Monday, November 22nd, 2004
By Josiah Herbert

This week the Maddogs welcomed its newest introduction to the team; the Supa Powa Scrum Sledge. The sled is the first one ever to be sold in the United States and the Maddogs are proud owners of it. Known for its success overseas with professional teams like the New Zealand All Blacks it is sure to prove its scrum training prowess here at Northeastern. The design of the machine allows for several key advantages over any other trainer on the market. Packing an entourage of hydraulics, the machine is controlled by a forwards trainer who has the ability to move the pack up, down, forward, back, and wheel tight head or loose head all while giving an output of force for each prop. It is the only machine that can push back on a pack of forwards.

Although the operation of the machine is simple getting it to the Maddogs was unfortunately not as such. With such a substantial investment, efforts were needed from all areas to bring the most advanced scrummaging trainer (and only of its kind found in the United States) into the Northeastern domain. The club wants to extend all its thanks to the University and club Alumni for all the effort and assistance needed to make this happen. The machine will surely show its weight in gold in terms of safety and performance of the players.

Northeastern Rugby will also be holding clinics for younger players to demonstrate proper scrummaging techniques. Clinics will be offered at local high school campuses in the spring and serve as a valuable education and recruiting tool. Furthermore, these clinics can supply a steady source of income for the program. For more information please contact Head Coach Sean O’Leary.

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