Dollman: Dartmoor session helped squad to gel quickly

PHIL Dollman said the training regime at Exeter Chiefs has helped him settle into his new club quickly.

The Welshman made the switch from Newport Gwent Dragons at the end of last season and has trained with his new colleagues for two weeks.

That has included fitness coach Paddy Anson taking sessions on Exmouth beach, at Exhibition Fields and on Dartmoor with the Royal Marines, which broke down a few barriers.

Dollman admitted he had been a bit quiet at the start of pre-season training but that the session on the moor near Okehampton had brought the players together as a squad.

"Paddy's trying to take us out of our comfort zones every day," Dollman said. "He's presenting us with different challenges.

"Taking us onto the moor was very different to what any rugby player is used to but enjoyable at the same time and good for the team morale.

"The first week or so as a new player is a bit awkward, you're sending the feelers out to see what you get back.

"Some times being in an adverse situation, like being on the moor, throws you together a bit more and you get to understand the other guys in the team.

"I'm the kind of person who keeps myself to myself the majority of the time but I've really got to know the guys in the last two weeks."

The Chiefs got into more rugby-based sessions last week as they stepped up their preparations for the debut Championship season.

Dollman enjoyed having the chance to show what he can do with the ball in his hands.

"It's interesting to see the differences between the two teams I've been at before and the one I'm at now," said Dollman.

"It's always nice to get your hands on the ball and get through some rugby sessions.

"Some of the sessions Rob (Baxter) has put on the table so far have allowed us to show what we can do. In games of touch you can show what you're about."

Tonga fell to a third successive defeat against Japan as they went down 21-19 in the Pacific Nations Cup.

New Exeter centre Suka Hufanga and his teammates are yet to win a match in this summer's competition.

They end their campaign against the Junior All Blacks, already crowned champions, in Suva on Thursday.

Exeter have switched the date of their home Championship clash with Bristol. Having originally been scheduled for Boxing Day, the match will now be played on Sunday, December 27 at 3pm.