Eastern Rhinos Men's and U16s players and coaches took their first Covid-secure steps back towards gearing up for a truncated 2020 season as training resumed at the end of June.

Following RFL and Government guidance, sessions focused on small groups working together on ballwork and fitness. Sessions were carefully organised, with players signing up in advance and being assigned to a 'bubble' to work with throughout the session. Such has been the demand for spaces that several sessions have already had to operate with waiting lists in place.

Training will continue, twice a week, in this format until regulations are loosened but the expectation remains that competitive rugby will resume later in the year with Rhinos wanting to remain sharp in the meantime.

Head Coach Pete Le Marquand has been delighted with the response of the players after the layoff and despite the boom in numbers training is keen that potential new recruits are also made welcome. Anyone wanting to start training with the Rhinos with a view to joining should get in touch.