Taking place at the prestigious, independent school in Dorset, the stay offered players a chance to regroup and come together following the success of the pre-season residential in the summer and ahead of the commencement of weekly Under-18 training.

Led by five of Bath Rugby Academy’s staff, the stay comprised of a mixture of on-field rugby activity to develop players’ contact and in-game skills, as well as off-field activities including education workshops.

Held in the school’s own lecture theatre, the workshops contained psychology-based sessions, focusing on players’ mental wellbeing and how to cope with stress. A nutrition workshop also allowed players to take away key messages about fuelling for both training sessions and matches.

Making use of the excellent facilities Bryanston School has to offer, including a performance sport gym, all elements of the players physical training were covered. The squad even got to switch up their training methods and opted for water polo in the school’s 25m pool.

Head of Bath Rugby Academy, Craig Lilley said: “It is essential that we seize every opportunity to increase contact time with our players to strengthen their cohesion as a group. Having the chance to host this residential at such a state-of-the-art facility with many high-quality sessions has helped to prepare our players in preparation for the recommencement of the Under-18 season in January.

“The three days were packed with skills sessions and also allowed the players to speak about their mental wellbeing in a safe space. It’s just a great way for the squad to come together before the training schedule starts back up.”

With on-site accommodation and exceptional catering provided to the team, the group was able to stay well-fuelled with a performance nutritious diet throughout the busy schedule.

The Under-18 squad will return to regular, weekly training sessions ahead of the U18 league matches which restart on 7 January 2023 as the young Blue, Black and White set to take on Exeter at Truro College.

Bath Rugby U18 hosted by Bryanston School at three-day residential

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