SQUAD EMBARK ON UNIQUE PRE-SEASON “CAMP”
Last updated January 04 2016
The Hull Kingston Rovers first team squad embarked on a pre-season “camp” with a difference this morning after beginning a three-day team bonding exercise with the coaching staff.

Rather than opt for a warm weather training camp ahead of the 2016 campaign as in previous years, head coach Chris Chester has instead decided to keep his squad in the UK, with players heading to all parts of the country to take part in activities designed to test their physical and mental capabilities.

With groups of players sent as far afield as London and Birmingham, it will see everybody involved also take part in a variety of community projects across England such as assisting at a hospice in Worcester, volunteering at a food bank in the North East and offering support to flood victims in Cumbria.

Organised by the club’s new Head of Athletic Performance Tom Clough, the unique approach also aims to encourage unity and leadership within the squad and saw the players arrive at the KC Lightstream Stadium this morning unaware of what the coaching staff had in store for them.

Removed of their mobile phones, car keys and wallets, the players were divided into five groups before being sent on their way with a member of the coaching team for company.

The groups of players will now be expected to find food and accommodation for themselves over the coming days as well as take part in the community activities and challenges organised for them.

The club’s Head of Rugby Jamie Peacock said: “We want our players to be well-rounded people as well as elite athletes and the plans the coaching staff have put in place this week will take the players out of their comfort zone and give them a unique challenge in pre-season.

“There are a few surprises in store for them over the coming days and whilst we want to keep some of those activities and challenges in-house, the community side of this mini ‘camp’ is very important and we would like to thank the many organisations up and down the country who have helped us bring this project together.

“We are very grateful for their support and the initial feedback throughout the day from everybody involved has been very positive.”

Doesn't sound like it's a fitness boot camp,

It's different, even unique, but don't get it.

More of a team bonding excercise than fitness or skills camp

I wonder if this is more of a PR exercise really. Think I'd rather the squad be away somewhere with their heads down training tbh

Bizarre pre-season 'camp'. Team bonding like this is fine, but not to the detriment of fitness building. I'm open minded to it as we've had a poor start to the last few seasons. It might do good, especially things like phones being taken away. Guess we'll have to wait and see if this new approach works.

I and others have moaned, in previous years, about doziness and a lack of mental toughness.

Getting them thinking, giving them different challenges and just something out of the ordinary to freshen their heads might be good.

Personally think it's a brilliant idea. Encourage the team bonding, togetherness as well as mental aptitude can only be a good thing. As previously said, we quickly bemoan the lack of intelligence and thought process that sometimes we see from the team. Hopefully this can kick start some forward thinking and get the team focusing more on any mental challenges they may face. The ability is within this team, maybe not the mental toughness that makes winners. Can only do good this.

should also get the club some media exposure, which will please sponsors as well. This is only a 3 day exercise and i think the pro's outweigh the cons. In terms of fitness, i do not think it can impact that much missing 3 days, especially with another month left of pre season. With the majority of the squad taking part in all of pre season as opposed to last year i reckon we are ahead of our position last year.

Well played rovers, well played.

I really like the idea actually, but I would question the timing of it.

It seems like the kind of thing to do early on in pre season as a team building exercise. They have just had a Christmas break and now this. With the season starting proper in a month it is a long time to spend without any getting any proper fitness/ball work done. If you guys start the season poorly then I'm sure questions will be asked.

Thanks for your concerns, however I think I will take CC & JP's evaluation of this idea over that of your own.

Still, it's given the neighbours plenty to talk about whilst speculating about who exactly back tracked on overseas plans. Was it Peacock, Chester or Hudgell? Or maybe it was paper talk by the Westmoreland Muppet?

So is this the new age thought process taught as part of a Sports Science Degree? I assume the expectation is that the stated key objectives of this initiative, to instil mental toughness, teamwork, resourcefulness and quick thinking outside of the box into our group of players will hopefully deliver us a competitive edge over other SL teams. If so, bring it on.

My only concern is that 3 days may not be long enough to build a new bridge in Tadcaster!

A bit touchy tonight Stan?

As I've said I like the idea. I can see alot of benefits to it and I can see other clubs doing similar things in the future. Just think its the kind of thing you do in November. Not in January when the season is just on the horizon and you are getting towards the fine tuning stage. But hey, if you start the season like a house on fire I'll come back for a slice of humble pie.

For me it's educating the player's about the real world and that they are privileged. Helping the flood victims in Cumbria or a foodbank in Birmingham for example gives the players a sense of humility. I think it's a great idea and it's only for a new days. If it helps them see and tests them. It can only be a positive move well done chezza and staff.

I have no idea if this is a good idea or not as to how it will transfer to results on the pitch, but I whole heartedly applaude the club for doing it.

I've worked in a more than a few desperate situations with people I wasn't too keen on, but when backs are to the wall, you get on and and do the job.

You then find bonds that stick tight, that will undoubtedly help you on the pitch.

Even if it doesn't, we pride ourselves on being a community club, and we'll have added to the community with this initiative.

Touchy? Not since she got the restraining order sorted.