The players were put through a grueling morning training session, at Portstewart Strand, which simultaneously tested their physical fitness and mental toughness. Moving out of their normal environment at Newforge Country Club, the players went through rigorous tests including; shuttle runs along the beach, relay races up the sand dunes carrying 20kg weights and touch rugby sessions in the sand.

The reason behind the squads change of training venue is to have a testing environment, which includes experiences the players bodies are not used to training in. Throughout the pre-season session, the player’s individual performances are closely monitored to increase personal fitness levels and limit the risk of injuries.

Unlike the normal ice-bath cool down, the players took a dip in the North Atlantic Ocean, to end the training session. To view the Portstewart Strand pre-season training gallery click here