New tower to aid skills

JOHN BISSET/Timaru Herald

INNOVATIVE CONTRAPTION: South Canterbury rugby development officer Steve Kotua tries out the new `tower blaster' at Alpine Energy Stadium.

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THE South Canterbury Rugby Union is using the latest technology to help improve its players' skills.

Once the only piece of equipment seen on the rugby paddock was a scrum machine but the SCRU is leading the way with a `tower blaster'.

It is designed to improve a player's leg drive and ball control as players run through.

The $8000 tower blaster was purchased after receiving a grant from South Canterbury Charities.

The 20 inflatable arms can be positioned at a variety of heights and the more pressure put in them the harder it is for a player to make his way through.

Rugby development officer Steve Kotua said the tower was one of the latest technological aids for rugby and had been requested by South Canterbury representative coach Ken Wills, although players from all representative grades, including junior players, could use it.

"You can adjust the height and position of the arms and the more pressure in the arms - the more difficult it is to get through," Kotua said.

The tower was designed and supplied by New Zealand company Powa Products International who work closely with the Massey University Sport and Rugby Institute.

- © Fairfax NZ News