EXCLUSIVE: LINEEN LOOKS FOR POWERFUL START AFTER PUNISHING PRE-SEASON 

Where are all the Glasgow Warriors players this week? The answer: catching their breath after an exhaustive pre-season regime that has taken them to the beaches of Arbroath, the sun-blushed fields of France and the four sweat-drenched walls of the Palace of Art gym in Bellahouston Park.

The Warriors now have just two weeks of game preparation before facing reigning Magners League champions Munster at home in the opening weekend of the season.

But although the pre-season finish line is in sight, it is just the starting line for head coach Sean Lineen and his squad.

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“There’s certainly not been any ticking of boxes thinking that we’ve done that so we’re going to be a good team now,” said the Grand Slam winning Scotland centre, “we’ve certainly learnt a lesson over the last season that we can’t let up.

“The boys have bought into that and have shown fantastic attitude in everything we’ve asked of them.”

The way in which the squad has applied itself to the refreshing ethos of a Sean Lineen hungry for significant improvement in his squad - which contains some of the most sought-after talent in Europe - is testament not only to the coaching staff, but to the senior players who have picked up the baton and engrained thirst for success into their team-mates.

“The coaches have had to dig deep over the summer and look at how we approach things and try to re-address how things are done. I think we’ve done that now and we have re-invigorated the squad.

“We’ve also brought in some key new faces with the likes of Chris Cusiter and those senior players like Al Kellock, Cusiter, Dan Parks, Graeme Morrison and Bernie Stortoni have all been vital in getting this group together and helping make key decisions both on and off the field.”

Following a staggered break depending on individual commitments over the summer, be it lifting the IRB Nations Cup in Romania or helping Canada qualify for the next Rugby World Cup, the players assembled for an intensive training day at the Royal Marines’ base at RM Condor in Arbroath.

“Condor was fantastic on the psychological side,” said Lineen, “and it’s great that we can now reflect on those experiences throughout the season.”

It was then time to board a flight to the more relaxed surroundings of Issoire in France. But as those who gathered for the Challenge Auvergne tournament soaked up the glorious sunshine, the Warriors squad flogged themselves even further in two testing matches coupled with a rigorous fitness programme for those not selected to play.

“France was another a great opportunity for the squad. Stade Rochelais were just one point away from promotion into the Top 14. The French sides are a good few weeks ahead of us in terms of what stage they are at ahead of their season starting but we went out there to test our defence and we got a real good workout in that department.”

A familiar occurrence on Glasgow’s pre-season tours to France is the emergence of the younger players who, given their chance to shine in a Glasgow jersey, thrive.

“Peter Murchie arrived from London Welsh a little out of shape so the fitness conditioners have done a great job with him and Peter Horne was player of the day against Stade Rochelais.

“Colin Shaw was a revelation on the wing and put in two outstanding performances in France.

“It’s up to these guys to increase the competition in the squad and it was very encouraging to see how they shaped up against tough opposition.”

Now with a lot of the rest, recovery and relentless fitness out of the way, the players have been awarded a free week before facing Doncaster at Castle Park next weekend and welcoming London Wasps to Firhill on Friday 28 August. Both games kick-off at 7:30pm.

“The players are now on a week off and we are looking forward to another two contrasting games against Doncaster and Wasps.

“Doncaster are a bit like Stade Rochelais in that they are big, hard and tough. Wasps have recruited well during the summer and have got that arrogance about them because they know how good they are.”

Although Lineen is confident that the preparation for the new campaign has been meticulous, he also realises that unless it brings results, it will mean little.

“Pre-season will mean nothing if we don’t start the season well come kick-off against Munster.

“The players have shown a great degree of respect and responsibility so I’m confident they will give a good account of themselves.”