Dry weather forces changes to Barry RFC's pre-season trainning

July’s series of heatwaves has forced changes to Barry RFC’s planned build-up to the new rugby season, with the rock-hard Reservoir Field pitch ruling out full-contact sessions due to the risk of injury.

“The ground is so hard,” said head coach Mike Morgan, “it’s all burnt and like concrete out there. It’s not just rock hard, but in some areas it’s split. It’s as hard as a frozen pitch, and I’m treating it in training almost like it’s a frozen pitch.

“It’s not just making contact with the ground, but the impact through the legs with running,” problems which could mean changes to the Bombers’ scheduled pre-season fixtures as Barry will not risk a repeat of August last year, when key players Aled Rees and Rhys Powell were lost to long-term injuries suffered in a warm-up fixture on a hard pitch.

Pre-season training started in early June, and has been attracting excellent numbers on Tuesday and Thursday nights. After a week off when the heatwaves started, Morgan and the coaching team have adjusted training accordingly.

“We’ve had to adapt and overcome the challenge,” he said. “The weather has held us back a little bit with full contact ruled out.” But fitness, skills and the set-piece have all been worked on. “We are pushing them quite hard, but no-one is backing down and not coming back on Thursday because Tuesday was difficult.”

The turnout at training has been encouraging, with the influx of former Youth players helping to boost numbers, meaning increased competition for places for the new season in Admiral National League Division 2 East Central, which starts with a home fixture against Cardiff Quins on September 12.

Barry have scheduled pre-season home games against Glamorgan Wanderers on Saturday, August 8 (2.30pm) and Brynmawr the following Saturday. The Bombers are due to visit Nantyffylon on August 22, and then a Barry Athletic XV hosts a Blaenavon Athletic XV on August 29.

*Barry RFC has been awarded Platinum Club Accreditation by the Welsh Rugby Union - the highest level of accreditation available.

This recognition reflects the huge amount of work that takes place across the club, both on and off the field, and is a testament to the dedication of the committee, coaches, volunteers, team managers, players and everyone who gives their time to Barry RFC.

As part of the WRU’s new Investment Model, the club has also been awarded just under £18,000 in funding for the 2026/27 season, supporting the continued work and development across the club.