A quick prick in the gym was a "no-brainer" for ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar, who says getting his first flu shot was an easy decision as Super Rugby sets its sights on a reset.
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McKellar and the Brumbies were back together for on-field training on Tuesday, starting in small groups before progressing to more physical work in the coming months.
Players are having their temperature tested in a tent before entering the building and exercise and gym equipment is being sanitised at the end of each session as per Rugby Australia regulations.
Getting the flu shot was not part of the requirements to train or play, but the Brumbies say every member of the squad has had the immunisation.
The flu shot has caused drama in the NRL, with several players - including three Canberra Raiders - refusing to be immunised. The Queensland government says players must have the shot to play or train in the state.
"That's for the doc and the health authorities to worry about, I don't think there will be any issues with our players. Medical experts only ask you to get the flu injection if they think it's in your best interests, so it's a no-brainer for me," McKellar said.
"The doc jabbed me on my way into the gym a couple of weeks ago ... I've never really got the flu injection myself [in the past] because I didn't feel like I needed it. But I was walking through the gym, he stuck a needle in my arm and explained what it was so I'm good to go."
The flu shot aside, the rugby shutdown has given the Brumbies extra time to finalise their recruitment and retention strategy despite the uncertainty surrounding the game's future in Australia.
Super Rugby clubs have agreed to pause contract negotiations and any pursuit of recruits for the time being to focus on trying to restart the competition.
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The Brumbies managed to re-sign James Slipper and Irae Simone before the shutdown, while Allan Alaalatoa, Scott Sio, Folau Faingaa, Rob Valetini, Tom Banks and Pete Samu committed to contract extensions last year. Scrumhalf Nic White is also set to arrive in the coming months after a stint in Europe.
Kurtley Beale has signed with Paris-based Racing 92, and French clubs and Japanese teams are expected to be the biggest threat to keeping Australian talent in Australia when rugby resumes.
"We'd started the season well, built really good momentum and we were also in a really good position in terms of contracting and putting our list together for 2021 as well," McKellar said.
"I don't think there's too many markets throughout the world that are too aggressive at the moment in signing players or coaches so I've just got to make sure I do my job well and lead well in what's a stressful time for the club.
"It's certainly challenging, it's challenging for everyone at the moment, society in general. If you owned a pub or had your own business, your cafe or whatever it'd be it'd be challenging in those situations as well.
"We're pretty fortunate here that our players are paid to train and look after themselves physically which in turn looks after their mental health or plays a role in making sure they're healthy between the ears as well and that's really important."