Dr Stu,
Any tips on training for it?
Not that I'm Dr Stu - in fact I'm a newbie in forum, but here's my take on it:
Any sort of interval training. Doesn't need to mimic the beep or yoyo at all, as long as it is interval stuff.
For example, if you have somewhere with 1km distance marked, run that and try to get 3:45 or better, then rest for the same time you just ran, then run 1km again, aiming for 3:45 or better. Rest for the same time you just ran, then one more 1km, trying to beat your best time for the last 2. That's it. Session done (apart from warm up/warm down).
Alternatively, if you have a 400m aths track at your disposal at the local park, run laps thus: 100m sprint (well, at least 75% work rate), then straight into 100m brisk walk (recovery), then 100m sprint followed by 100m recovery, then 200m sprint followed by 200m recovery then 100m sprint with a final 100m recovery. Time how long this takes you, rest for that long and then repeat. Twice.
These routines, interspersed with bike riding a course with moderate rise/fall without changing gears, helped me to consistently high fitness level, allowing me to blitz the beep test a few years ago.
I have tapered considerably over the past couple years, choosing not to be "competitive" in premier grade ranks in my association, but still keep a pretty good level of fitness nonetheless. We had the choice of beep test or 2.4km run for the finals fitness testing last season and I still achieved the minimum requirement for finals selection, so I know this stuff works. Plus the training is over & done with in half an hour!
Go get 'em Robbie!