JOE Southwell says the RFU’s decision to allow the return of full contact rugby has given the players a ‘huge boost’.

It was announced earlier this week scrums and mauls will return to the game in time for the start of the National One season, and can potentially be in operation during our pre-season games next month.

And strength & conditioning coach Joe said: “It’s a huge boost to know we’re going back to 15-on-15, full scrummaging and proper rugby.

“The intensity during training is set very high by the players themselves, but knowing proper rugby looks like it will be on the cards gives them even more of a focus.

“It’s especially important for the props who now have the focus knowing there will be scrummaging, but it’s also going to be challenging for us to ensure their conditioning is well-equipped for pre-season and the first games neck-wise.”

The squad have now been back for two-and-a-half weeks since enjoying a break in June, and Joe is delighted with what he’s seen to date.

He explained: “We’ve had a dream start in that the players have turned up in amazing condition – the fitness testing went incredibly well and we’ve seen some of the best scores we’ve ever had, which is fantastic to see.

“The boys have really put the hard work in during the rest period and they’ve kept themselves in condition, so it allows us as a coaching team to push on and keep working towards September.

“As we’ve crept up the levels the boys have realised the work rate has to increase. I think I’m in my seventh season now and there’s a core of players who’ve been with me – they know what’s required and the demands of pre-season, but also how to prepare themselves.

“I think the new guys who’ve come in then see their energy levels and push on themselves, which is great to see.”

The Senior Squad also took part in a club day last weekend, and Joe concluded: “You can be physically strong and fit, but sometimes what’s key is the team’s togetherness.

“Days like that really bring everyone together and I learnt a lot about some players which I didn’t know – it was really cool, albeit was a shame with the restrictions we couldn’t do the barbecue with people’s families!”