Barry RFC’s players have returned to start pre-season training, with head coach Liam Scott promising “an intense few weeks” as the squad builds fitness ready for the opening match of the 2022/23 league season, the derby at Dinas Powys on September 3.

After a Covid-ravaged last season, with Barry being one of just two clubs to complete their reduced 11-match programme, the Admiral National League One East Central division is set to return to a full 22-game schedule.

“We know it’s going to be a competitive season, and we’ve got to make a good fist of it,” said Scott.

“We said it (pre-season training) was going to be an intense few weeks. But the senior boys asked for it.

“At the moment, it’s about conditioning the body and getting them prepared.

"It’s about building mental toughness, getting the skill set back, and getting up to a level of fitness. We’ll get into contact when we are fit enough.”

He also stressed the need for accountability, accepting that players cannot always be available for training sessions.

He said: “If you can’t make training, go training off your own bat. The boys have to look after themselves. If you are unfit, you are more likely to get injured.”

Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Reservoir Field, but Scott is aiming to break the monotony with an awayday team bonding exercise later this month.

Barry have arranged three pre-season fixtures, against Division Two East Central’s Llanishen (home) on August 6, Division Two West Central’s Pencoed (away) on August 13 and Division One West’s Hendy (home) on August 20.