Newport Rugby Club’s new band of brothers were put through their paces for the first time this week.
Pre-season training started in earnest at the club’s Forton Road ground on Tuesday evening.
Thirty six players turned out for the session – including around 15 new faces – while another six were unavailable.
Newly appointed Fishes head coach Stephen Dolphin led the session alongside coach Bob Adams.
And first team manager Gareth Davies said there was a real buzz around the club.
“We had some new faces which was pleasing, including some former players who have come back to us,” he said.
“Some had become disillusioned about not getting a game and seemed to come back with renewed vigour.
“There were also a couple of lads from Telford College, so we have a good mix of youth and experience.
“The session was well received and there was a real buzz about the place at the end.
“The vibes are good – and that’s the way we need it to stay.
“Stephen needs the full commitment of the players.”
Initial sessions will concentrate on strength and conditioning before real ball work is introduced.
The club host a trial game on August 7 before their first pre-season match against Walsall a week later.
The squad will then travel to Liverpool for a weekend of team building with the army before the big National League Three Midlands kick-off.
A PE teacher by day, Dolphin – who captained Newport for seven years through their most successful period – said preparations were going well.
He said: “We ran through some ball work as well as implementing elements of fitness.
“We won’t introduce contact work for three weeks.
“We’ve also got a line-out session on Sunday and we’re going to do some work with the British Judo Association.
“The aim is to finish as high as possible in the league and try to win both cups.
“But in the bigger picture, we want this club to be run properly with two teams and a social team.”
Newport’s season got off to a sluggish start last year with a string of disappointing results seeing Shropshire’s No 1 club embedded at the wrong end of the table.
That is something they will be desperate to avoid this time around.
The club are still looking for new players for the forthcoming campaign.
Anybody interested in playing National League Three Midlands rugby should contact the club.
By Sean Wozencroft
