George Smith, the former Wallaby, Wasps, Brumbies and Bristol Bears backrower has launched a new specialist training range with Rhino.
In a career spanning two decades, 111 international caps, three continents, four countries and eight clubs, Smith became renowned for his work at the breakdown and he's now sharing that knowledge through the Rhino JCKL Rugby range.
"These training aids have been a project of mine for several years now from idea, development, prototypes and eventual finished product," explains George, who recently retired from professional rugby. "I’m proud to partner with Rhino to distribute to the wider sporting community.
"Rhino JCKL Rugby training aids will assist in improving a players' skill set around the tackle and breakdown areas. These training aids in isolation work well for the desired skill development but in collaboration with others open up numerous combinations and imaginative drills to conjure up."
The new range includes unique pentagonal prism low and high tackle and jackal bags, a cleanout shield, pentagonal ring, C-pad hit shield and pentagonal shield.
"We're pleased to be able to add George Smith's new range to our market-leading collection of technical training equipment," says Dave Reynish, managing director, Rhino Global. "George has been one of the greatest players of his generation and his effectiveness in the contact area is world renowned so it's been wonderful to see this expertise being shared through the Rhino JCKL Rugby collection."
George demonstrates the new Jackal & Breakdown Cleanout Shield
The JCKL collection joins a technical range that is No.1 across the world, used by the likes of England, Wales and the British & Irish Lions, and also includes other signature ranges such as Richie Gray's Rhino Collision King.
"Developing JCKL Rugby training aids over the past years has been about how I can improve myself as a rugby player through personal skill development and hope that it has the same if not better effect on you," continues George. "The various angles on the pentagonal prism shape, the arms on the cleanout shield, the reduced target on the C-shape hit shield, the pentagonal hit shield all these items have a purpose behind their design.
"Minimising a target area focuses the concentration of a player to be accurate on the execution of a specific tackle/cleanout drill. I’m pleased I get the opportunity to contribute to player development though these training aids. Enjoy the creative and learning process!"
Explore the Rhino JCKL Rugby range by George Smith.
