This year Sevenoaks School ventured closer to home and to new training grounds for their 1st XV Rugby Pre-season Training Camp. The potential 1st XV squad, consisting of boys about to enter Years 12 and 13, spent four days at the well-established and well-equipped Institute for Sport at Loughborough University. The university will be the main training site for both the GB and Japanese Olympic teams for London’s 2012 Olympics and it is therefore no surprise that it was the perfect venue for us to prepare for the season ahead.

The squad stayed in halls with all facilities on their doorstep. Throughout the four days they trained on some amazing pitches. Each day consisted of a minimum of 3 x 2-hour intense rugby sessions in which the players worked extremely hard and showed great development. The squad experienced a variety of sessions each day, working on individual, unit and team skills (and of course fitness!).

As well as being coached by the school’s 1st XV coaches the squad were also lucky enough to be coached by Dave Hughes, 1st XV flanker for Loughborough University for three years and now playing National League for Wharfdale RFC. This was a great experience for the Sevenoaks players and their knowledge, tactical awareness and overall skill development improved as a result. In terms of rugby and pre-season training it was a fantastic few days and a trip that is definitely going to help the season ahead.

Additionally, it was great to see the country’s top sporting university, the facilities there, the sporting legends it has produced and the future stars for Britain training in all areas of sport. Well done to the squad for their dedicated training!