Widnes Vikings have had support from Wrexham University academics and students in pre-season testing.
The Vikings again missed out on a return to Super League in the 2024 RFL Championship season, meaning they’re going into their seventh-successive campaign out of the top flight – this time due to IMG grading.
They finished fifth in the regular season standings, confirming their place ahead of Featherstone Rovers and Sheffield Eagles in the final round of the season.
However, this drama was before they were dumped out of the play-offs at the first stage, losing 27-10 to York City Knights.
Now, as they look to return to the big time, on-field results are again not the be-all and end-all when it comes to promotion.
They’ll still be hoping to compete for titles, and a collaboration with a Welsh University is certainly a unique way to get preparations done.
University helps surprise rugby league team with pre-season testing
Credit: Chris Mangnall/SWpix.com
Academics and students across Wrexham University joined Widnes Vikings’ first team for a day of testing, equipment and facilities – such as a Biomechanics and Performance Sciences Laboratory which opened earlier this year., and now gets to contribute to rugby league.
The day started with general health screening, including blood pressure readings, and measurements such as height, weight, muscle mass and body fat percentage.
Players completed a beep test, while concussion tests were also conducted by the Vikings staff.
They also took part in a team-bonding escape room session ahead of their first pre-season games.
Dr Chelsea Batty, Principal Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome Widnes Vikings to the University for their pre-season testing.
“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our advanced testing facilities and equipment and the consultancy we can offer using various physiological and biomechanic tests. Having students assist with the day’s delivery shows the continued applied experience that the programmes provide at Wrexham University.”
Allan Coleman, Widnes Vikings Head Coach, added: “Coming to the University has offered the experience of a full-time environment in an elite sports club. It’s emphasised that importance with the players on their performance and the future as we move forward as a team.”
