A NUMBER OF Warren Gatland’s Lions squad have assembled in Wales for an intensive training camp as preparations for this summer’s tour of New Zealand begin in earnest.
With many players still involved with their clubs ahead of the weekend’s Guinness Pro12 and Aviva Premiership semi-finals, the Lions coaching staff have been working with reduced numbers at the WRU’s National Centre of Excellence.
Ulster’s Rory Best, Jared Payne and Iain Henderson are among the players being put through their paces and after a long, hard season recovery is key ahead of a grueling tour.
After a weights session this morning, the players headed for what we can only assume are cryotherapy chambers and Dan Sheridan of Inpho photography was given access all areas to bring us these interesting shots.
Sam Warburton, Ross Moriarty and Greig Laidlaw
Joe Marler and Sam Warburton
Ireland captain Rory Best
Jonathan Joseph looks to be in decent shape
Jared Payne couldn’t get out of there quick enough
Gatland is a big fan of cryotherapy sessions and previously packed his Wales squad off to Poland before the 2011 World Cup to avail of the chambers over there.
Cryotherapy is designed to accelerate the recovery process through the draining of lactic acid and players generally spend three minutes in a chamber set at a temperate of -250 degrees.
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail and all that.
Rory Best in the gym this morning
Sam Warburton putting in the hard work
Jared floating
Iain Henderson; a picture of concentration
As was Joe Marler
The boss watching over proceedings
Ben Te’o stretching
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