Perthshire Rugby Club has been putting in the hard yards in preparation for the new season.
The men’s first XV will again be playing in the National League Division 3 but, as current plans stand, due to restructuring, six or seven teams are set to be relegated.
That means there is certainly no room for a slow start, something head coach Alan Clark is all too aware of.
Having now completed three weeks of pre-season, he said: “It’s hugely important for us to get out of the blocks fast this season. With that in mind we’ve spent time as a group planning our overall approach.
“Conditioning is obviously a key part of that and the guys have worked incredibly hard since the end of last season.
“However, the biggest plus for us as a coaching team is the shift in mindset from the players. There’s a real belief in what they can achieve which is incredibly exciting to see.”
First XV captain Mat Rae has been encouraged by pre-season so far and believes the 2022/23 season could see something special from the Eagles.
“This year we’ve definitely hit the ground running with pre-season,” he said.
“The lads have all kept fit during the off season and it means we have progressed our skills and techniques much faster than previous years.
“Our coaches and new director of rugby are doing an amazing job with training and the lads are on board doing an incredible job pushing themselves to do better every session.
“We have huge ambitions for this year and, if we keep improving like we are, we will be on to something special.”
The 2XV must also start strongly as they compete in a reformatted Caledonia Midlands Region League Division 3.
They aim to progress out of their mini-conference into the top end of the league.
Soon the effects of the training will be tested when the Perthshire squad travel to Blackpool to take on Fylde RFC in a highly-anticipated Tour match and team building weekend from August 5-8.
Then it will be onto the Lochside 10s tournament hosted by Strathmore RFC before friendlies against Dalkeith RFC and Kirkcaldy RFC.
Club captain Ewan MacKessack-Leitch was pleased to see so many team-mates back at training ahead of the new season.
He told the PA: “We all know how important this season could be and I’m encouraged with the buy in from all players: young and old, new and returning.
“The coaching team has set up a positive culture and we want to build on the strong end to last season and make an impact in both leagues from match one.”
