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John Cox |
John Cox
Born : 03/10/1983 in Aberdeen, Scotland
Height : 6' 2'
Weight : 117kgs
Occupation : Mortgage Advisor
Sport : Rugby Union and Rugby League
Gym you train at : 'The Gym', Longstone, or the Edinburgh Universtiy Gym, Pleasance, Edinburgh.
- When did you start playing rugby and did you have any goals to begin with?
I started playing at the age of 9 when i realised i was bigger than all my friends and terrible at football! Initially i played just for the enjoyment of running over people then at the age of 13/14 i realised that i might have a future in the sport so i knuckled down with my training.
- What is your current training Schedule like?
I train Monday-Friday, play on Saturdays and rest on Sundays. I do gym work every day throughout the week and i have team training on Tuesday and Thursday nights also. Recently I have been trying and fit in 1 Track session a week which includes alot of dynamics, footwork and finished off with a sprint session.
- Does your training differ between the Rugby Union and Rugby League Seasons?
Yes, during the Rugby Union season i lift heavy 3 days a week and my other 2 sessions include a lot of power lifting and conditioning. As the Union season tails off and the League Season starts i start dieting and focus alot more on speed and agility, conditioning sessions and i increase my rest by a second day a week. I dont want to burn myself out by playing two seasons back to back so rest is of upmost importance.
- What is your main acheivements to date?
UNION : I have played for Scotland at Under 18s, 19s and Under 21s. I was a member of The Edinburgh Gunners Back Up Squad at just 18 years old. I turned professional at 21 while playing in the south of France, followed by a season in playing in English National 1 for 'Rotherhan Earth Titans'. I have won the Scottish Premiership 1 title twice, once with my current club Currie RFC and the other with Boroughmuir RFC where i was also a member of the Scottish Cup winning side.
LEAGUE : I have only been playing Rugby League for 4 seasons, but i have 2 Scottish Rugby League Conference Winners medals, i have played for the Scotland Amateurs Squad over the last 3 seasons of which two of them seasons i have been put forward to the Professional Scotland Training Squad. Sadly due to Rugby Union Commitments i have so far been unable to accept my Pro training squad place.
- What are your current goals?
In Rugby Union Terms, I hope to stay with my current club, Currie RFC, for at least another season and i'm hoping it will be a springboard to another Professional contract but in Scotland this time.
With regards to Rugby League I hope to have a big season this year and i've got one eye on the Professional Rugby League World Cup at the end of 2008 in Australia.
- Why do you feel you have been able to make continuous gains over the years?
I am very goal orientated an i hate losing at anything! I can't even lose a game on the X-Box without swearing and going in a mood! I have upped my training over the past 4 years to a level that is higher than most of my competition in an aim to always have a physical advantage.
- What supplements do you use and do you feel supplements and sports nutrition helps your training?
I have always taken protein shakes, extra vitamins, L'Glutamine for recovery and some form of creatine in cycles. I feel that it is absolutely neccessary for athletes to use supplements to help their body grow and recover during the training they put themselves through. I know that supplementation has certainly helped my strength gains and my recovery from brutally physical training sessions and matches.
I have just started using Extreme Nutrition's 'Extreme Protein' blend for daily use and 'Build and Recover' for after my training sessions. I am also taking 'Lean-R' to help aid my dieting and conditioning goals.
- What is it that motivates you through a gruelling workout?
My Ipod is a neccessity to help keep me focused in the gym. My main motivation i suppose is the end result and the feeling you get after a hard workout. Knowing that you have given 110% is very satisfying.
- Who do you look up to and who would you like to thank for their help over the years?
There have been a number of players and coaches over the years that i owe a lot to in terms of my development as a player. My Girlfriend and my Parents have always been very supportive (and very patient!) of me which has certainly helped me keep my focus and attitude, for which i am very grateful.
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