Put down that phone, pre-season starts now!

THE Covid vaccine programme that has begun to be rolled out across the UK has offered a ray of hope for rugby players of all ages that maybe sometime in 2021 they will be able to get back to playing with their mates.

It has been a devastating time for everyone and rugby has had to suck up its fair share of pain. Many clubs have lost great servants, seen their businesses suffer and players wonder if it will be worth putting on their boots again.

Of course it will! The joy of running with the ball, knocking down an opponent, scoring a try and simply getting muddy from head to toe are sensations that we have all been craving. None more so than my 12year-old son, Carter.

The junior players have perhaps suffered more than most. No sport in schools, rugby cancelled at clubs and little or no chance to play with their mates – it has been tough.

And just as they were getting back to some form of regular training, and had been given the green light to start playing touch and pass matches, so came the second wave of the virus. Here in Wales we are heading for another three-week national lockdown from December 28, which means a further period away from the game.

My point to Carter is that now is a chance to prepare for when rugby does return, a pre-season training period that can help him hone his skills, work on his fitness and make sure that when he goes back he has an edge.

That’s how I hope every young player will view the latest restrictions. Don’t throw the ball behind the sofa, get out in the garden and practice your skills.

Get off the PlayStation, put down the phone and do some fitness work. Up and down the stairs 20 times is a good work out, press ups and sit ups on the bedroom floor can help strengthen your core and a safe run in the area, will work on general fitness.

Rugby will be back, sooner than you think, so now is the time to get ready.