Get ready to work hard and work smart.

That’s the message to the Huddersfield Rugby Union squad when they return to pre-season training on Tuesday, June 30.

Strength and conditions coach Rob Leighton will be in charge of the session, which begins at Lockwood Park at 6.45.

Leighton and Head Coach Gareth Lewis intend the players to be as fit as possible for the National II North campaign, which begins at home to South Leicester on Saturday, September 5.

And they’ve enlisted the help of one of the biggest names in the sport – Phil Larder.

Phil Larder during training

The former England defensive coach – who went on two tours with the British & Irish Lions – will take a defensive session at Lockwood Park on Tuesday, July 28.

“I believe we have put a really exciting yet challenging programme together and I’m hoping the boys respond when they return on June 30,” said Lewis.

“I’m aiming for the squad to be fitter than at any time in the last two years.

“In order to compete with the best teams, you have to be the fittest team.

“Everything falls apart if you aren’t supremely fit – your ability to communicate, to make good decisions and your ability to lay at a high tempo and sustain that.”

On Tuesday July 14 and Thursday 16, there will be fitness testing at the University of Huddersfield.

Then, on Thursday July 23, Lewis steps things up with a live forwards and backs session involving Cleckheaton RUFC at Lockwood Park.

As the pre-season build-up continues, there will be a Probables v Possibles on the first-team pitch on Tuesday, August 18.

Four days later, on the Saturday, the First XV and Falcons will visit Dore Moor to play Sheffield Tigers.

The following Thursday, August 27, the Firsts take on Yorkshire Carnegie at Lockwood Park in a final warm-up match.

Then it’s the big kick-off against South Leicester, when Lewis is determined to hit the ground running.