The ACT Brumbies are taking their relocation to Newcastle in their stride and refusing to let it hinder their preparation for Super Rugby's earliest start in history.
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The Brumbies have shifted their training base to the University of Newcastle for a 10-day camp as hazardous air quality continues to linger over the capital.
The clock's ticking for the Brumbies to be ready for their opening round clash with the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on January 31.
The high-humidity and post-Christmas runs in the Hunter Valley were a shock to the system for the club's stars, but veteran prop James Slipper says the move has been a minor disruption to their short pre-season.
"It's been tough, it's hot and humid in Newcastle. The boys have only just come back together and are training really hard to make sure we're prepared for round one," Slipper said.
"I'm assuming the next ten days are going to be just as hard.
"It's different but all the players and the club have done a pretty good job with just getting on with work and making sure we turn up to each training session ready to go.
"There's other people doing it a lot worse than us so we're not in a position to complain and we're just here to work hard and prepare for the season."
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The Brumbies have little more than two weeks to prepare their new-look side for their only trial match against the Melbourne Rebels on January 23.
The Super Rugby club are coming to terms with the loss of some of their biggest names after David Pocock and Christian Lealiifano were among the players to leave at the end of last season.
The Brumbies will throw all their firepower into the pre-season match to give their new blood an opportunity to prove themselves and create combinations ahead of the season.
There is no Wallabies resting protocols this year, meaning props Slipper, Allan Alaalatoa and Scott Sio will be available to play alongside their new teammates at the trial.
The Brumbies' prop stocks have been bolstered by Harry Lloyd and Shambeckler Vui, while Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin and Tom Ross return for another season.
Slipper has had just a handful of training sessions since returning from Wallabies duty, but is already impressed with the new recruits.
"The new players are full of enthusiasm and are ready to get stuck in," Slipper said.
"They're working hard. They're vying for an opportunity to play for the Brumbies and pushing us older blokes to keep up with them. It's proven to be a good training outfit."
Slipper has one year left on his contract and is yet to decide on his future. He's vowed to make the most of his remaining time in the capital and hopes to finish on a high.
"At the moment, I'm not too sure what I'm going to do," Slipper said.
"I'm still up in the air, it is my last year at the Brumbies but I'm actually feeling pretty young body wise and I feel like I'm playing well.
"It would be nice to have a good final year for them if this was my last year."