It is a new ball game at Connacht Rugby this season, and coach Pat Lam is already keen to ensure the province continues its improvement, particularly with ball in hand.
In unusually fine weather, Connacht Rugby’s pre-season training entered week two and part of Lam’s new culture has been to give everyone a rugby ball.
“Everyone has their own ball, because at the end of the day, it’s all about the ball,” he says.
“ The key is to ensure we spend more time with the ball in hand and are able to do things with the ball. The more comfortable we are with it - and some guys are - but it’s about getting better. If do that, then collectively we should see an improvement in our game and not rely on one or two.
Lam has included all his academy players in regular training sessions to boost his squad of 40 to 60 and says all will play a part in Connacht’s three pre-season fixtures.
“I don’t see them as academy - officially they are - but when I look at them I see 60 players from which I can select - for me we are one big group.”
In addition to playing the French champions Castres as part of a week bonding programme in France, and Wasps at the Galway Sportsground, Lam has added a visit to his former English club Newcastle Falcons.
“I definitely wanted three pre season matches, and then to have a physical hit-out before getting into the season. As a new coach and working with new players, I will give everyone an opportunity.
“We have 60 players and there are genuine opportunities if they put in the work because I know we are going to need everybody.
“We don’t have stars to rely on, but the key is our teamwork, so spending a lot of time together, whether it is doing strength and conditioning, rugby, or off the field, is crucial.”
Currently missing are some 10 players, including centres Dave McSharry and Kyle Tonetti who are likely to be out till November as they continue their rehabilitation after surgery.
The first of the trio of new signings from Down Under, flanker Jake Heenan, the former u-20 New Zealand captain, will arrive this week; Samoan fullback James So’oialo is a couple of weeks away; and lock Craig Clarke will see out the Super season with the Chiefs, which currently leads the New Zealand Conference.
Ireland’s emerging squad members, Eoin Griffin, Eoin McKeon and Tiernan O’Halloran, will join on July 15 following the return of new Ireland cap Robbie Henshaw and Kieron Marmion from the US tour.
Lam has already held one-to-ones with his squad members, who, he says, have returned to summer training in “good nick”.
“Everyone has met their targets and looked after themselves in the break, but the most pleasing aspect has been their attitude. I have done one-on-ones and getting ideas of what they want to achieve and where they want to go as individuals, and then collectively as group, so it is a good start.
“ The main thing for us - obviously we do not have the internationals or resources of our competition, is our team work - so across the board we are about improving all our skills, having real clarity of how we play, what each person’s job is, and then putting a big focus on our culture.”
