The Rugby World Cup Sevens champions will take on hosts India, as well as Tonga and South Africa at Delhi University tomorrow in a bid for Commonwealth Games glory.
And the likes of Tom Prydie, Lee Williams, Richie Pugh and Kristian Phillips should be spot on in terms of their preparation after spending the past weeks training in army-style oxygen masks.
With humidity high and temperatures soaring into the high 30s in India, fitness is sure to be a key as the home nations bid to challenge red-hot favourites New Zealand.
The idea to train with the masks is the result of the squad’s links with the armed forces. Only last month, the squad spent three days training at RAF Halton as well as visiting the injured soldiers at Headley Court. This week, they have added the finishing touches at a training camp in Dubai.
Team manager David Jenkins said; “We got the idea from our connections with the military. It increases the intensity and difficulty of our sessions.”
Head coach Paul John said: “We have had a productive week’s training in Dubai this week and I think everyone is now looking forward to getting things started. We have a good mix of youth and experience and we will be aiming to get through to the knock-out stages where anything is possible.”
