Senior Rugby Training Camp Portugal 2025

The Wallace High School Senior Rugby Squad recently took part in a highly productive training camp in Portugal, designed to support player development, team cohesion, and preparation for the defence of the Ulster Schools’ Cup title in late January. The squad departed on Monday 15th December from Belfast International Airport, travelling to Vilamoura, Portugal, where the camp was based at the prestigious Browns Sports Resort. Having just hosted the Bristol Bears rugby squad in preparation for their European campaign, these world-class facilities provided an outstanding environment for high-level training throughout the week.

Training Programme

Each day involved a carefully structured coaching programme combining on-pitch rugby sessions with strength and conditioning work. Pitch sessions focused heavily on tactical and technical development, allowing players to refine key aspects of their game. Time on the pitch was also dedicated to unit work, enabling backs and forwards to focus on set-piece play and implement changes or new tactics. Sessions usually finished with fitness-related work, making the most of the warmer winter climate.

These pitch sessions were complemented by daily strength and conditioning work, making full use of Browns Sports Resort’s exceptional gym facilities. The Senior Squad followed a tailored strength and conditioning programme, often rounded off with a team or individual challenge.

A significant element of the camp was dedicated to performance analysis, with the squad spending considerable time reviewing team footage. These analysis sessions enabled players to deepen their understanding of their roles and responsibilities and to identify areas for improvement as the team continued to progress.

The camp also placed strong emphasis on the mental side of performance. Sports psychology sessions were delivered remotely through video and interactive tasks with Paul McKenzie, providing players with valuable tools to enhance focus, mindset, and resilience both on and off the pitch.

Recovery was prioritised throughout the week, with regular pool recovery sessions and extensive use of the spa facilities at Browns Sports Resort, ensuring players could train at high intensity while managing fatigue effectively.

Browns hosted the Senior Rugby Squad on a full-board basis, meaning that breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all provided on-site. The food was delicious and plentiful, fuelling the players throughout the five days and ensuring adequate hydration and recovery.

Highlights

For the players and coaching staff, Wednesday’s beach session was a particular highlight. The squad faced a gruelling training session in the afternoon, challenging both physical and mental toughness. The togetherness and mental fortitude shown by the group to overcome the challenges set by the coaching team were exceptional, and the players felt it brought the senior squad even closer together. The beach session was followed by some well-earned free time, allowing the boys to explore Vilamoura Harbour and experience the local surroundings.

Training concluded on Thursday with a joint pitch session with Banbridge Academy. This provided an excellent opportunity for both the 1XV and 2XV to put into practice what they had focused on in the preceding days against live opposition. The session centred on conditioned gameplay and unit defence and attack. It proved extremely beneficial for both schools, with players and coaches gaining considerable value from the experience.

Opportunities

Throughout the trip, players also had opportunities to take part in a variety of activities, including padel, pickleball, and five-a-side football, adding variety to the programme and further strengthening team bonds. These activities were mostly completed within the squad’s mini-teams, sparking some highly competitive matches.

Unfortunately, on the final day, torrential rain led to the cancellation of the much-anticipated go-karting activity. However, spirits remained high as the group instead visited a local shopping centre before beginning their journey home, travelling back via Dublin Airport.

Reflections

Reflecting on a successful tour, Mr McIlmurray commented:
“Our time in Portugal gave the squad a brilliant opportunity to grow on and off the pitch. The players embraced every challenge, showed real togetherness, and pushed their standards throughout the week. This camp will serve as a powerful foundation as we prepare for the season ahead with confidence together.”

Thanks

The Senior Rugby Training Camp to Portugal was an extremely valuable experience for all involved. The team benefitted greatly and embraced the opportunity to develop both individually and collectively. A massive thank you goes to Mr Hunter, Mr McCall, Mr Suffern, and Mr McIlmurray for their organisation and coaching throughout the trip. A special mention also goes to Phil Parr (Senior Team Physio), who not only looked after injuries during the camp but also helped with video, photography, and putting together clips from the week.

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