerugby I #digitalmags I #fixtures I #tournaments #easterrugbyfestivals I #schoolcontacts I #2024rugbyseason I #sportsmedia I #publisher I #officialfixtureprogramme

Here's a quick round-up of some of the ongoing business at Progressive Sports (follow the link in the PSE post) #golf #hockey #sportsconsulting #progressivese

What do the top four World Sevens Series International rugby sevens sides do well? I was asked why are the top four sides the best and what do they do really well to differentiate themselves? The obvious answers are: One that they have had "time together" as full time professionals to establish a playing side with a plentiful number of reserves ready at home to cover injuries and give the squad real depth and meaningful game based training. Secondly the players are better being more talented!- But this is not actually the case across the board! They are simply a better team and more together, with a clear game model, a healthy competitive squad culture (which goes back to having time together as professionals). But what about the way they play? What differentiates them? Here are my seven simple observations! 1. They recognise the importance of defence and set the side up initially to be hard to beat. This usually means three enforcers in the midfield with a real tackle and jackal threat. They usually score first as a result of a forced opposition error. 2. They set the side up with attacking flair, always ensuring they have two playmakers, and two top pace players on each edge. 3. Vitally they are PATIENT in attack recognising that they must move the opposition defence around if they are going to breach a world class defence via creating space or a miss match. 4. They move the ball quickly away from the breakdown stessing the defence. 5. Their edge play is excellent! They understand the need to go to the edge to move the opposition defence around and they realise the edge is an opportunity to create space elsewhere on a wide pitch! As a result they play 4-8 phases without being stressed! 6. Quite simply their support running is excellent "busting a gut" to support a "break", being either ready for the off-load/pass, or to run a legal blocking line to protect the ball carrier. 7. Their Kick-off play whether kicking or receiving is excellent with a clear understanding of primary and secondary roles, to ensure a higher percentage of possession! As a result a top four side will have real clarity and confidence in how to play their game and, as a result they know they will win if they execute well! #rugbysevens #worldsevensseries #internationalsevens #topsevensrugby #sevensdevelopment