Interview with Nico de Villiers Strength and conditioning coach Stellenbosch Rugby

Name: Nico de Villiers

Profession: Strength and conditioning coach and rugby coaching

Team: Stellenbosch Rugby Academy

Greatest achievements as a trainer: Just started this year, so getting people to do squats correctly and managing 50 players during warm up seems like a massive achievement

Years in the Industry: Strength and conditioning = 3 months
Coaching = 2 years

What strength coach or trainer has had the most impact on you and why? Sean Surmon from RPC South Africa- The man never sits still, always challenging his players, his students and himself. Awesome way of applying knowledge and never shy to share his experience with others.

What are the positives of being a Strength and Conditioning Coach / Trainer?
Not doing an office job and getting out on the field and the gym. It feels like the more you learn, the less you know and there is always something new and exciting in the field. The great thing is that you can experiment on yourself. Except for playing, you can’t beat this job!!!!

What are the negatives? 
Frustrations. Sometimes battle to cross the bridge from head knowledge to applying practically. Also not glamour’s job in society, some people think I’m like a PT teacher at a school or something, and of course the admin, so much admin.

What advice would you have for those wishing to become a part of the industry?
Got to love what you are doing. Also be teachable and always be prepared to study. You got to be able to work seriously weird hours and forget about sleeping in.

What is your favorite exercise? 
Love Olympic style lifts

Favorite piece of equipment you have in your gym?
Olympic platform of course, but the Olympic bar goes a far way. Then I’m also a great fan of the water fountain…