Worcester Warriors players reported back for pre-season training on Monday and enjoyed their first sessions under the watchful eye of new Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock.
The majority of the squad is back at Sixways after the six-week summer break as the countdown to the new Guinness Premiership season finally gets underway.
Some of the club’s international stars remain away on duty for their countries, with several currently involved in the Pacific Nations Cup.
And those that have been away for representatives honours, such as England international and club skipper Pat Sanderson, have been given extra time off to recover.
But those that were available were back in for a team meeting and screening process before heading out onto the pitches for a session with the new-look coaching team of Ruddock, Clive Griffiths and Billy McGinty.
And every player’s individual needs will be met in the coming weeks by Strength & Fitness Co-ordinator Keir Hansen and Conditioner Stuart Pickering.
“It was a good first session with the boys, it gave us the chance to blow away a few cobwebs and there was a good intensity,” said Hansen.
“From a conditioning perspective it gave us the chance to see where they are at and how they have presented themselves after the off-season. It starts the process off as we look to move all the players forward in the coming weeks in terms of conditioning.
“We are also looking to get the boys off site when possible this pre-season to help keep the focus. Later this week we are planning to go to the Malvern Hills and there is the possibility of using Brickfields Park.
“The boys will also be training at Bromsgrove School during pre-season using the fantastic facilities they have and we have a camp away in Devon planned in week eight. The work starts here.”
