We have been working on our defence and unit skills and, as is the case at this stage, a number of the players are beginning to carry little knocks and strains as a result of these early contact sessions. These will reduce as the players become body hardened, but is will also be an issue during the early rugby sessions.

On top of this, the pitches are hard as a result of the recent hot weather and the lack of rain there has been in the Aldershot area in recent weeks. You can only water the pitches so much, particularly when they are being used everyday.

We are now just a week away before our first full game against Bedford at Goldington Road on Wednesday 11th August, kick-off 7.30pm. Although we have not picked the team yet, it will no doubt be a strong side with many of our new signings taking the field for the first time.

This Friday and Saturday (6th and 7th August) sees the Compass Group International Sevens competition take place at the Stoop. Our own side will include four England Sevens internationals in Ugo Monye, Kai Horstmann, Luke Sherriff and Tom Williams as well as a number of exciting other players.

Some of the opposition teams are made up of some truly world class players and it should be a great event at the Stoop; one that may become a permanent event of its own, as well as being ideal preparation for the Middlesex Sevens a week later (14th August) at Twickenham.

On the recruitment front, we are close to making a further addition to the squad but as yet we are not in a position to confirm this signing. I appreciate that there has been much speculation amongst our supporters as to who we will be signing.

We have made it clear that we are looking for a scrum half and a second row, but we have also made it clear that we will only sign players who will add something to the squad that we already have. Sometimes this takes a little longer than we may wish, but it is very important that we sign the right players for the right reason.

It is now just over a month to go before the start of the Zurich Premiership season and our preparations are at full throttle. Hopefully we will see many of you at the Stoop this Friday and Saturday for the first rugby action of the new season.