ALEX Rae feels Coventry Rugby’s players, coaches and support staff enjoyed a well-earned week off after a month of hard graft in pre-season, writes Paul Smith.
Other than James Tyas who is recuperating from a serious ankle injury and new signing Matt Johnson who is playing Shute Shield rugby in Sydney, Cov’s full squad have put the hard yards in throughout July.
Rae believes the timing of the break fits in nicely with the programme planned for August and early September.
Rae said: “We’ve already done four weeks and they have flown by.
“It’s been great to see so many of the lads with smiles on their faces enjoying themselves and as a result it’s been a really good first month.
“After four weeks of hard work it’s important to have some rest and to re-energise and we’re having the week off with that in mind.
“We’ve got a really early pre-season game against Moseley on August 24 which will help us break up our training as it will be good to have a match to focus on.
“The timing of this isn’t completely by design if I’m honest as there’s a few things to consider with Moseley’s National One season starting a couple of weeks ahead of the Championship, but we’re still very much looking forward to it.”
In the middle of last season Rae took his squad for an ‘away day’ training at Rugby School and they have also already enjoyed sessions away from the Butts Park Arena this summer.
Cov’s boss also plans to take the players on a residential trip in August with the help of the club’s main partner Food Heroes.
Rae added: “We have a training camp planned for a few days in Lincolnshire thanks to the kind support of Simon Martin at Food Heroes.
“It will be really good for everyone to spend time together which will really help bond this new group. That sort of trip helps build connections as you always come back with a few memories and some good stories.
“It’s very easy for everything to be about rugby while we’re at the Butts, but by going elsewhere for a few days the lads get to know each other much better while they’re seeing each other in a different space.”
