There have been many examples over the years of athletes using skills from one sport to boost their chosen activity.
The most notable in rugby terms would be 2003 Rugby Union World Cup winner Jason Robinson - who after having reached the echelons of Rugby League - then crossed codes to Union.
But for Bournemouth lock Harry Leadbeater, he has found American Football to be just as useful for honing his craft for the 15-man discipline.
The tall lock has been trying out for the Bournemouth Bobcats American Football team recently, and he has found it useful.
He said: “I’ve always enjoyed watching American Football and I saw the open sessions were being held so decided to give it a go and I thoroughly enjoyed the new challenge.
“I think it transfers over to rugby in simple ways such as fitness due to American Football being more explosive for shorter durations of time, whereas rugby is being continuous work for 40 minutes at a time.
“As well as technically transferring things such as running into spaces rather than faces is vital for pass completion.
“Also from a personal point of view with the ball being a different size plus having to catch the ball at different angles and speeds definitely helps develop reaction times as well as hand-eye coordination both needed for strong lineout work.
“But as much as I enjoyed the summer sport I will be waiting until the summer to start training or playing American football as last Saturday against Bracknell in the last 10 minutes my legs felt like lead as I trudged around the pitch!”
It is no coincidence that since his emergence from near neighbours The Dorset Dockers, the Lions’ lineout has looked far more solid.
That has provided Leadbeater‘s team-mates with a reliable platform from which to build upon.
Until the introduction of Leadbeater, Bournemouth Director Of Rugby Will Croker had been struggling to find an engine room partner for second row stalwart Ben Roberts.
Powerful blindside flanker Jack Hennings had been tried there after making the switch from the backrow.
But despite ruling the skies for his side, the down-to-earth 24-year-old is merely grateful for his opportunity at level five of English rugby.
Leadbeater added: “I have really appreciated the patience the boys and coaches have given - and will continue to give me - allowing me to be effective at the lineout.
“As a new boy to the lineouts this year and learning a completely new far more complicated call system than I was used to.
“I think we are all growing as a group and getting better and more comfortable with each training session and game.
“I hope to be able to benefit the team as a threat in the air combining with Ben Roberts and the lifters!”