The Rugby bond is unique, not crazy sport. TV stunt idiots seeking pain. It is now fifteen ever similar brick walls in combat and no wall, be it a forward or three-quarter, can fail ? long gone are the days that a back had a comb in their shorts as bruises and physical damage are shared equally around

That ethos runs through every tier of a sport which despite wastage supports every dream of every player, whether it is for TV glory or that one tackle they will live on for the rest of their lives.

Simon Brain was an England Schoolboy. Now 22 , four years gone since that first moment of glory, Simon hasn't lost a dream of playing professional Rugby but Simon is more realistic than many in knowing few are 'favourites' to win that race.

In that time Simon has worked as a Gym Instructor, giving access to facilities and reasonable time to train. Each year he plays a full season with Stratford Rugby Club (the fifth tier of English Rugby) whist Scouts express interest from teams two leagues and more above Stratford, interest Simon knows could come to something - if he makes improvement.

He's a lion of a man, over 6ft (tall for fly-half ? his position on the field) and more than 15 stone. Its a stone more weight for the extra couple of inches Simon has on the England star Matthew Tait.

Tait I, the more 'beanpole' took to the field against Wales at the Millennium Stadium then didn?t play again for two years. 2007?s Tait II looks like some human bull (like all his team mates) but a bigger Tait III might be coming and whilst the 'smaller' physique of David Strettle did produce skills 'magic' last season, he is injured.

Top Rugby takes the human frame, gives it the padding (in muscles) that the NFL straps onto its players, all in about 18 months. It's a must but Simon works when the pros rest. He knows he can be faster and fitter, and stronger, given the opportunity - and no injuries.

So far Simon has only dislocated a knee and woken this April with his head jammed into his neck, the result of a displaced clavicle on the side where he hits opponents making a tackle.

That recovery was via physiotherapy then advice to achieve a balance to reduce the tension of a trained musculature, one trained for impact after impact.

The alternatives were Pilates, sports massage and yoga - Simon chose the ancient Eastern art of the pose, or rather was given the new book 'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff. As an aspiring PT (after a rugby career) Simon?s fitness drive includes learning so having considered Classes, then balanced his 40 hour working week, his 16 hours training, matches, time for eating and sleeping ? and for his girlfriend ? he decided to see how much the book could teach him.

'It's a superb book,' said Simon, ?In terms of how Yoga has developed then for each pose, or exercise, I've never seen a fitness book where the detail is so well laid out and linked. Its stunning.'

'Being realistic, I have started a journey with trying Yoga but my frame has maybe ten years of compression and tension in it. The whole concept of my working and playing life means I have to use a book like this very carefully and I have to respect what Yoga can do for me - over a period of time. Its not a short term thing.'

The 'big' giants want Web Ellis whilst a local 'giant' will lace up his boots and hope this season he can take his physical maturity and build the strength, flexibility and balance that will maximise his playing abilities.

A dedicated quality sportsman, playing in the lower reaches of the 'money game', Simon hopes that the work put will give a few years paid to provide the backbone of Rugby. He is giving everything, just like the heroes on the TV.

If you are wondering how Rugby is related to golf, in any terms and not just fitness, then for the flexibility you might just want to make a real difference to you handicap, think about Yoga ? and this book. Yoga was the first of its kind and still may be the best.

'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff

is published by Human Kinetics

and is available from all good book shops or via their excellent web site

www.humankinetics.com