Bradford Bulls get heads together with Leicester Tigers

Francis Cummins and his Bulls staff compared notes with their Leicester counterparts Francis Cummins and his Bulls staff compared notes with their Leicester counterparts

An entourage of Bulls staff switched codes yesterday to swap ideas during a visit to rugby union aristocrats Leicester Tigers.

Coach Francis Cummins led a six-strong Bradford team to the Tigers’ Oval Park training ground, where they met director of rugby Richard Cockerill.

Cummins was joined by football manager Stuart Duffy, head of youth Paul Medley, assistant coach Leigh Beattie, head of strength and conditioning Tom Clough and physio Dan Ramsden.

Leicester are the most successful club in English rugby union after winning a clutch of Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups.

Duffy said: “It was a very worthwhile trip. We were shown around the Tigers’ training ground and had lunch with Richard Cockerill and their performance analyst Simon Barbour.

“We spoke about how both clubs work in certain areas, such as academy structure and strength and conditioning.

“While a club like Leicester can call on considerably greater resources than ourselves – they have a first-team squad of 45 players – there were also a lot of similarities with what we do.

“We were very impressed with what Leicester have in place and were grateful to Richard and his staff for giving their time generously.”

Duffy and Cummins also visited Super League champions Leeds Rhinos earlier this week to speak to Headingley supremo Gary Hetherington about player recruitment, dealing with agents and negotiating contracts.

Former Bulls coach Mick Potter, meanwhile, appears to be edging closer towards landing the coaching job at NRL outfit Wests Tigers.

Craig Kopczak, whose future appears uncertain after he terminated his contract with the Bulls last month, has been appointed Wales captain.

The 25-year-old prop, who qualifies for Wales through his grandparents, will win his tenth cap in the opening game of the autumn triangular tournament against France in Lens today.

Kopczak said: “It is an unbelievable honour. Every one of the boys with Wales have congratulated me and that means a lot to me.

“It will be a proud moment for me to lead the country out against the French. I have gained a lot of experience and leadership in the past years and I hope I can now bring that to the fore.

“There have been a lot of amazing captains for Wales over the years and hopefully I can fill those boots.

“I am just going to put everything behind me now and do everything I can to help the boys win this game on Saturday.”

Comments(40)

monobrow man says...
8:47am Sat 20 Oct 12

The rugby union tips they received where, boot the ball out on the full for no reason, pack scrum 40 times and lift a giant chap up in the air like swayze does to the girl in dirty dancing.

theviking62 says...
9:54am Sat 20 Oct 12

Comparing training methods, conditioning, etc. If you want to be the best learn from the best. I seem to think we once played Leicester in a game of two very different halves. All power to FC and Co, for wanting to learn. Who knows we may end up with, Messrs Farrell and Edwards on board at Odsal.

But, I await the negative posts, pops there's, one already.

Positivepete says...
9:54am Sat 20 Oct 12

Really like what I am hearing coming out of Odsal these days. Good to see FC and his team looking to learn from others to add to the skills they already have. Just waiting for announcements on prop recruitment.

Looking forward to the new season....

oddshapedballs says...
10:59am Sat 20 Oct 12

but no congrats from kopouts former team mates!!

bbibby says...
11:49am Sat 20 Oct 12

Why keep writing on former players who are long gone. All will be reveiled soon. Big news only 2000 tickets sold this is disturbing.No big signings only LOAN player. Come on do your job Ross and get some stories of your own stop copying from SKY NEWS

graham smith says...
12:19pm Sat 20 Oct 12

With the size of our squad for next season we are going to have to reduce the amount of injuries we are picking up season on season.
Our game over the last 4 season or so has started to resemble American football with some of the hits players have been putting in but without the protective equipment, resulting in injury.
To go to the union lads to see how they have reduced the injuries they used to pick up, to me shows that FC is already doing something positive about player protection,so we don’t have to hope they all are fit for the next game.
When it comes to running a super league club the BULLS have a proven record of doing it the wrong way so it make sense to me if your new at what you are doing you seek out people who are successful and try to emulate that model.
After all we have demonstrated being good on the pitch is no good on its own you have to be good throughout the organisation, OK BULLS look to me to be going in the right direction.
COM’ON YOU BULLS.

