The primary focus of the first block of training for the squad has been strength and conditioning as the players prepare for the first pre-season friendly against Nottingham Rugby on Friday 14th August, KO 19:00 (Ystrad Mynach).
With the likes of newcomers Adam Warren, Ed Jackson and Nick Scott all settling into pre-season well, Elite performance manager, Huw Bevan arranged for the squad to take part in a two-day team bonding exercise. This exercise meant that all of the senior squad travelled around Gwent to visit some of its famous landmarks.
The squad members were split into teams in which they had to research specific topics to present to the rest of the squad, these included Aneurin Bevan, castles, coalmining, Romans, industry and rugby in Gwent.
Each group were then given a clue based on another group presentations in order to visit a specific location, once this was completed they were to visit one last location in order to obtain specific map coordinates. The locations visited included Caerleon Roman fortress, the Big Pit, Six Bells, Caerphilly Castle, Pontypool RFC and the Aneurin Bevan stones.
Once the groups had obtained their map coordinates they were to climb the three peaks of Gwent – Sugarloaf Mountain, Skirrid and Blorenge.
Once these three challenges were completed the groups met up with each other at Abergavenny RFC to pitch their tents and set up camp for the evening.
The next morning saw the squad take on the River Wye as they took on the rapids in two man canoes.
Team bonding is important for any professional sports team, with the Dragons being no different. Huw Bevan commented: “We wanted to spend some time together to integrate the new players into the squad.
“We also felt it was important for us to get away from our normal training venue in order for us to develop a better understanding of the history of the Region we represent.
“I was also keen to test the players in unfamiliar situations and to work on developing attributes such as leadership, team cohesion and communication skills that will hopefully transfer into our on field performances.”
A special thank you to Abergavenny RFC and Monmouth RFC for their hospitality and help throughout the two days.
With the likes of newcomers Adam Warren, Ed Jackson and Nick Scott all settling into pre-season well, Elite performance manager, Huw Bevan arranged for the squad to take part in a two-day team bonding exercise. This exercise meant that all of the senior squad travelled around Gwent to visit some of its famous landmarks.
The squad members were split into teams in which they had to research specific topics to present to the rest of the squad, these included Aneurin Bevan, castles, coalmining, Romans, industry and rugby in Gwent.
Each group were then given a clue based on another group presentations in order to visit a specific location, once this was completed they were to visit one last location in order to obtain specific map coordinates. The locations visited included Caerleon Roman fortress, the Big Pit, Six Bells, Caerphilly Castle, Pontypool RFC and the Aneurin Bevan stones.
Once the groups had obtained their map coordinates they were to climb the three peaks of Gwent – Sugarloaf Mountain, Skirrid and Blorenge.
Once these three challenges were completed the groups met up with each other at Abergavenny RFC to pitch their tents and set up camp for the evening.
The next morning saw the squad take on the River Wye as they took on the rapids in two man canoes.
Team bonding is important for any professional sports team, with the Dragons being no different. Huw Bevan commented: “We wanted to spend some time together to integrate the new players into the squad.
“We also felt it was important for us to get away from our normal training venue in order for us to develop a better understanding of the history of the Region we represent.
“I was also keen to test the players in unfamiliar situations and to work on developing attributes such as leadership, team cohesion and communication skills that will hopefully transfer into our on field performances.”
A special thank you to Abergavenny RFC and Monmouth RFC for their hospitality and help throughout the two days.
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