WO2009047527A1

WO2009047527A1 - Sports training apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009047527A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/003448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andre Bester
Original assignee: Andre Bester
Priority date: 2007-10-10
Filing date: 2008-10-09
Publication date: 2009-04-16
Also published as: GB201105809D0; GB2476207A; GB0719769D0; GB2476207A8; GB0808602D0

Abstract

A sports training apparatus at least comprising a body having: an upper part arranged to be positioned over a contact area on the ground to overlie the contact area, a first leg part extending from a first portion of the upper part, and a second leg part extending from a second portion of the upper part. The sports training apparatus can be used to simulate a sports player covering a ball, such as a rugby, or a tackled player in possession of a ball, with their body while on their hands and feet, and can be used to practice the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging the player for the ball, the upper part simulating the player's torso and the first and second legs simulating the player's arms/legs.

Description

Sports Training Apparatus

The present invention relates to a sports training apparatus and in particular to a training apparatus for use by rugby players for training in relation to a tackle/ruck.

A ruck is a phase of play where one or more players from each team, who are on their feet, in physical contact, close around the ball on the ground. When a tackled player goes to ground, known as the breakdown, they must release the ball immediately. As soon as that happens, the opposition will want to get their hands on the ball, and the team in possession will not want to give it away. So to gain possession, both sides must try to drive over the ball to make it available to their team-mates.

The tackler's team-mates can attempt to handle or pick up the ball before the ruck has formed, or they will attempt to slow down the release of the ball once the ruck is formed. Team-mates of the tackled player must attempt to (1) secure the ball and (2) speed up the release of the ball. Players are allowed to free the ball by using their boot. This term is called 'rucking'. However, they must ensure they do not make contact with players' heads or tread on bodies intentionally.

All players must join the ruck from behind the 'hindmost' foot of the last player, known as the 'gate'. They must bind with one arm round a teammate at the very back of the ruck. Players cannot take shortcuts and join from the sides. If the ball does not come out of a ruck after about five seconds, the referee will award a scrum to the team he considers to have the greater forward momentum in the ruck.

The area of the tackle or ruck is the most physically contested area in Rugby Union. Gaining and controlling possession from the ruck as well as slowing down and turning over the attacking teams possession, is a very important skill to practice. However, the physical contact between players in the ruck leads to a risk of injury, especially if mistakes are made. Due to the risk of injury, the ruck is a highly scrutinised area and infringements of the rules are highly penalised by referees.

The move in recent years to the playing of a more expansive game has resulted in teams committing fewer players to the ruck and for those players to enter the breakdown with greater accuracy and efficiency. It is therefore crucially important that players are coached to be technically efficient when involved in contact area situations, both in defence and attack. It is difficult to practice and simulate game situations involving the breakdown situation unless opposing players are used during training sessions. However, studies have shown that a large number of player injuries occur during such training sessions.

A training apparatus is therefore required to enable a player to practice skills in relation to the contact area of the tackle and/or ruck in a safe and reproducible manner.

It is known to provide a rugby training apparatus for practicing rugby scrum and tackling skills (for example, as shown in GB2427828 and GB2371756 respectively). However, none of the known training devices are suitable for practicing skills relevant to the ruck.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports training apparatus at least comprising a body having:

an upper part arranged to be positioned over a contact area on the ground to overlie the contact area, a first leg part extending from a first portion of the upper part, and a second leg part extending from a second portion of the upper part.

In this way, the upper part simulates a sports player's torso and the first and second leg parts simulate two or more of the sports player's arms/legs.

The contact area could comprise a ball, so that the sports training apparatus simulates a sports player covering the ball.

In this way, the sports training apparatus can represent a tackier, and allow the training/coaching/practice of players around this 'tackier' without injury to the 'tackier'. Thus, the sports training apparatus can be used to simulate a player covering the ball with their body while on their hands and feet and can be used to practice the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging the player for the ball.

The contact area could additionally or alternatively comprise a sports player, so that the sports training apparatus simulates a tackled sports player in possession of a ball.

