Richard Hill has praised the manner in which the new Warriors have slotted into the Sixways scene – and believes they have only heightened the work ethic that he demands from his entire squad.
Head Coach Hill welcomed 11 new faces into the club this summer as preparations for the Aviva Premiership campaign gather pace.
The Sixways boss admits the step up in intensity from the training regime of an RFU Championship club has been noticeable for a number of his newcomers.
However, Hill firmly believes the work of the strength and conditioning team at Warriors will ensure the entire squad hits the new season in peak physical condition.
“We’ve got a good group of players here so it is an easy one to slot into. The 11 new players have come in and all added something, they are all good characters and are marking their territory at the moment,” he revealed.
“One or two have not been used to the intensity of this training before and are hanging in there. They have added a good work ethic.
“They have been hit with something they have not been hit with before in terms of the intensity, but I am delighted with them all. I have been really pleased with the two London Welsh boys, Errie Claassens and Josh Drauniniu, who are in very good shape.
“It is a step up from the RFU Championship. A lot of them are in a full-time professional programme now and it is a lot harder than last year.
“I believe this programme has got to be one of the best in the Aviva Premiership,” he added. “The way the conditioning coaches are working the players is gruelling but spot on.
“Some of the players are quite ready for the weekend just to collapse. They don’t do much except lie in bed and get ready for next week!
“I’ve been delighted that after three and a half weeks of high intensity we have avoided any injuries. That is an indication that we have it right. The players are shattered and on their knees, but we are not picking up the soft tissue injuries.”
Meanwhile, Hill has not completely ruled out any further additions to his squad before the kick-off, but insists he will not sign players just to bump up numbers.
He added: “There is still scope to bring in one or two players. We have got 37 at the moment in the squad, which is a good size, but we will perhaps look to grow that.
“We won’t get people in for the sake of it. They have to be the right person. But I am looking at one or two – even though no offers have gone in. We are looking at players to see if we can bring anyone in.”