Wales’ World Cup rugby team has undergone some unusual training methods, according to their coach Warren Gatland. Gatland is known for his gruelling training methods, which appear to have surpassed previous efforts this year. The Welsh team were tested mentally during a training session with the army, undertaking power endurance stuff, carrying logs uphill and then having to go into a pool, according to the coach. They were also challenged psychologically with what Gatland described as methods that sound a lot like water-boarding. They did some stuff where we had them put in hoods, having water tipped over them when they weren’t expecting it, he said. Despite some concerns that the methods were excessive or even comical, it seems the Welsh players enjoyed the session. The boys had a bit of lunch, we put some beers on, some had a beer and stayed there for about an hour and enjoyed each other’s company, Gatland said.
The Welsh team may need all the help they can get, particularly given recent events. The team lost players Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric to retirement, whilst the handling of Rhys Carré’s exclusion from the squad was criticised and Ken Owens is injured. Gatland, therefore, may feel the need to do something drastic to turn things around, especially given the poor state of Welsh Rugby. While the methods utilised during the army training session may be somewhat controversial, Gatland seems determined to do whatever it takes to get his team ready for France in 2023.
