World’s best rugby teams train at University gym

Some of the best rugby union teams in the world will train at Cardiff University’s new state-of-the-art gym ahead of the 2017 autumn international series.

Wales host New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Georgia at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium in November and December.

The four visiting teams will prepare for their matches at the revamped Fitness and Conditioning Centre, which reopened on Senghennydd Road in time for the 2017/18 University term.

The centre offers three floors of cardiovascular, resistance and weight-based equipment including a top floor now dedicated to strength and conditioning training.

The top southern hemisphere teams have previously trained at the former Strength and Conditioning Centre on Park Place ahead of the annual autumn internationals.

The All Blacks were also put through their paces there before their Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with South Africa in 2015.

Teams are using the revamped Fitness and Conditioning Centre after its previous facilities were transformed over the summer.

Head of Sport Stuart Vanstone said: “We have a long standing relationship with touring teams who visit the city to play against Wales during the autumn campaign. All have used us previously but for Georgia it will be the first time they experience the Cardiff University welcome!

“The newly refurbished Fitness and Conditioning Centre which features our strength and conditioning suite has been designed in a way to service the best athletes in the world and I am sure the touring teams will enjoy their sessions with us.”

The matches taking place this autumn are: 11 November, Wales v Australia; 18 November, Wales v Georgia; 25 November, Wales v New Zealand; 2 December, Wales v South Africa.

The Fitness and Conditioning Centre is open Monday to Friday from 06:45 to 21:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.