Easterby’s troops were based at the Ministry of Defence camp at St Athan this week as they undertook a gruelling three-day camp that saw them pushed to the limit both physically and mentally just a month out from the start of the new RaboDirect PRO12 campaign.
The full 46-man squad and backroom staff were up and at it at the crack of dawn on the first day of their work with RAF Outreach teams and Easterby admits he couldn’t have asked any more of his men.
“The players got a bit of a shock on the first morning with a 5.15am wake-up call and straight into some very physical activities before breakfast that set the tone for the training camp. They performed very well from the outset and really bought into the whole experience individually and collectively as a group,” said Easterby.
“The players have worked very hard throughout and been really committed. I have been really impressed how all of them have taken to the challenges put in front of them and it will be interesting to see how much they take out of their time here as we approach the new season.
“As a coaching group it’s been really beneficial to see how the players react to different situations they are not expecting. We’ve tested problem solving, leadership, decision making under fatigue, reaction under pressure and how players process information and communicate with each other to complete varied tasks.
“The players will have learnt a lot about themselves the last few days. It’s not just been about physical exertion, either, and pushing the boys to their endurance limits, it’s been about bringing out their leadership skills, decision making under pressure and communication skills as a group.”
British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies cut short his summer leave to join the squad for the full three days in the Vale of Glamorgan, while Wales stars Rhys Priestland, Scott Williams, Ken Owens and Josh Turnbull all took part as they come back into full fitness ahead of the new season.
The Scarlets kick off their friendly preparations at home to Exeter Chiefs a week on Saturday (3pm) before beginning competitive action against reigning PRO12 champions Leinster at the Parc y Scarlets on Friday, September 6 (7.05pm).
