Building Better Rugby Players from the Ground Up
Why CRAD (Catching, Rucking, Attack, Defence) is the Heart of Ratel Rugby
Last week, during one of our U9 sessions, a young player managed to secure his very first clean ruck under pressure. The team cheered, the coaches clapped, and you could see the pride on his face.
Moments like that don’t happen by accident — they happen because of consistent, focused coaching built around the right foundations.
At Ratel Rugby, we believe that great rugby players aren’t born; they’re developed through a clear, step‑by‑step process. That’s why every single one of our sessions, whether it’s for beginners or for more experienced players, is built on four pillars we call CRAD:
- Catching
- Rucking
- Attack
- Defence
Why CRAD?
In many rugby environments, players jump from drill to drill without a clear system, and important basics get overlooked.
At Ratel Rugby, we’ve created a structure where every session, every week, builds on the same key areas so that players:
- Learn proper technique from day one.
- Grow confidence in contact situations.
- Understand not just what to do, but why they’re doing it.
- Carry those skills into game day with pride.
How We Build It Step by Step
- Catching – We don’t just teach players to catch a ball; we teach them how to move into space, use their hands correctly, and set up the next play.
- Rucking – We focus on body position, safety, and winning clean ball for the team.
- Attack – From simple passing lines to creating overlaps, we teach players how to see and use space.
- Defence – Tackle technique, alignment, and trust in your teammates are drilled until they become second nature.
The Difference It Makes
- When players train with CRAD as the backbone:
- They get better faster because their skills are layered, not scattered.
- Coaches can align across age groups with one clear plan.
- Teams develop a shared language and culture of improvement.
- We’ve seen players who were unsure and hesitant grow into confident decision-makers on the field — and that’s what we love most about what we do.
Join the Journey
This is just the start. Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more insights into our training methods, stories from our players, and tips for parents and coaches who want to help young rugby players thrive.
Want your child to experience this?
Join one of our Ratel Rugby sessions or camps and see the CRAD difference for yourself.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming sessions and rugby tips.
Contact us today to find out how Ratel Rugby can help your child or your school’s rugby program grow.
Ratel Rugby
Building Better Players. Growing a Love for the Game.
Hoe skryf ek my kind in. En waar, wanneer en tye van sessies.
Hoor graag van julle