ROYAL Wootton Bassett will be hoping for a strong start to life in the Southern Counties North division after some expert help in training.

Alan Low’s side have a new sponsor on side for the new season in the form of Extreme Nutrition.

That relationship has already paid dividends after two-time Britain’s Strongest Man winner Laurence Shahlaei taking one of the pre-season training sessions.

The 32-year-old put the squad through their paces and new captain David Hogg believes it will help them to muscle in on their opposition.

“Training has been really good and we started off with caveman and it is now showing the benefits,” he said.

“A lot of people have got stronger and the running has been pretty tough, but it is all in the name of rugby and it should benefit us come the start of the campaign.

“He was just giving us pointers on the training we should be doing for rugby, so it was more explosive work and less reps.

“It is something that is more significant to rugby, rather than just going into the gym and trying to lift as much weight as you can.

“I think it should help us, because I have seen a lot of new faces in the gym, so a lot of people are taking it on board.

“Hopefully the hard work now will pay dividends when we step out for the first game of the season.”