bullsmania says...
12:23pm Sat 20 Oct 12

oddshapedballs wrote:
but no congrats from kopouts former team mates!!
I wouldn't imagine koppy cares about his former team mates, he's had the last laugh
They are on a sinking ship which is full if rats and is taking on water at a astonishing rate.
RIP Bradford Bulls
Come on the Wakefield trinity wildcats

barbarian mike says...
12:56pm Sat 20 Oct 12

What are you on about!? Let things take its course before spouting off! There's potential for the bulls which is the main thing! Naff off to wakey if u must, they ain't gonna be in too great a position again soon!
Buying my season ticket aswell as my bro on pay day at end of month, can't wait! COYB

Shipley Paul says...
12:59pm Sat 20 Oct 12

bbibby wrote:
Why keep writing on former players who are long gone. All will be reveiled soon. Big news only 2000 tickets sold this is disturbing.No big signings only LOAN player. Come on do your job Ross and get some stories of your own stop copying from SKY NEWS
Bateman, Manuokafoa and Sammut not big signings then? Get real.

bullybullman says...
1:07pm Sat 20 Oct 12

bbibby wrote:
Why keep writing on former players who are long gone. All will be reveiled soon. Big news only 2000 tickets sold this is disturbing.No big signings only LOAN player. Come on do your job Ross and get some stories of your own stop copying from SKY NEWS
You really do talk some rubbish !

LoyalBull says...
1:14pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Shipley Paul wrote:
bbibby wrote:
Why keep writing on former players who are long gone. All will be reveiled soon. Big news only 2000 tickets sold this is disturbing.No big signings only LOAN player. Come on do your job Ross and get some stories of your own stop copying from SKY NEWS
Bateman, Manuokafoa and Sammut not big signings then? Get real.
Only what we had last year and we still got a battering on numerous occasions. I think we want to see more signings to replace the personnel that have left.

theviking62 says...
1:21pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Bullsmania, bbibby, Oddballs, trolls all. Please note, Wigan have only sold 1000 tkts. Oh, bull dust, trinity have made a poore signing, did you know this? Your persistent reference to rats will get you into trouble soon. We all know who you allude too. Koppy, has had last laugh, has he. Well he hasn't got a club to play for. Nor will he if we don't get a fee for him.

oddshapedballs says...
1:40pm Sat 20 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
Bullsmania, bbibby, Oddballs, trolls all. Please note, Wigan have only sold 1000 tkts. Oh, bull dust, trinity have made a poore signing, did you know this? Your persistent reference to rats will get you into trouble soon. We all know who you allude too. Koppy, has had last laugh, has he. Well he hasn't got a club to play for. Nor will he if we don't get a fee for him.
u really are a tool!! how is my post being a troll? this site is not exclusive to u and your cronies

bbibby says...
1:41pm Sat 20 Oct 12

I will remind you on how little you know next week ha ha aha and who are the blind fools.Wait till then. You go Bullman and ask you source in the Camp.Have you got your ticket yet ?? Tell me where you stand so i can have some fun laughnig at you

Sheffieldbull says...
2:16pm Sat 20 Oct 12

LoyalBull wrote:
Shipley Paul wrote:
bbibby wrote:
Why keep writing on former players who are long gone. All will be reveiled soon. Big news only 2000 tickets sold this is disturbing.No big signings only LOAN player. Come on do your job Ross and get some stories of your own stop copying from SKY NEWS
Bateman, Manuokafoa and Sammut not big signings then? Get real.
Only what we had last year and we still got a battering on numerous occasions. I think we want to see more signings to replace the personnel that have left.
So Loyaltroll, go on sweet-cheeks give us a few names who YOU would like us to have signed. Just three suggestions will do,any position, go on, I challange you.

theviking62 says...
2:36pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Oddballs, I apologise for my words, but Trolls tend to post stuff like that, why should his ex pals pay any form of congrats to Kopout. But then again your posts, re Bulls, are always negative.

Bull dust, trinity, are interested in a couple of other players. Seth Poole, Hugh Jass, from Oz.

A SENSIBLE LADY says...
3:13pm Sat 20 Oct 12

A nice little tie up with a local amateur club too.

