It was with great pleasure and pride that Saundersfoot recently played host to the Welsh Rugby Union National Squad.

After viewing Pembrokeshire, the national squad manager selected Saundersfoot as an ideal base for their training camp prior to their South African tour.

Staying at the St. Brides Hotel, the squad commenced training on the immaculate playing fields of the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club, especially prepared for them by groundsman Barry Phillips and his staff.

Pontypridd and Llanelli players had not been included in the squad due to their involvement in the Principality Cup Final on the following Saturday. Neil Jenkins was making a welcome return to the squad after injury and was keen to impress.

On Monday afternoon, the squad began with light training, coach Steve Hansen running a critical eye over the players on display.

Tuesday and Wednesday sessions became more intense affairs, the forwards practising mauling and also lineouts, ingeniously using a set of netball posts, kindly loaned by Greenhill School.

The threequarters were put through their paces by Scott Johnson and by the end of the week were looking polished and cohesive.

By now, news of the squad's activity in Saundersfoot had spread and crowds of spectators and schoolchildren were rewarded with photographs and autographs, with the players only too willing to oblige.

On Wednesday night, a barbecue was held at St. Brides Hotel with invited guests from Tenby Rugby Club and Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club, who were presented with autographed memorabilia.

An enjoyable evening ensued, with the players mixing well - but noticeably only consuming soft drinks.

Thursday was a day of relaxation for the squad after the hectic training schedules of Tuesday and Wednesday. Some players had a round of golf in the morning, with them all going clay pigeon shooting in the afternoon.

Thursday evening saw the squad in Tenby enjoying the hospitality of local rugby star, Mike Evans, with a meal at The Mews.

Friday, the last day of training, saw a torrential downpour, but the squad still managed to put in a strenuous session before lunch, revelling in the wet conditions.

Steve Hansen thanked all at the Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club for the facilities put at their disposal.

These facilities, plus the help from Andrew Evans and his staff of the St. Brides Hotel, meant that the squad could train with the minimum of disruption and it is hoped they will return to Saundersfoot for future training camps.