Tigers stars on getting back to training after three months

TIGERS BEING PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES AS THEY PREPARE FOR RESTART OF THE PREMIERSHIP ON AUGUST 15

GEORGE Ford is happy to be back training with his Leicester Tigers team-mates after three months away from Oval Park, writes Sam Williamson.

The international fly-half was one of nearly 50 Leicester players to recommence squad sessions last week, but with strict guidelines in place as part of Phase One of the return to training.

Speaking to LeicesterTigers.com after the final session of the week, Ford said: “It has been great being back, after a long time training alone.”

In line with the new protocols in place at Oval Park, players have been split into groups of no more than 10 and are limited to a handful of strength exercises in the Tigers gym and conditioning drills on the pitch – all while maintaining strict social distancing of two metres or more.

And, while players have kept up a base level of fitness during lockdown, 27-year-old Ford says the return saw the group put into some “tough situations” by the club’s Strength and Conditioning (S&C) staff.

“The sessions have been tough, we have been put into some tough situations but what has been pleasing is the way all the boys have taken the challenge on,” he said.

Premiership Rugby is due to restart on Saturday, August 15 and Ford admitted it was a strange time for the players as they focus on daily and weekly improvements.

“It’s a strange period, not knowing exactly when we might be playing again but the coaches have a plan in place,” Ford said.

“And, as cliché as it is, we can only take it day by day, week by week, and keep working hard, building towards being back on the pitch, playing.”

Among those also returning to training were club captain Tom Youngs, scrum-half Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, Ellis Genge, Manu Tuilagi, Telusa Veainu and Tomas Lavanini

Prop Joe Heyes says there is an “excited” atmosphere at Oval Park with his team-mates back together again.

He said the training has been “tough” but necessary after the lengthy lay-off from squad sessions.

“After such a lengthy period training by yourself, being back with team-mates at Oval Park is good,” Heyes said.

“The training has been tough, not the sessions front rowers necessarily look forward to, but it’s important to get the running and lifting loads into us.”

The 21-year-old also believes the proposed return date of August 15 is helpful in having something to aim for but says the focus is on “shortterm gains”.

“There is a good feeling around and everyone is excited about having some dates to work towards, but we’re still very much thinking about making short-term gains for now,”