JAtkinson says...
4:19pm Sat 20 Oct 12

bullsmania wrote:
oddshapedballs wrote:
but no congrats from kopouts former team mates!!
I wouldn't imagine koppy cares about his former team mates, he's had the last laugh
They are on a sinking ship which is full if rats and is taking on water at a astonishing rate.
RIP Bradford Bulls
Come on the Wakefield trinity wildcats
Ssssshhhhh, it's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault. Sssshhhhhhh.

expatbull says...
7:08pm Sat 20 Oct 12

bullsmania wrote:
oddshapedballs wrote:
but no congrats from kopouts former team mates!!
I wouldn't imagine koppy cares about his former team mates, he's had the last laugh
They are on a sinking ship which is full if rats and is taking on water at a astonishing rate.
RIP Bradford Bulls
Come on the Wakefield trinity wildcats
boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring boring snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore snore try recording you comments on tape and listen to yourself you talk utter crap no ones interested in your drivel slink off and get a life moron.

LoyalBull says...
7:35pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Sheffieldbull wrote:
LoyalBull wrote:
Shipley Paul wrote:
bbibby wrote:
Why keep writing on former players who are long gone. All will be reveiled soon. Big news only 2000 tickets sold this is disturbing.No big signings only LOAN player. Come on do your job Ross and get some stories of your own stop copying from SKY NEWS
Bateman, Manuokafoa and Sammut not big signings then? Get real.
Only what we had last year and we still got a battering on numerous occasions. I think we want to see more signings to replace the personnel that have left.
So Loyaltroll, go on sweet-cheeks give us a few names who YOU would like us to have signed. Just three suggestions will do,any position, go on, I challange you.
As we seem to have very little cash available or do you know something that I don't. what names can I give you? I await news from FC. By the way are you obsessed with the word Troll?

Shelfrhino says...
7:58pm Sat 20 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
Comparing training methods, conditioning, etc. If you want to be the best learn from the best. I seem to think we once played Leicester in a game of two very different halves. All power to FC and Co, for wanting to learn. Who knows we may end up with, Messrs Farrell and Edwards on board at Odsal.

But, I await the negative posts, pops there's, one already.
You have finally gone mad.
First, your comment about learning from the best.
I would wager that even your poor team are a lot fitter than any porky RU team....

And then the gem of a comment about Farrell and Edwards getting on board at your skint club.
Your very inexperienced staff went for lunch and a chat, you read in to it that they will be bringing some of rugby's most in demand men back to the hole.

You really are seriously deluded, and I am now starting to seriously wonder if you are not a WUM yourself.

theviking62 says...
8:26pm Sat 20 Oct 12

Deluded, no, optimistic, yes. What has it got to do with you, what I think or believe. You follow the your team. Leave us to follow ours. You have got worse lately. I even believe you may be a well known Troll, noted for his name hi jacking. Now do one FAKE or PCBA or inmate of Wakefield prison.

raisemeup says...
10:08am Sun 21 Oct 12

If the Bulls need advice on combating on field injuries, Karl Jennings is the Man to speak to, and the ARL have made great strides in improving the injury prevention levels of players in the game. The ARL unlike the RFL produce stats. for every team to monitor type of injury and the length of time that player will be out of the game. The major injury suffered is Cruciate ligament damage.

But they(ARL) have limited the numbers dramatically over this last couple of seasons.How that was done is a question we need to ask, isn't it?

In the UK we have York university who have all the physio, profs. in abundance, even York City Knights take advantage of the facilities.

Loughborough Uni. is the Countries leaders in Sports Science and all levels of health and physical activity for all age groups.

With our new tie up with Bradford Uni.
they would also be the first to ask.

I will be suitably impressed when they begin dialogue with those institutions.

But I am glad that our new conditioner has learnt from some of the best in America.

However with the level of real expertise in the UK my question is why don't we investigate our own resources, relevant to our particular sport?

bullsmania says...
9:35pm Sun 21 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
Bullsmania, bbibby, Oddballs, trolls all. Please note, Wigan have only sold 1000 tkts. Oh, bull dust, trinity have made a poore signing, did you know this? Your persistent reference to rats will get you into trouble soon. We all know who you allude too. Koppy, has had last laugh, has he. Well he hasn't got a club to play for. Nor will he if we don't get a fee for him.
Mr w@nk Viking
Stay close to your telly for some big news which is gonna make u choke!! Bahahaha BOoooooooom!!!!

theviking62 says...
9:55pm Sun 21 Oct 12

Taken you a longtime to reply, you been using a dictionary to compile this post. Am sat in front of TV, nowt on. If your alluding to something re the Kopout Kid, me I don't care one jot, wether he stays or goes.

