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  • Driven by Honda: How the RFU & Richard Wigglesworth Balances Mindset and Muscle

Driven by Honda: How the RFU & Richard Wigglesworth Balances Mindset and Muscle

  • Richard Wigglesworth emphasises that mental preparation is just as important as physical fitness for England's players, highlighting the crucial role of mental readiness in their overall training
  • The use of mental visualisation techniques is on the rise, with research revealing that more athletes are incorporating these practices to enhance their focus and boost confidence
  • 58% of athletes believe that mental visualisation should be a regular component of training to improve performance

England Men’s Rugby Union coach Richard Wigglesworth has emphasised that mental preparation is just as important as physical fitness when it comes to success on the world stage.

The three-time European Champions Cup-winning coach shared insights into how his methods help players develop the right mindset ahead of high-stakes matches.

“Being mentally prepared is as important as being physically prepared,” said Wigglesworth. “We take a lot of time and consideration in how we help the players to be in the best possible mental state before they go out and perform for England.”

His comments follow a new study of 2,000 sports-playing adults, commissioned by Honda, which found that mental visualisation techniques are increasingly popular, with many recognising their benefits for improving performance and wellbeing.

The research revealed that 87 per cent of athletes believe mental preparation plays a crucial role in delivering strong performances. For England’s rugby players, tailored mental strategies are designed to build confidence and encourage positivity.

“I want players to be able to go out and show the very best of themselves,” Wigglesworth continued. “Negative thoughts are natural, but as a coaching programme, we place huge value on equipping players with the mental strategies to be positive about their next action.”

The study also found:

  • 51 per cent of athletes incorporate sound, such as hearing the crowd, into their visualisation practices.
  • 45 per cent use touch, like feeling the ball, to enhance mental imagery.
  • 62 per cent use mental visualisation to improve focus.
  • 55 per cent use it to increase confidence.
  • 47 per cent find it helpful for staying calm in high-pressure situations.
  • 42 per cent use it to overcome performance anxiety.
Commissioned by Honda to highlight their sponsorship of the RFU ahead of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, the study sheds light on how Britain’s athletes are harnessing mental preparation techniques to enhance their game.
Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda Motor Europe (UK), commented: “At Honda, we believe that the power of dreams extends beyond physical capability to the strength of the mind. This research highlights the growing recognition of mental preparation as a vital part of performance, not just in sports but in all areas of life. By supporting initiatives like these, we’re proud to champion the importance of focus, confidence, and positivity—qualities that inspire individuals to push their limits and achieve their goals both on and off the pitch.”

When it comes to mental preparation techniques:

  • 51 per cent of athletes frequently use visualisation before participating in sports or fitness activities.
  • 52 per cent practise breathing exercises to enhance performance.
  • 52 per cent rely on positive self-talk.
  • 45 per cent use goal-setting.
  • 40 per cent incorporate meditation or mindfulness

Despite the benefits, barriers remain. Nearly six in ten (58 per cent) believe visualisation should be a regular part of training, yet 45 per cent struggle with time constraints, 36 per cent face physical limitations or injuries, 34 per cent have difficulty staying motivated, and 27 per cent lack knowledge of the techniques.

Wigglesworth stressed the importance of practising visualisation, comparing it to any other skill: “Visualising your most likely first actions in a game helps you feel like you are going to start the game well. Additionally, thinking about the most likely skills you will have to perform repeatedly, like a hooker throwing and visualising hitting the target, can be very beneficial.”

RICHARD WIGGLESWORTH’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE MENTAL PREPARATION:

1. Practice regularly – Like any skill, visualisation improves with repetition. Experiment to find what works best for you.

2. Visualise your first actions – Prepare mentally for the initial moments of the game to set a confident tone.

3. Focus on repeated skills – Reinforce confidence by visualising key skills you’ll perform multiple times, such as lineouts or tackles.

4. Use specific scenarios – Work with your coach to identify challenges and visualise how you’ll positively impact the game.

5. Rehearse situations – Walk the pitch and mentally prepare for potential scenarios to boost confidence during the game.