RICHARD Thorpe is confident that Chinnor’s off-pitch work during lockdown will enable his players to hit the ground running this week.

Monday’s easing of lockdown restrictions marked stage D1 of the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) roadmap for the return of the community game, with clubs allowed to hold contact training except for scrums or mauls.

Chinnor’s senior squad held their first session of 2021 on Tuesday and are back at Kingsey Road tonight, while the women’s, juniors and minis sections also restart over the course of this week.

The first XV had not trained since December 22, but the Thame-based outfit have been keeping a close eye on their players’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Like everyone else, Chinnor’s players at all levels have faced plenty of challenges during the third national lockdown and the club have ensured they feel supported.

Asked if their teams have found the last few months of the pandemic the hardest, director of rugby Thorpe said: “On one side yes, because it’s longer, it was winter and it’s not novel anymore.

“On the other side, we’ve been able to adapt and be as inventive as we can to ensure we’re still supporting our players.

“I want them playing to the best of their ability, and what they do on the field is impacted by what happens off it.

“If they don’t feel supported, it’s unlikely we’ll get the best out of them.

“From a duty of care perspective, we want to be looking after our people.”

Since retiring from the professional game in 2016, Thorpe has worked with mental health service provider Cognacity to identify the lifestyle and behavioural changes that can affect an individual’s wellbeing.

He shared his knowledge during Chinnor’s eight-week ‘rugby resilience’ video series, where experienced players gave advice on how to deal with challenging times.

The club have also supported members of the senior squad on an individual basis and Thorpe is proud of the advice they have offered.

He said: “It has put us in a good position, as we’ve got a hungry squad returning.

“This has been an opportunity to look at the mental health space.

“We came into the season wanting to go above and beyond what other clubs at our level are doing.

“It’s been a fantastic learning experience.

“When we come out of Covid we’ll still be there.”

Chinnor captain Caolan Ryan looks to find a teammate during the Thame-based side’s first training session back Picture: David Howlett

Chinnor captain Caolan Ryan looks to find a teammate during the Thame-based side’s first training session back Picture: David Howlett

Chinnor captain Caolan Ryan looks to find a teammate during the Thame-based side’s first training session back Picture: David Howlett

Chinnor cannot play friendlies under adapted laws until April 26 at the earliest and they will look to organise games for next month.

But it will be a gradual return for the senior squad, who have not played a competitive match since last March.

Chinnor initially restarted training in June, but the 2020/21 season was cancelled and they eventually stopped sessions in December with Covid cases rising.

The NCA Cup, a competition organised to provide teams with meaningful games earlier this year, was then scrapped before it began.

But with all restrictions set to be lifted in June, Thorpe is hopeful Chinnor will be able to start pre-season in July and compete in a normal league campaign from September.

He said: “As with anyone, we need consistency and purpose in our lives and it can be very challenging when that’s taken away.

“But it feels like this time there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

“I’m confident the boys will be ready to rock and roll.”