By the way it takes a lot to shock me these days. Did you know that OK was actually well wadded to coin a phrase your intellect might understand. Plus the Bulls have a link to a Chinese billionaire. Does that shock you.

See I don't have to imply what you do with Your hand.

Shelfrhino says...
1:46am Mon 22 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
Taken you a longtime to reply, you been using a dictionary to compile this post. Am sat in front of TV, nowt on. If your alluding to something re the Kopout Kid, me I don't care one jot, wether he stays or goes.

By the way it takes a lot to shock me these days. Did you know that OK was actually well wadded to coin a phrase your intellect might understand. Plus the Bulls have a link to a Chinese billionaire. Does that shock you.

See I don't have to imply what you do with Your hand.
Go on then, what's this link to the Chinese billionaire ( laughs uncontrollably), is it him that's going to pay for Andy Farrell and Edwards to come to the rescue?
Why don't you ask this billionaire if he can get Usain Bolt to be a ball boy, he could pay for Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver to cook the burgers and maybe get Beyonce and Lady Gaga to do the half time singing. That might put a few bums on seats eh.
You have gone too far with this one matey, you are officially a laughing stock.

Shelfrhino says...
1:47am Mon 22 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
Taken you a longtime to reply, you been using a dictionary to compile this post. Am sat in front of TV, nowt on. If your alluding to something re the Kopout Kid, me I don't care one jot, wether he stays or goes.

By the way it takes a lot to shock me these days. Did you know that OK was actually well wadded to coin a phrase your intellect might understand. Plus the Bulls have a link to a Chinese billionaire. Does that shock you.

See I don't have to imply what you do with Your hand.
Go on then, what's this link to the Chinese billionaire ( laughs uncontrollably), is it him that's going to pay for Andy Farrell and Edwards to come to the rescue?
Why don't you ask this billionaire if he can get Usain Bolt to be a ball boy, he could pay for Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver to cook the burgers and maybe get Beyonce and Lady Gaga to do the half time singing. That might put a few bums on seats eh.
You have gone too far with this one matey, you are officially a laughing stock.

Sheffieldbull says...
7:36am Mon 22 Oct 12

Shelfrhino wrote:
theviking62 wrote:
Taken you a longtime to reply, you been using a dictionary to compile this post. Am sat in front of TV, nowt on. If your alluding to something re the Kopout Kid, me I don't care one jot, wether he stays or goes.

By the way it takes a lot to shock me these days. Did you know that OK was actually well wadded to coin a phrase your intellect might understand. Plus the Bulls have a link to a Chinese billionaire. Does that shock you.

See I don't have to imply what you do with Your hand.
Go on then, what's this link to the Chinese billionaire ( laughs uncontrollably), is it him that's going to pay for Andy Farrell and Edwards to come to the rescue?
Why don't you ask this billionaire if he can get Usain Bolt to be a ball boy, he could pay for Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver to cook the burgers and maybe get Beyonce and Lady Gaga to do the half time singing. That might put a few bums on seats eh.
You have gone too far with this one matey, you are officially a laughing stock.
The Club does have a link to a Chinese billionaire dear little Timmy... Do your research before you try and ridicule others sunshine, or risk looking stupid yourself....oops! too late.

theviking62 says...
8:37am Mon 22 Oct 12

Oh dear me, Shelfrhino, humiliated. Put both feet in it. Did you think I was wrong. Unlike you and that other fool, I know I'm right. Time for you to apologise. Me a laughing stock, no. Shelfrhino a laughing stock, YES.

If you look on ONE of the many RFL/SL websites, you'll find this information.

Steam Pigs says...
12:53pm Mon 22 Oct 12

bullsmania wrote:
theviking62 wrote:
Bullsmania, bbibby, Oddballs, trolls all. Please note, Wigan have only sold 1000 tkts. Oh, bull dust, trinity have made a poore signing, did you know this? Your persistent reference to rats will get you into trouble soon. We all know who you allude too. Koppy, has had last laugh, has he. Well he hasn't got a club to play for. Nor will he if we don't get a fee for him.
Mr w@nk Viking
Stay close to your telly for some big news which is gonna make u choke!! Bahahaha BOoooooooom!!!!
would that be the MASSIVE news broken abut Fev.... you thought West Yorks team plus news = Bulls

LOL what a plonker!!!!!!

bullsmania says...
3:10pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Bulls are too embarassed to release this news...! Keep watching and waiting

theviking62 says...
4:07pm Mon 22 Oct 12

What a fool. Found wanting again FAKE. You've been caught out, so stop trying to cover yourself. Ainscough, Kopout Kid, we've been expecting them to go so no sweet there. There embarrassed no, you're embarrassing, yourself, yes. Carry on fool, you always make my day. Wouldn't be the same without you. Now go along finish your homework, before mummy calls you for tea.