Where the sports training apparatus can also be used to simulate a tackled player in possession of the ball, and similarly be used to practice the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging the player for the ball.

Figure 1 illustrates a typical contact area based on a tackle/ruck situation. Player A has the ball and has been tackled by player B. Player C is supporting player B while player D is looking to support the tackled player (player A). The sports training apparatus according to the present invention can particularly be used to simulate player B.

Optionally, at least one of the first and second leg parts supports the upper part above the contact area in use.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first leg part comprises one or more leg members, such as first and second leg members, which may extend from the upper part, optionally to support the body on the ground on either/one side of the ball. One non-limiting example is first and second leg members extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper part.

The first and second leg parts may be the same of different. They may have the same or different lengths, sizes, dimensions, and may have dimensions, such as width, which are different to the upper part.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the upper part and first and second leg parts have a unitary width, and the first and second leg parts have a unitary cross-section.

The upper part and first and second leg parts may have any regular or irregular continuous or variable cross-sectional shape such as square, circular, rectangular, but not limited thereto. The first and second leg parts, extending from different portions of the upper part, may form any angle thereinbetween. Preferably the angle thereinbetweeen is >45°, more preferably >80°, such as 90° or close, but including >90° where desired. The angle could also be in the range 80° to 90°.

In another embodiment of the present invention, there is an arcuate shape, such as an arch, formed along the direction of the first leg part, the upper part, and the second leg part.

Each of the first and second leg parts may be unidirectional, or comprise one or more changes in direction such as angles, bends, folds, etc.

Preferably, the second leg part comprises one or more further leg members, more preferably extending rearwardly and downwardly from the upper part in a direction at an angle, such as substantially perpendicular, to the first leg part, preferably to support the upper part over the contact area such as a ball on the ground.

The second leg part may comprise two further such leg members extending spaced from one another and side by side to simulate the two legs of a player.

The body may comprise one or more leg parts, as well as one or more further extended parts, optionally from or near an end of one or more of the first and second leg parts, to simulate a part of a player such as a head, foot, etc. The body of the sports training apparatus may form a general "L" shape or a general "V" shape, or a more recognizable "human" shape, as long as it is able to allow the upper part to be positioned over and overlie a contact area on the ground.

The contact area may be any area, space or location where a ruck develops, usually as a result of a tackle of a ball-carrying player. The contact area is usually the initial location of the ball and/or ball-carrying player, around which the ruck forms or is focused. The contact area includes the ball/body on the ground over which the sports training apparatus of the present invention is intended to lie.

The body may include one or more means for releasably attaching a ball to the body in a position below the upper part and between the first and second legs to simulate a player holding the ball to enable the apparatus to be used for tackling practice. The releasable attachment means may comprise hook and loop fastening or similar releasable fastening means or may comprise a sling, strap arrangement or pocket provided on the body for receiving a rugby ball.

The sports training apparatus may include one or more handles or other handholds, such as straps, bars, loops, etc. to assist carrying of the apparatus. The one or more handles, handholds, etc. are preferably integral with the apparatus, and may be located at any suitable location, such as at least one on the upper part and one on at least one of the first and second leg parts.

Preferably, there are two or at least two handles, and more preferably one handle on the upper part is wholly or substantially perpendicular to one handle on at least one of the first leg part and second leg part. In this way, at least one handle is placed horizontally or vertically in relation to at least one other handle being perpendicular thereto.

Such arrangements are in contrast to handles on conventional sports training apparatus, such handles generally being only located in an aligned and parallel position for the location of an arm of a user therethrough.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the body comprises at least a first handle wholly or substantially aligned longitudinally along the second leg part towards the direction of the upper part, and a second handle wholly or substantially transverse thereto on the upper part.

Preferably, there are at least two or more handles, handholds, etc located on the same side of the body as each other.

Preferably, the sports training apparatus has a size and/or weight to allow it to be carried around by a user such as a player, coach etc, for and/or during use. In this way, the apparatus is able to be mobile or dynamic in use.

