The national team, which originally undertook a series of fitness testing sessions at the University in September last year, were once again put through their paces by Human Performance Laboratory Manager Gary Peters, his team of student helpers, and the England coaches.
England Women's Touch (rugby) team Head Coach Samantha Phillips, said: "The aim of retesting was not only to evaluate progress and identify areas for further improvement, but also to ensure the girls are on the right track to undertake the fitness demands that the Touch World Cup will place on their bodies."
The World Cup, which will commence in April and is being held in Coffs Harbour, Australia, will require the team to play three 40 minute games per day for up to five days, and it is important that players' fitness levels are monitored as the competition nears.
As well as fitness assessments, the squad of 20 players was also given some helpful advice on training and performance by Bucks New University's Mr Peters.
"I gave the squad a short talk on three ergogenic aids to give them some food for thought on aiding training and performance, and I also held drop in sessions for their fitness programmes," he commented.
Renowned mental conditioning coach and Bucks graduate Richard Dean delivered a presentation on sports psychology and also held individual sessions with the squad members to discuss their mental preparation for the tournament.
The University's helpers were BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science student Cliff Service, and BSc (Hons) Sports Science and Coaching Studies students Bobby Dickinson, Aquila Burgess and Ohio Orumen.
The weekend concluded with a series of friendly games against Bucks New University's first XV.
Main picture caption: Gary Peters training members of the England Touch (rugby) team.
Second picture caption: The England squad training in the Gateway Events Hall.
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