Don't reply using obscenities, it does become you.

theviking62 says...
4:09pm Mon 22 Oct 12

Do you know your teams latest signing, BullFAKE. I think not.

Shelfrhino says...
6:57pm Mon 22 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
Oh dear me, Shelfrhino, humiliated. Put both feet in it. Did you think I was wrong. Unlike you and that other fool, I know I'm right. Time for you to apologise. Me a laughing stock, no. Shelfrhino a laughing stock, YES.

If you look on ONE of the many RFL/SL websites, you'll find this information.
You must have a different Chinese billionaire in mind to everyone else surely, especially after writing this...
viking62 says...
11:11am Tue 3 Jul 12

Birkybull, greenwoods are owned by a Chinese, billionaire, true. But if they were snubbed by guilfoyle, at the meeting, well you can forget any input from them. It's a culture thing.

Or is it two Chinese billionaire's you know are connected?

theviking62 says...
7:11pm Mon 22 Oct 12

No, it's that one, you got it, took you a while to get it though. Greenwoods still sponsoring Bulls. Plus, well I'll let you find out who the other big sponsor is. Did I say how much the sponsorship was for, no. But you'll find out.

But just to let you know that post you quoted was during your mates, I'll nick your name period. I was in hospital at the time,no access to a keyboard.

Shelfrhino says...
10:46pm Mon 22 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
No, it's that one, you got it, took you a while to get it though. Greenwoods still sponsoring Bulls. Plus, well I'll let you find out who the other big sponsor is. Did I say how much the sponsorship was for, no. But you'll find out.

But just to let you know that post you quoted was during your mates, I'll nick your name period. I was in hospital at the time,no access to a keyboard.
Looks as though you'll need a massive sponsor as the bulls faithful are being less than... how can I put this... faithful.
Seems my golf buddy was well wide of the mark on the optimistic side when it come to ST sales.
Just over 2,000 shifted and falling well behind even Wakefield, deary me, you really are a bunch of glory hunting tight wads.

ps, love how you used the fake poster as an excuse to cover your blushes:)

alfucham says...
12:52am Tue 23 Oct 12

Dear oh dear this just gets worse with the usual suspects leading the way in drivel as usual.

Leave em to it Shelf Rhino.

A pack of no gooders.
No Wonder tghe Bulls went down with idiots like that lot on board.
Keep growing the horns viking as as for the sheffield idiot nuff said.

Yes bad news is coming your right.

Guess what.

The Bulls are skint again.

Time to change the name.
Bully No Notes.

Not looking good.

theviking62 says...
10:03am Tue 23 Oct 12

No blushes, idiot, I know I'm right all this talk of no big season tkt sales,Wigan have only sold 1000. Wakefield no where near 2000. As we keep saying get the facts right idiot.

Alfucham, get back to posting on news blog. You only show your face at the mention of money. Skint, funny I've heard different, oh you'll see, as well that other tosspot you refer to.

I will have the last laugh and you know, maybe not, what they about that.

A SENSIBLE LADY says...
9:25pm Tue 23 Oct 12

My post about a tie in with a local amateur club has come to fruition Shelf, We know more than them,

Shelfrhino says...
11:17pm Tue 23 Oct 12

theviking62 wrote:
No blushes, idiot, I know I'm right all this talk of no big season tkt sales,Wigan have only sold 1000. Wakefield no where near 2000. As we keep saying get the facts right idiot. Alfucham, get back to posting on news blog. You only show your face at the mention of money. Skint, funny I've heard different, oh you'll see, as well that other tosspot you refer to. I will have the last laugh and you know, maybe not, what they about that.
You're right about Wakefield, it is nowhere near 2,000, it's 4,000. I won't call you an idiot though, I'm above all that.
zai jian

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