The handles, handholds, etc are preferably for a user to hold the apparatus with their hands (rather than parts of their arms), so that the user is able to independently move the apparatus relative to himself.

Thus, the position and handholding of the handles allows a user, such as a player or a coach, to be more 'offensive' in their opposition to a player to be tackled. The apparatus can more easily be extended forward of the user, better simulating a real sporting contact between two players. Optionally, the sports training apparatus has a weight substantially equal to that of a player.

The body may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid frame covered by a soft energy absorbent material, such as polymeric foam or synthetic or natural rubber.

Alternatively the body may comprise a flexible outer casing stuffed with a suitable stuffing material, the casing and/or the stuffing material providing the body with its shape. Such a body is preferably elastically deformable.

Preferably the body includes a hard wearing outer covering, preferably comprising a fabric, leather or a plastic material.

The sports training apparatus is preferably integral.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sports training apparatus comprising a body having an upper part arranged to be positioned over a ball/body on the ground to overlie the ball/body, and first and second leg members extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper part to support the body on the ground on either/one side of the ball whereby the training apparatus can be used to simulate a player covering the ball, or a tackled player in possession of the ball, with their body while on their hand and feet and can be used to practice the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging the player for the ball, the upper part simulating the player's torso and the first and second legs simulating the player's arms/legs.

The sports training apparatus is preferably a rugby sports training apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to use in the field of rugby, and is useable to train players of any sport in which a contact area is created involving the overlying of one player over another player on the ground.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a sports training apparatus as defined herein above to simulate a sports player covering a ball, or a tackled sports player in possession of a ball, comprising at least the steps of; positioning the sports training apparatus over the ball or tackled sports player on the ground to overlie the ball or tackled sports player; and practising the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging a sports player for the ball.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a typical tackle/ruck play situation;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a sports training apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 3 and 4 are plan and perspective views respectively of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Figs. 5 to 12 are various views of use of the apparatus shown in Figure 2;

Figs. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a sports training apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 15 and 16 are perspective and top views of a sports training apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

Figs. 17 and 18 are perspective and front views of a sports training apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 , a first sports training apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a body having an upper part 2 and a first leg part 100 extending from a first portion of the upper part 2. The first leg part 100 comprises first and second leg ground engaging members 3, 4 extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper part 2 in opposing directions. The body also has a second leg part 200 extending from a second portion of the upper part 2. The second leg part 200 comprises a further leg member 5 extending rearwardly from the upper part 2 in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing the first and second leg members 3, 4.

Thus, the first apparatus 1 simulates a sports player on the ground over the ball, the first and second leg members 3, 4 representing the player's arms and the further leg member 5 representing the player's legs, the upper part 2 representing the player's upper body or torso.

While the further leg member 5 may comprise a single member, it is also envisaged that such member may be split into two side by side members to simulate the two legs of a player.

A releasable fastening means 10, such as a strap arrangement having a hook and loop fastener, is provided on the underside of the upper part 2, between the first and second leg members 3, 4 for releasably attaching a rugby ball 12 to the first apparatus 1 to simulate a player holding the ball 12.

The first apparatus 1 may be formed from a hard wearing outer but flexible material, such as nylon, vinyl or leather, stuffed with a stuffing material, such as foam beads or a suitable foam or fibrous bulk material. The stuffing material may be of a weight such that the first apparatus 1 has a total weight comparable to that of a player.

The use of the first apparatus 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to figures 5 to 12:

The first apparatus 1 can be used during training sessions by coaches to coach the correct use of technique in the tackle/ruck-area.

1. Attacking side:

Supporting player/s

• Individually - Correct technique will be first illustrated to the players. The ball 12 will then be placed under the apparatus 1 to simulate a ruck (without the body). The player 20 will be instructed to clear the ball 12 using the correct technique.

1. Frontal clear (using the angle), as shown in Figs 5 and 6.

2. Throw-over. 3. Rear tackle, as shown in Fig. 7.

• Collectively - Correct technique will first be illustrated to players. The ball will then be placed under the apparatus and two players will be clearing the ball using the correct technique.

