George Ford is happy to be back training with his Tigers team-mates after three months away from Oval Park.
The international fly-half was one of almost 50 Leicester players to re-commence squad sessions this week, under strict guidelines in place as part of Phase One of return to training.
"As cliché as it is, we can only take it day by day, week by week, and keep working hard, building towards being back on the pitch, playing"
Speaking to LeicesterTigers.com after the final session of the week, Ford said: “It has been great being back, after a long time training alone.”
In line with the new protocols in place at Oval Park, players have been split into groups of no more than 10 and are limited to a handful of strength exercises in the Tigers gym and conditioning drills on the pitch – all while maintaining strict social distancing rules at two metres or more.
And, while players have kept up a base level of fitness during lock-down, the 27-year-old says the return saw the group put into some “tough situations” by the club’s S&C staff.
“The sessions have been tough, we have been put into some tough situations but what has been pleasing is the way all the boys have taken the challenge on,” added Ford.
Premiership Rugby have proposed a mid-August date for the re-commencement of the current season, only eight weeks away, and Ford admitted it was a “strange period” for the playing group and focus must remain on daily and weekly improvements.
“It’s a strange period, not knowing exactly when we might be playing again but the coaches have a plan in place,” Ford said.
“And, as cliché as it is, we can only take it day by day, week by week, and keep working hard, building towards being back on the pitch, playing.”
