GETTING TO KNOW OUR SUPPORT TEAM – MAX LINLEY
POSITION: U20 Physio
NICKNAME: Maxi
WHEN DID YOU JOIN HAMMIES? April 2021
PHYSIO BACKGROUND: I studied my BSc in physiotherapy at UWC and graduated in 2019. I am now currently furthering my studies by doing my Masters in Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy at UCT. I Co-Own a practice in the Waterfront called the Waterfront Physiotherapy Clinic, where we mainly focus on sports related injuries and rehabilitation. I do a lot of work with professional fighters (MMA & Boxing), and currently work at the Western Province Rugby Academy.
BEST ADVICE TO PLAYERS TO AVOID INJURIES: My best advice would be to make sure you get in a good 15-20min warm up in order to prime the muscles and get the body ready for exercise. Another good tip would be to ask your physio or S&C coach for some good prehab exercises that you can do in order to decrease the risk of injury.
WHY IS A SLOW START SO CRUCIAL AFTER HAVING AN EXTENDED BREAK FROM PLAYING ACTIVE RUGBY? It is important to gradually return to rugby/training after an injury so that your body and muscles have the time to fully recover, as well as allowing your body to slowly build up strength and get used to the demands placed on the body during training. This will help mitigate the reoccurrence of injuries.
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT BEING INVOLVED AT HAMMIES? I’ve always wanted to play at hammies, however injury stopped me. Being a physio allows me to experience the great atmosphere and culture created at the club.
BEST ADVICE FOR UPCOMING PLAYERS: Listen to and take care of your body. The last thig you want is a serious injury that sidelines you for 9+ months.
WHAT MOVIE CHARACTER DESCRIBES YOU BEST, AND WHY? The grandpa from the animation ‘UP’, because he acts grumpy but is actually a softie.
SOMETHING YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT ME: I do jiu-jitsu and boxing.
LIKES: MMA, all of the dogs, talking rubbish
DISLIKES: People who take life too seriously
FUNNIEST MOMENT ON THE FIELD: I once got concussed during a game but tried to get up and carry on playing which resulted in me doing the ‘stanky leg’ for at least 20 seconds.
FAVOURITE RUGBY PLAYER OF ALL TIME: Jerry Collins
GOALS FOR 2021: Give quality care to all my clients.