Inside Look: How Leeds Rhinos Train And Match Preparation

Speaking with the team at Chill Tubs, Leeds Rhinos Ash Handley, Harry Newman and Jarrod O’Connor lift the lids on how they unwind after a rugby match. The team have two final games to play in the 2024 Betfred Super League and are aiming for a place in the Play Offs.

As Autumn begins and the days turn colder, the players at Leeds Rhinos are getting ready for a break, with the rugby league season coming to an end next month. Over the nine-month campaign, with long training hours, the Betfred Super League side have been grateful for the support from partners Chill Tubs.

The team at Chill Tubs have spoken with the guys at Leeds Rhinos. Ash Handley, Harry Newman and Jarrod O’Connor have all spoken on how they unwind and work down after a training session.

The teams discuss:


Training and match preparation

Ice baths and recovery

Mental preparation


Chill Tubs: How do you prepare for a match and what steps do you take to prioritise your wellbeing?

Ash Handley: “Obviously we do a lot of stuff in the gym to try and remain strong and keep the strength up beforehand which can prevent some injuries. Like a sort of Rehab for us. This keeps us feeling nice and fresh going into games and keeps our skills up to scratch on the field.

“I also like to make sure I do get in the ice bath every day after training. For recovery, it’s things like this I like to tick off, just because I've got a few issues on my feet. So, when I'm doing them every week, it just makes me feel fresh and makes me feel safe going into games.
“I'm sure that everyone works differently, and people know what’s best for their body.

“Mentally I think it's just a discipline thing, obviously it's not the not the best feeling in the world before you get into an ice bath, but you know, it keeps me disciplined and keep me ticking off the things I need to do to get my right for a game.”

Chill Tubs: How do you prepare for a match and what steps do you take to prioritise your wellbeing?

Harry Newman: “For me, probably it’s just getting that mindset right, when it comes to recovering from a game. A game can takes a lot out of you. Then it’s just about preparing for the next one, doing all the little things well, like eating well, jumping in the ice, massage, all that sort of thing helps you get ready for the next game.

“I try different things after every session, like a sauna, steam room, just general recovery. Whatever I can to do to make myself feel fresher.

“The start of the week is a bit lighter. And then we build up as the week goes on. o probably two days before a game we have our biggest session, pre-season is very definitely put a lot of hard work in there.

“But obviously when you're playing games week in, week out, it's about recovery and getting ready to perform again at the top level. To stay on top of feeling myself”

Chill Tubs: How do you prepare for a match and what steps do you take to prioritise your wellbeing?

Jarrod O’Connor: “As a team being consistent and on form is a big priority. After a match we used to fill the bathtubs with ice, which isn’t as effective, but it got the job done – which was really good if you felt sore after a game.

“I think that one of the best things about looking after yourself outside of training is coming is not having to worry about stretching before or after the game, I feel like the ice tub can really help with this.

“A lot of the team use different methods for wellness and recovery. For some people recovery is better straight after training or they prefer to work at the start of the day. For me personally, it’s straight after training and after a game, especially the day before game, as I like to make sure that my legs aren't sore because obviously that’s going to be the most important day of the week to allow my body to perform.”