It's strictly 'boot camp' for Bay NPC squad

Professional rugby isn't all about flash hotels and being waited on -- at least not for the Bay of Plenty NPC squad this week.

The squad are living rough and training tough in their version of boot camp in Whakatane.

Cooking their own breakfasts, dossing down at an Ohope motor camp and doing the laundry are just some of the everyday tasks they are undertaking.

It's a long way from their last outing when they prepared in first-class accommodation in Tauranga ahead of their clash with the Lions in June.

BOP manager Craig Morris said the week wasn't about comfort.

"We make sure we don't provide a lot of luxury this week. They bring their own sheets and sleeping bags, there's no Sky TV -- it's a week of work," he said.

And the hard work started in earnest for the Steamers -- minus Samoan international Paul Tupai and Tonga's Taufaa'o Filise -- on Monday with a gym session in Tauranga.

Tuesday started with a run at sunrise before a quick bite and opening team run under the eye of coach Vern Cotter and assistants Kevin Schuler and Andre Bell.

While the sweat was still wet, they hit the gym, where fitness trainer Keith Roberts put the tiring players through core stability and co-ordination exercises.

Roberts believes the Steamers are in the best physical condition they have been in during his five seasons in the job.

Players donned boxing gloves, with hooker Aleki Lutui showing ability, while new recruit Warren Smith looked like a man not to be messed with.

They did get lunch -- a selection of sandwiches, rolls, pizza, fruit and creamy rice. It came with a two-hour break before a video analysis session and then defensive training back at Rugby Park.

Cotter had promised to flog them.

"Get some blood on the jersey," he half-grinned.

This week's pre-season camp is the first the union has undertaken within the region during Cotter's reign, with the last three held in Palmerston North, Gisborne and Whangamata.

There were two open training sessions, one yesterday and one this morning, before a captain's run tomorrow as final touches are added to their buildup to Saturday's match against the touring Japanese Toyota side in Tauranga.

Bay of Plenty's NPC campaign begins against Otago in Dunedin on August 14.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)