Widnes Vikings have been gearing up for the new rugby league season with an array of fitness tests.

The testing was conducted with support from sports science academics and students at Wrexham University.

The pre-season training day was a result of the strong partnership between the university and the team.

Joining the team for a day of rigorous testing were the university’s sports and exercise science and sports injury rehabilitation staff and students.

The tests were conducted using the latest equipment and facilities at the university, including their new Biomechanics and Performance Sciences Laboratory.

The day kicked off with a general health screening, which included blood pressure readings and anthropometry measurements.

Each player's height, weight, and body composition were assessed to determine their muscle mass and body fat percentage.

The players also completed a beep test, a 20-metre shuttle run measuring the athlete's aerobic capacity.

Widnes Vikings staff conducted concussion testing with the team to inform any in-season assessment, in the event of a head or brain injury.

This provided a valuable learning opportunity for sports injury and rehabilitation students who were able to observe the tests.

First-year sports injury and rehabilitation student, Jenny Coppock, said: "It's been a fantastic learning experience to have the opportunity to have face-to-face time and experience with a professional rugby league team."

The players completed three performance tests in the biomechanics lab, all focused on power and strength.

These included the countermovement jump, the Nordic hamstring test, and hip abduction/adduction testing.

Some players had the opportunity to try out the new anti-gravity treadmill, a piece of equipment designed for athletes recovering from injury.

The team was put through their paces (Image: Supplied) Amadeusz Arczewski, a final-year sport and exercise science student, said: "This is just one of the many great opportunities I've had while at Wrexham University to get real-world, practical experience with athletes."

Dr Chelsea Batty, principal lecturer in sport and exercise science, said: "It's been fantastic to welcome Widnes Vikings to the university for their pre-season testing.

"It's a great opportunity to showcase our advanced testing facilities and equipment and the consultancy we can offer using various physiological and biomechanic tests."

Widnes Vikings head coach, Allan Coleman, added: "Coming to the university has offered the experience of a full-time environment in an elite sports club.

"It's emphasised that importance with the players on their performance and the future as we move forward as a team."

The day concluded with several psychological tests and team-building exercises.

They then headed to the university's new Cyber Innovation Academy to take part in an escape room challenge.

The pre-season testing day was supported by a Knowledge Transfer Voucher.

Further information on Knowledge Transfer Vouchers, the ladder of innovation, and the support available to businesses and organisations at Wrexham University can be found on the university's website.