Getting ready to play on harder ground

As the sun beats down the ground is getting harder. Even if there wasn't a hose pipe ban it would require an unfeasibly large amount of water to soften things up so - unless it really starts raining - its going to be pretty solid by the middle and end of May.

So could you all please get some strapping or similar for your knees and - probably - elbows as well, and start wearing it to training as well as for the sevens. Its not going to reduce the effect of major impacts, but at the very least it will at least cut down on cuts and bruises.

Also if the ground is hard you might want to see if its easier on your feet to wear trainers rather than studded boots (though forwards - esepecially U17s - might still prefer boots). Light trainers may also give you an extra yard or so of pace which might make all the difference.