Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of the Premiership Rugby Sevens at Northampton on Friday and Saturday.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On the pre-season training camp in Spain
- It was an excellent week. The facilities were fantastic, the weather was good which allowed us to start training at 7.30am. It was hugely beneficial and the players enjoyed it
- Last year we went to Spain during the conditioning period of pre-season. This time it was more rugby-focused
- We have had two four-week blocks of pre-season followed by a week off. We were off last week but the players came back in on Monday and we have a very tough week this week
On the reasoning behind not playing any pre-season friendlies this year
- The season is starting later because of the Rugby World Cup and most clubs have decided not to play pre-season friendlies but to use the Premiership Rugby Cup as warm-up matches
- We hope to give most players a game in the four cup matches. We do have good strength in depth and good competition for places
What sort of squad will go to the Premiership Sevens?
- It’s a good opportunity to give young and developing players a chance to play plus one or two more experienced guys depending on bumps and bruises
- The squad will be coached by Gordon Ross and Mike Hill and managed by Mark Hewitt
Injuries
- Marco Mama is back in full training and he’s looking good. Marco is the consummate professional, he looks after himself and he knows and understands his body
- The medical staff here and at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford looked after him really well and he’s made a good recovery