IT may feel that summer is just getting into its stride, but Worcester Warriors are already gearing up for the new season.

With the mouth-watering opening day Guinness Premiership clash with Gloucester still two months away, the Sixways side are back in training.

Sunning themselves on a beach will be a distant memory for players as they knuckle down to the hard graft of pre-season programmes ahead of Worcester's second season in the top flight.

After returning on Wednesday, the focus is on Gloucester's Sky Sports-televised visit on September 4, via August friendlies with Llanelli Scarlets and Benetton Treviso.

Director of rugby John Brain, who has recruited nine players since the end of last season, said: "They are in good spirits and the atmosphere among them is good.

"Most of them have had five-and-a-half weeks off and some a little bit more than that.

"The players from now until the start of the season will be in five days a week and they have got a programme that is based around strength and general rugby conditioning. As we move closer to games, there's more and more rugby."

Brain is also conscious of not putting too much strain on players and for that reason has granted a few extra recuperation time.

England's Churchill Cup-winning captain Pat Sanderson and summer signing Andy Gomarsall, also with the touring party in Canada, will both have time off before next month.

Brain added: "We have got to be a little bit more sensible with Pat Sanderson and Andy Gomarsall, but other than that the guys will be straight into it.

"Pat's looking to have a couple of weeks off, but he is training fully at the moment.

"We are going to give Andy Gomarsall some rest until July 22 because he's basically played rugby around the clock for two years solid. We need to make sure he recharges his batteries."

Three other players, all new squad additions, will also join late. Brain explained: "Jonny Tuamoheloa is committed to play for Tonga in the Pacific Tri-Nations but he will be with us mid-way through the month.

"Emiliano Bergamaschi is on honeymoon and will be with us on July 11 and Shane Drahm had some business to attend to in Australia so, again, we are expecting him around the 11th."