Rhys Lovegrove talks Academy Pre-Season and leaving long lasting legacy

Ahead of Hull KR Academy's first game against Huddersfield Giants on Saturday, Rhys Lovegrove shared how his first pre-season has gone as Academy Head Coach.

"It's been really exciting. We've progressed a lot in such a small period of time, and it's been really good to be part of this journey."

Talking on the Academy's recent weekend trip to Catterick Army Barracks, where the players participated in military style activities, Rhys shared what made it such a good experience for the players.

"It was good to pull a lot of the players out of their comfort zone. We have a very educational system here at Hull KR, and we're very detailed in what we do, so it was nice to pull them out of that environment and challenge them mentally and physically."

In the pre-season fixture against Sheffield Eagles, the first team squad featured Hull KR Academy players, Freddie Watts, Barney Fishwick, George Lauer and Tom Smith. Former Robin knows how important this is to the development of the players:

"It's huge to have any exposure to high quality rugby and high quality players. Some of the feedback I got from some of my younger guys, was really positive about some of the communications and conversations they had with the first team players and that all came about from the Sheffield friendly."

With the Giant's clash just around the corner, Rhys knows what he's looking for in his Academy team's first game:

"I'm really looking forward to it. I've given my players goals about what we want to see and how we want the game to look. It's all part of the process of getting them young players better each week and ready for first grade Rugby.

“So realistically, I'd like to see some form of application of the lessons we've been learning so far. But keeping the ball alive and in action is going to be an interesting process for the lads as some of them haven't played a full game for a long time."

Rhys then went on to say what he wants to achieve (as Academy Head Coach) at the Robins:

"I want the opportunity to build something here that will still be here when I've left. When I was player here, I had some great opportunities and experiences, but it moves on, there's no legacy.

I love the idea that I can have a small say in Hull KR's future, there's players in this group that could go on to win trophies with the Robins, or players that will represent England.

Last time was about me, but this time it's about a lasting legacy we can implement here within the Academy set up for these kids moving forward."