Head coach Colin Robertson believes it will give his players added fighting spirit as they prepare to do battle in the IRB Junior World Championships. RM Condor is the home of the famous 45 Commando Royal Marines and the venue boasts top-class facilities including two rugby pitches and a state-of-the-art gym.
With the countdown continuing towards Scotland U20’s opening pool match against Samoa U20 in Wrexham on 6th June looming, Robertson surprised his troops by taking them to the military base because he says it will increase the togetherness in the squad.
“We have kept the training programme from the players, so there will be a few surprises in store for them when the hard work begins,” he said. “We are at the base for three days and it is really all about team building and working on our overall cohesion within the squad. We are integrating that with rugby sessions as well because we are playing a preparation match against Ireland at Ravenhill on Friday night.
“It is all about getting everyone working together and training alongside 45 Commando, who have their own experiences. It should prove to be hugely beneficial. They are going to be involved in a number of different exercises that will encourage them to work together in order to find solutions. We are going into the World Cup and we will be together for three weeks and, even though we have been together a lot over the Six Nations, it will be more intense and an experience like this can only help.”
In the pool stages, Scotland U20 face Samoa U20, South Africa U20 (10th June 2008) and the USA U20 (14th June 2008) and Robertson says the mood in the camp is very good at present.
He said: “The mood is tremendous at the moment. We are looking at the Samoa game and the experience at the Condor base will hopefully stand them in good stead. That will help us to generate some momentum and collective spirit. The players have got a lot of spirit and we are looking to build on that.”
