The Eyasses will get a taste of military life this weekend when they undergo a pre-season boot camp.
Members of the Ospreys U18 squad will be spending three nights at the MoD operated Sennybridge Training Area (SENTA), close to Brecon, where they will don army gear before undergoing a series of physical and mental exercises designed to not only help the new-look group to get to know each other, but to also help develop squad character and mental toughness ahead of the new season.
A regular part of the pre-season build-up for the Eyasses, the boot camp will see this year’s group undertaking a series of military training tests, team initiatives and strength competitions, all under the watchful eye of military personnel, building up to the undoubted highlights when they are woken early on the third day to participate in the log race and assault course.
Newly appointed Elite Performance Manager Damian Karauna is heading up the group and he said:
“We are all looking forward to the boot camp where we can get some important work done that will help this new group of players get to know each other better in preparation for the new season, and also, will allow us coaches to get to know a bit more about the character of each member of the squad.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend for everybody, taking these young players out of their comfort zone, but it will be one that will stand everybody in good stead for the coming season. A lot of the boys will know each other, but it will be a good way to introduce new members of the squad and really help to make them truly feel an Eyas. The experience is all about getting to know each other, and helping to make these youngsters better people as well as better rugby players.
“The physical exercises will also have a real benefit for them in terms of their conditioning as we step up their preparations ahead of their first game. We’ve done this with the Eyasses during pre-season a number of times in the past, and while the whole experience will really push them hard, they will be able to look back on it with pride at what they will achieve over 72 hours.”