I am coaching a good U14s scrum , in particular a very powerful front 5 , as the boys are improving their technique I am mindful of maybe trying to help increase the neck strength using static hand resistance , I would welcome any thoughts or observations on this , I have a friend who's son in in a premiership academy squad at age 15 , he is also in the England schools set up and he tells me he has been encouraged to use the static strengthening for his neck since 14 .... thoughts please and thanks ....

When they are older and into weight training There is an exercise that can be done to strengthen the neck.

Start with light weights and build up to heavy weights on a bar (at least equivalant to what is being bench pressed) to be set on the floor next to the end of a bench. Player to bend down and rest his forehead on the bench to form a bridge. Then with a wide hand grip the weight are lifted to the chest. This will strengthen neck and traps.

Be aware that excessive training will result in the appearance of no neck, just a head on top of the shoulders.

It sounds obvious, but collision training requires you have the head in the best position, that is neutral. Neck training enhances this, plus helps maintain stability out of neutral.