Ball Carrier (Fig 9) • The ball-carrier 22 will make contact with the apparatus 1 using the correct technique. When he makes contact he will drop to the ground simulating a tackle and place the ball 12 using the correct technique. The apparatus 1 will be dropped over the ball-carrier 22 and the supporting player/s will join the ruck, clearing the apparatus using the correct technique and attempting to stay on their feet.

2. Defending side:

For training for the defending side, it will usually be appropriate to attach the ball 12 to the apparatus 1 , as shown in Fig. 2, using the releasable fastening means 10 to simulate an attacking player in possession of the ball.

• Individually/collectively - correct technique will be illustrated to the defender/s. The defender/s 30 will then be instructed to counter the static ruck situation.

• Individually/collectively - correct technique will be illustrated to defend a maul situation. Player 30 will then be placed next to the apparatus and perform the counter-maul technique correctly.

• Individually/collectively - correct technique will be illustrated for a turnover tackle to be performed. The player 30 will then be instructed to perform the action - using the correct technique.

• Individually/collectively - correct technique will be illustrated for the use of during the tackle situation.

1. Frontal tackle (Fig 10, 11 and 12)

2. Side tackle

3. Rear tackle

4. Throw over tackle 5. Wrap-up tackle Figure 13 shows a second sports training apparatus 30 according to a second embodiment to the present invention. The second apparatus 30 comprises a body 31 having an upper part 32 and a first leg part 34 extending from a first portion of the upper part 32, and a second leg part 36 extending from a second portion of the upper part 32. The first and second leg parts 34, 36 form an angle therein between of approximately 90°, and provide an arcuate shape along the direction of the first leg part 34, upper part 32, and a second leg part 36. The side-facing view of the second sports training apparatus 30 is similar to an inverted "L" shape.

The first leg part 34 is shorter than the second leg part 36 in length extending from the upper part 32, but otherwise has the same general width and cross-sectional dimensions as the second leg part 36.

The second apparatus 30 includes two handles 38, optionally having any distance and orientation thereinbetween. In Figure 13, the handles 22 comprise an upper handle 38a transversely across the upper part 32, and a lower handle 38b longitudinally along the length of the second leg part 36.

The second apparatus 30 may be formed from a hard wearing outer but flexible material, such as a plastic such as a vinyl material, stuffed with a stuffing material, such as a suitable lightweight foam material. Preferably, the stuffing material is of a weight such that the second apparatus 30 is carryable, and has a total weight less than that of a player.

Along with suitable size and/or weight parameters for the second apparatus 30, the handles 38 allow the second apparatus 30 to be carried around in use by a user such as a player or coach, etc. The position of the handles 38 allows the user to be more 'offensive' in their opposition to a player to be tackled. The second apparatus 30 can more easily be extended forward of the user, better simulating a real sporting contact between two players.

Figure 14 shows an arrangement of the second sports training apparatus 30 over a suitable body or body shape 40 which may be, or which may represent, a sports player such as a rugby union player. Figure 14 shows use of the second apparatus 30 over a body 40 to represent an attacking player, such as but not limited to a player intending to overlie the body 40, towards and around which other players can be instructed to engage and/or organise themselves to simulate the formation of a ruck.

In this way, the upper part 32 is arranged to be positioned over a contact area on the ground involving the body 40, and to overlie this contact area, Where the second leg part 36 reaches the ground, it is also able to support the upper part 32 above the contact area in use.

Where the second apparatus 30 has suitable size and weight parameters, it is useable by a coach to represent a player in motion, who is moved and positioned to tackle and overlie a player, usually a player having a ball in play, without injury to any player and/or the coach, following which other players can understand how to enter engage with the second apparatus 30 and the body 40.

Many of the uses of the first sports training apparatus 1 shown in Figures 5 to 12 are similarly applicable to the use of the second sports training apparatus 30, such as to demonstrate correct technique for engaging with the sports apparatus and/or moving the sports apparatus away from its position, generally overlying a contact area such as the body 40. The second apparatus 30 may also include a releasable fastening means (not shown) to attach a ball such as a rugby ball to the second apparatus 30, so as to simulate a player holding the ball.

