CATALANS DRAGONS stepped up their preparations for the new season with a taste of army training.
Head coach Joel Tomkins took his first-team squad to the national commando training centre in Collioure, 15 miles south-east of Perpignan, last week.
On the banks of the Mediterranean and in the shadow of the Pyrenees, Catalans’ players were put through their paces in a range of activities.
As well as trying their hand at abseiling, canoeing and kayaking, they also tackled a typical army assault course.
Along with the fitness benefits, the trip was also a bonding exercise for a largely new-look Dragons.
Tomkins has made connecting his players a top priority for his first pre-season at the helm.
Catalans have recruited a dozen new faces, eight of them Australian and four English, in an attempt to revive their fortunes after this year’s ninth-place finish.
“We have to take time to build those relationships and combinations, both on and off the field,” said Tomkins.
Meanwhile, Catalans’ home game with Wigan Warriors in Paris next year will now be a double-header with the final of the French domestic competition.
The Super XIII decider will precede the Super League affair at Stade Jean Boiun, with kick-offs of 4.30pm local time (3.30pm UK) and 7.30pm (6.30pm UK) respectively.