A LOCAL rugby team have been put through their paces by the RAF.

Hook & Odiham RFC, who start their first Hampshire 2 league campaign next month following their promotion last season, were invited to RAF Odiham and were challenged with team building challenges.

This included use of the low ropes course, and the event demonstrated the way that the Air Force train their personnel.

It was also intended to work with the community to develop teamwork and generate an interest in the RAF.

Rob Cruikshanks, Head Coach of Hook & Odiham RFC, said: “Leaders can be naturally found in training exercises such as low ropes and equally as important so can followers.

“Selling an idea to a team as opposed to telling a team will always work more effectively in my opinion, again this was realised whilst carrying out low ropes exercises.”

The Stags open up their season with three consecutive home games, against Petersfield II, Winchester II and Stoneham, on consecutive weekends beginning on 14 September.

The club will be hoping for another good season, after two promotions in two years just three years after being formed.

Rob continued: “The time spent on the Low Ropes facility was one that all the players and coaches valued greatly and definitely something which would be recommended to others to test themselves.

“More importantly however, it will now offer the Stags the confidence to question their actions on the field and assure themselves that as a team the right decision will be made.

“On behalf of the Stags I would like to thanks RAF Odiham for hosting us so well and helping the Stags develop as a team that much better.”