Figure 15 shows a third sports training apparatus 50 comprising a body 51 having an upper part 52 and a first leg part 54 extending from a first portion of the upper part 52, and a second leg part 56 extending from a second portion of the upper part 52. The first leg part 54 comprises first and second leg members 55, 56 extending outwardly from the upper part 52, and spaced apart from each other.

As shown in Figure 16, the width of the upper part 52 is different to the width of the second leg part 56, generally by a tapering from the upper body part 52 to the second leg part 56.

The upper part 52 is arranged to be positionable over a contact area on the ground and to overlie the contact area, and at least one of the first and second leg parts 54, 56 support the upper part 52 above the contact area in use.

The third apparatus 50 includes two handles, comprising an upper handle 58a transversely across the upper part 52, and a lower handle 58b longitudinally along the length of the second leg part 56.

Figure 17 shows a fourth sports training apparatus 60 as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth apparatus 60 has an upper part 62 and a first leg portion 64 extending from a first portion of the upper part 62, and a second leg part 66 extending from a second portion of the upper part 62. The first leg part 64 comprises first and second leg members (shown more clearly in Figure 20), such that the first portion of the upper part 62 from which they extend comprises two discrete locations.

The upper part 62 tapers towards the second leg part 66, such that the second leg part 66 is narrower than the upper part 62. The upper part 62 may include a first extension 67 from one side. The second leg part 66 includes a second extension 68 from its distal end. The fourth apparatus 60 may also include two or more handles, and two handles 69 are represented in Figure 17.

The second, third and fourth sports training apparatus 40, 50, 60 may be formed from the same or different materials, generally being the same or similar to those of the first apparatus 1 such as having a hard-wearing but flexible outer material, enclosing a stuffing material preferably being shock-absorbing but resilient.

The weight and dimensions of embodiments of the sports training apparatus, such as those shown in the accompanying drawings of the present invention, are variable to provide different arrangements suitable for different situations and/or coaching or training requirements.

The possible parameters and variations of the sports training apparatus of the present invention may allow it to have one or more additional uses, such as a more general representation of a player in a sports game, which is able to be engaged such as tackled by another player. Such uses can include as a 'tackle bag', either being static, mobile, or both. With suitable size and/or weight parameters, the sports training apparatus of the present invention may in particular provide a mobile and/or dynamic apparatus for use in training sports players, in particular those engaged in a contact sport, and more in particular a ground-engaging contact sport such as rugby. The provision of a body having an upper part and first and second leg parts extending from different portions of the upper part create an apparatus that can overlie and cover a player and/or ball on the ground. Thus, the apparatus creates a pocket which can cover the player and/or ball on the ground, which can simulate the engagement of other players therearound.

It is a particular feature of the present that the sports training apparatus can simulate such ground-engagement and further engagement with other players without injury to the original ground-engaging player or to a tackier. By being light enough to be mobile and so dynamic, the apparatus provides a coach or trainer with best simulation for creating a tackle of another player, usually with the ball, for subsequent engagement of other players in a most realistic manner.

The above-mentioned uses of the sports training apparatus of the present invention are believed to be unique within rugby union, and are useable in other sports involving a ground-engaging contact area being two or more players. Drills can be used by the coaches to encourage players to use the correct technique even when fatigue sets in during play.

In use, the upper part of the apparatus extends over the tackled player and/or the ball to replicate what will happen during the game situation. The apparatus in accordance with the present invention allows coaches to dynamically improve technique of players of all ages and skill levels when clearing the tackle area/ruck by focusing on key points, such as:-

For the Attacking side:

• approaching the tackle /ruck-area through the "gate";

• analytical and intuitive decision making; choosing the clearing technique that will be applicable to the specific situation ; (1 ) frontal clearing (2) the throw-over;

• body height; adapting to the appropriate height to effectively clear the ball;

