WARRINGTON Wolves players will be sampling the ‘new normal’ today, Thursday.

Ahead of the Super League restart in August, players and coaches will be getting drive-through coronavirus tests at the club’s Padgate training facility this morning.

Assuming they get the all clear, they will be back in training on Monday. Tests will then take place 72 hours before every game to stay as safe as possible.

It won’t be the only change however. Other measures include players training in smaller groups, driving to Padgate already in kit, not taking showers, not car sharing and not being given food after sessions.

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Club doctor Greg Lears, who is a GP in Leigh in his day job, says it will be a huge change.

“This is unlike anything we have ever experienced,” he said.

“Rugby league is a great social sport. The first thing you do in the morning is shake hands or give a hug. There is a lot of contact within the group.

“But that is out of the window now. You will able to look across a room and smile behind a mask.”

As well as regular testing all essential staff, which includes players, coaches and the medical team, must carry out a questionnaire on an app, with 12 key questions on their health ahead of training.

Dr Lears says players will train in small groups of five for most of the time to limit the numbers who would be pulled out if there is a positive test.

He added: “I will also be checking on any symptoms players have, as there are obviously other coughs and colds about. But we will err on the side of caution when it comes to pulling them out.”

Away from coronavirus, it promises to be a busy time for the club’s medical department.

Instead of a two or three month pre-season, players will now be in first team action less than three weeks after resuming training.

While they have been keeping fit at home, it does not compare with the rigours of Super League.

Dr Lears said: “To try and do this in less than three weeks is tough for the players. There are obviously potential risks of injury from returning to a high level of sport in such a short time spell.”