Direct training after a second-rate game (6)
I believe the answer is:
abrupt
'direct' is the definition.
'training after a second-rate game' is the wordplay.
'training' becomes 'pt' (abbreviation for physical training).
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'second rate' becomes 'b'.
'game' becomes 'ru' (rugby union).
'a'+'b'+'ru'='abru'
'pt' put after 'abru' is 'ABRUPT'.
(Other definitions for abrupt that I've seen before include "Curt, sharp" , "Short, sharp or sudden" , "Rough and quick" , "Sudden, brusque" , "Sudden and unexpected" .)