Henry W.

CGA Player Residency: 2024, 18-Week Residency

‍Professional Affiliation: Guernsey St Jacques Vikings RFC

Overview

Henry Whittaker, a prop with Guernsey St Jacques Vikings Rugby Club, enhanced his rugby development through an 18-week residency at the Crusaders Global Academy in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Academy’s player programme offers extended immersion into world-class coaching, high-performance routines, and daily training environments that reflect professional rugby standards — creating a holistic development experience for ambitious players.

The Experience

During his residency, Henry engaged in a structured schedule of on-field sessions, strength and conditioning, tactical learning and performance reviews. Beyond rugby mechanics, the program emphasized the habits and discipline necessary to sustain high performance, with intentional focus on off-field preparation, professional routine, and personal accountability. This blend of technical and cultural immersion helped Henry refine his core skills as a prop while also growing his mindset, leadership and resilience within an elite training environment.

Results & Impact

Henry’s extended time in Christchurch translated into more than physical gains — it broadened his rugby IQ and deepened his understanding of what it takes to consistently perform at a high level. He returned to the UK with not only improved strength and technique, but with a more professional approach to preparation, recovery and leadership. These insights now underpin his performance back with Guernsey Rugby and in future competitive environments, giving him a clearer roadmap for continued growth in the sport.

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“Both the on-field skill and the off-field culture made me understand what it takes to be the best club in the world. I am very impressed.”
— Henry Whittaker