• body angles; clearing the defender at an angle which ensure greater dynamism in the contact-area; • head position; head position to the outside of the hip-area/leg/arm of the defender;

• promote players staying on their feet; "airplanes lifting off - not landing";

• player support lines; understanding of the support lines of the supporting attacking players;

• Presentation of the ball; ensure the promote the correct presentation of the ball in the contact area;

• communication; through repetition promote better understanding and confidence - leading to better communication;

Defensive side:

• Counter-rucking; the understanding when to counter-ruck;

• Approaching the tackle /ruck-area through the "gate"; • analytical and intuitive decision making; when to counter-ruck; • body height; adapting to the appropriate height to effectively contest for the ball;

• body angles; clearing the attacker at an angle which ensure greater dynamism in the contact-area; • head position; head position to the outside of the hip-area/leg/arm of the attacker;

• encourage players to stay on their feet; "airplanes lifting off - not landing";

• tackle technique; • communication; through repetition.

The sports training apparatus also gives coaches and players an opportunity to develop their decision making skills, especially intuitive aspects which can only be improved through performing skills that are likely to occur during a game in a dynamic but controlled environment.

Currently this practice has to be performed in live contact sessions, risking injury through incorrect technique or fatigue.

Various modifications and variations to the described embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments, and that it is possible to combine different embodiments or features of different embodiments to provide further embodiments of the present invention not specifically described or shown hereinabove.

Claims

1. A sports training apparatus at least comprising a body having:

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upper part simulates a sport player's torso, and the first and second leg parts simulate two or more of the sport player's arms/legs.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the contact area comprises a ball and the sports training apparatus simulates a sports player covering the ball.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the contact area comprises a sports player, and the sports training apparatus simulates a tackled sports player in possession of a ball.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the first and second leg parts supports the upper part above the contact area in use.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first leg part comprises one or more leg members, preferably first and second leg members, which extend from the upper part.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the one or more leg members support the body on the ground on either/one side of the contact area.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the first leg part comprises first and second leg members extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper part.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper part and first and second leg parts have a unitary width, and the first and second leg parts have a unitary cross-section

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second leg parts extend from different portions of the upper part and form an angle thereinbetween in the range of 80° to 90°.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the shape formed along the direction of the first leg part, the upper part, and the second leg part is arcuate such as an arch.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second leg part comprises one or more further leg members to support the upper part over the contact area.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the one or more further leg members extend rearwardly and downwardly from the upper part in a direction at an angle to the first leg part.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body of the sports training apparatus forms a general "L" shape or a general "V" shape.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body include one or more means for releasably attaching a ball to the body in a position below the upper part and between the first and second legs.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the sports training apparatus includes one or more handles or other handholds including straps, bars and loops.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the body comprises at least a first handle wholly or substantially aligned longitudinally along the second leg part towards the direction of the upper part, and a second handle wholly or substantially transverse thereto on the upper part.

18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 comprising at least two handles or handholds located on the same side of the body as each other.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the sports training apparatus has a size and/or weight to allow it to be carried around by a user during use.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body is formed from a rigid or semi-rigid frame covered by a soft energy absorbent material, such as polymeric foam or synthetic or natural rubber.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises an outer casing stuffed with a stuffing material.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes a hard wearing outer covering, preferably comprising a fabric, leather or a plastic material.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims being a rugby sports training apparatus.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a body having an upper part arranged to be positioned over a ball/body on the ground to overlie the ball/body, and first and second leg members extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper part to support the body on the ground on either/one side of the ball whereby the training apparatus can be used to simulate a player covering the ball, or a tackled player in possession of the ball, with their body while on their hand and feet and can be used to practice the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging the player for the ball, the upper part simulating the player's torso and the first and second legs simulating the player's arms/legs.

25. A method of using a sports training apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 24 to simulate a sports player covering a ball, or a tackled sports player in possession of a ball, comprising at least the steps of; positioning the sports training apparatus over the ball or tackled sports player on the ground to overlie the ball or tackled sports player; and practising the correct methods of joining a ruck and of challenging a sports player for the ball.