Senior internationals who have been on tours to the southern hemisphere and the England Saxons players involved in the Churchill Cup have a later return date, but head coach Richard Cockerill has welcomed his other players back to work at Oval Park.
“Everyone has had a decent break since the end of the season and now we can start all over again,” said Cockerill.
“The first phase of the summer is about conditioning ahead of a long season, combined with some rugby skills work, then the second phase is based on the rugby work and pre-season fixtures running up to the start of the new season in September.
“The players work hard, that has always been the culture here, but we have to also keep in mind that it is a long and tough season.
“Alex Martin is in charge of strength and conditioning work and he knows exactly how much he wants from the players at this stage of the year.”
Among the first players to check in at Oval Park were summer signings Rob Hawkins from Bath, former Leeds Carnegie prop Pete Bucknall and ex-Bristol wing Lee Robinson.
The build-up to the new season will feature fixtures against French side Brive (away) on Friday, August 6 (8pm), against Nottingham at Meadow Lane on Friday, August 13 (7pm), Munster in Cork on Friday, August 20 and then the home game against Leinster at Welford Road on Friday, August 27 (7.30pm). Entry to the Leinster game is free to season ticket holders and just £10 adult, £5 junior for all other supporters. Tickets are on sale now.
