BEN Hinshelwood jets off to Poland tomorrow desperate to keep his World Cup dreams alive.

Worcester Rugby Club's star centre will travel with a Scotland squad to Poland as they begin the countdown to the autumn showpiece event Down Under.

However, this is no ordinary trip. The squad check into Spala for 10 days of extreme work inside a revolutionary cryo-therapy centre which, because of freezing temperatures, allows players to squeeze in more training in less time.

Hinshelwood will face temperatures of minus 130C in the chamber as players bid to improve their recovery potential.

The venue has already been used by Premiership champions Wasps to good effect and the 26-year-old was hoping that the new training will boost his World Cup chances.

"Apparently, the chamber allows you to double your training and it also takes away your aches and pains," he said. "They have said we can fit four weeks' training into 10 days so it's going to be an interesting experience."

Hinshelwood has recovered from breaking his leg and damaging ankle ligaments in January, but admits he is limping a little after his return from the six-month lay-off.

"I'm limping a little but I think that's out of habit more than anything," he added.

"The ankle is still sore sometimes after training but that is just a matter of time before that goes away. I'm staying positive about my World Cup chances though."

The players will go into an outer chamber where it is -60C wearing hats and scarves, before going into the main chamber where the temperature is -130C. Then they go straight on the bicycle to get their heart rate back up.

Meanwhile, Andy Keast believes Worcester's squad for the new season is much-improved 12 months on.

The Sixways coach has been delighted with the influx of new talent following the summer shopping spree and believes the 10 new faces will all add something.

"I've been very pleased with them," he said. "Certain players have really surprised me with their skill levels.

"I believe we have got far more ammunition this season than last. All the players who have come in have added real depth and quality. We are in a much better position than 12 months ago."