WORCESTER Rugby Club's new boys are already packing a punch at Sixways after it was revealed boxing has been introduced into training.

The 10 summer signings have impressed the coaching staff so far with their efforts in Phil Richards' new regime.

However, it is the new boxing session which will get the boys fighting fit for the season ahead.

"It's a great workout for the guys," said director of rugby John Brain. "We are not trying to make them into a fighting team but we had a session on Friday which worked them very hard and it is another aspect of training which the lads can enjoy.

"The new training regime is a hard one. However, the players are enjoying it because it is a challenge. They are thriving on that challenge.

"The session also means that injured players --such as Werner Swanepoel -- can take a full part because it doesn't involve much running and is upper body work."

Club skipper Swanepoel is still struggling to overcome an Achilles injury suffered in April and could miss all of Worcester's pre-season games. That will open the door to new boy Matt Powell and the former Harlequins man is aware that he will have to take his chances in the matches with Stourbridge, Neath-Swansea and Wasps.

"Competition for places at the club is fierce," he said. "And I'm well aware that my position is also the club captain's.

"Werner has a great reputation and is a big personality within the club. However, I'm confident in my own ability and I know that I have to take my chance in the pre-season games.

"I want to get myself a starting slot, consistently play well and keep the position. Everybody wants to play and yes I have a chance to impress with Werner injured."

Swanepoel has been told by doctors to target the September 6 season opener at Otley for his comeback but is desperate to play some part in the warm-up games.

"The Achilles has a lot of scar tissue around it still and it is just a case of getting rid of that by continuing with the rehabilitation programme," said the South African.

"It is still giving me pain but the programme should clear that up and get me ready for the start of the season. It has been a very frustrating time for me because you want to be training fully with the boys, especially the new players.

"However, I've just got to focus on getting back and if I work that bit extra I still feel I can make the Wasps game at the end of the month."