WATCH: Rugby League team turn to ballet for strength and flexibility
British rugby league team Wigan Warriors have turned to ballet to help their young players with knee and ankle injuries.
The club’s under-19s players have started taking weekly ballet classes and are finding it hugely beneficial.
The lads can be seen at the barre doing demi plies, which strengthens the ankles. By training your ankles not to roll forward or backwards in the bend, you can help the ankles stay stable under pressure.
Their teacher admitted there were some giggles when the beefy players first entered the studio but the smiles soon disappeared when the training started.
One player admitted: “I always thought it was just for girls but I was shocked at how hard it was.”
Here’s hoping Joe Schmidt considers this is an option for the Irish team - we would pay good money to see Cian Healy and Jamie Heaslip at the barre.
