New position

Question
Hey, I have played rugby for 3 years now. I started up as full back and it was fine, the next year I moved to openside flanker due to my size. This year for my school team, not club or regional as we play in a set age group we play on a skill based system. I have been fortunate to have been selected for the second team which I have been told is very promising at 15. However at 6.ft and only 11 st 5lb I do not feel heavy enough to play my new position of second row/lock. Does anyone have tips for building up around 5 lb's to 1 st for next season without loosing my pace?

Yours sincerely
Gareth

Answer
Hi  Gareth, sorry for the time it took to get back with you.

I think you are over rating the weight issue. You have been promoted in to a good team. As you say this is great for a 15 year old. (congratulations) Your coaches are not stupid and would have factored in your size. They picked you anyway. Trust their decision and play hard. You can do press ups, crunches, pull ups, squats (no weight)Bridges/planks and rope climbing to build STRENGTH but leave your weight alone. At your age your body sets it's weight well naturally. Eat healthy, no fried/ fast food. Plenty of water and rest. If you try to force your body to add weight at this age it will cause issues later on in life when you want to keep weight off for health and speed reasons.

Get with a professional gym trainer who is up to date with current nutrition and training technique if you can to work one on one with you.