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From Maties to Springboks for Sport Science’s alumnus Warren Adams
Author: Sport Science: Media / Sportwetenskap: Media
Published: 29/07/2016

It took him more than a decade to get to the top echelon and former Sport Science student Warren Adams believes it is all about perseverance and a willingness to learn.

In April this year this Matie alumnus was named the new strength and conditioning coach of the Springboks. Adams studied sports science at Stellenbosch University where he achieved a master's degree.

Adams' first rugby strength and conditioning position came in 2004 when he started working at the Rugby Performance Centre founded by world renowned rugby coach Alan Zondagh.

"In 2005 I got involved with Maties and I stayed with them until 2012. During my time at Maties I also worked with the Western Province Rugby Institute. I was the strength and conditioning coach for the Western Province U/19 Currie Cup squad."

The first national team Adams worked with was the SA Rugby Students team in 2009. "From there I was privileged to work with the SA Schools team and Junior Springboks until 2015. Last year I assisted the Springboks with their Rugby World Cup preparations and this year I was appointed as the Springboks' strength and conditioning coach."

According to Adams it is important to get involved with teams as soon as possible if you want to become the strength and conditioning coach of a national team one day. He also said that it is vital to have perseverance and a willingness to learn.

"Get involved with a team and do as much as possible even if it means filling water bottles or packing cones. I also found that having a lot of 'book knowledge' means nothing if you cannot apply it in a specific environment. In rugby your environment is ever changing and you need to be able to adapt accordingly."