YOUNG rugby stars swapped scrums for square bashing when they went on manoeuvers with the British Army.

The squad of Newport Youth RFC enlisted the help of the Army to prepare for the gruelling season ahead - and ended up getting some 'in the field' training.

Following in the footsteps of Ian McGeechan's 1997 British Lions, who were one of the first rugby sides to opt for military-style preparations, the youngsters boarded a coach to Elizabeth Barracks in Pirbright, Surrey, over the weekend, for a two-and-a-half day Army training programme.

Members of the Welsh Guards accompanied the team on Exercise Eye Opener, which was co-ordinated by youth team coaches Dai Gray and Mike Sage.

After a full briefing the squad was split into several teams and players were issued with their kit for the exercise.

The teams immediately got stuck into a series of 'command tasks' designed to test their ability to think laterally around problems and operate cohesively as a unit.

Exercise Eye Opener also tested the squad's ability to handle various military skills, such as camouflage and concealment, a reconnaissance patrol and construction of a basha (a small shelter in which to survive in the field).

After a night spent under the stars, the players were then put through their paces on the infamous Pirbright assault course.

Player Lee Meades said: "The weekend was really successful as a team building exercise and we also learned something about our individual characters.

"The boys all enjoyed the weekend and it helped to cement us as a group. The physical and mental activities should stand us in good stead for the season ahead."

Corporal Michael Smith, of the Welsh Guards, was pleased with the way the exercise went.

"The Newport lads showed real spirit and determination to complete some of the challenges and I think a few of them surprised themselves a bit," he said.

"Hopefully we've helped them in terms of team building and they can take some of what they've learned into the season ahead."military skills, such as camouflage and concealment, a reconnaissance patrol and construction of a basha (a small shelter in which to survive in the field).

After a night spent under the stars, the players were then put through their paces on the infamous Pirbright assault course.

Player Lee Meades said: "The weekend was really successful as a team building exercise and we also learned something about our individual characters.

"The boys all enjoyed the weekend and it helped to cement us as a group. The physical and mental activities should stand us in good stead for the season ahead."

Corporal Michael Smith, of the Welsh Guards, was pleased with the way the exercise went.

"The Newport lads showed real spirit and determination to complete some of the challenges and I think a few of them surprised themselves a bit," he said.

"Hopefully we've helped them in terms of team building and they can take some of what they've learned into the season ahead."