How Wigan Warriors have made training 'Covid-secure'

But in the last few months, the Warriors Player Welfare Manager has become one of the key figures behind the scenes at Robin Park.

And with the Super League campaign set to get back under way this weekend, he’s been left to reflect on a whirlwind period that no one could have prepared him for.

“A lot of work has gone into making sure Robin Park Arena is Covid secure,” he acknowledged.

“For the first part of lockdown, I was contacting players and making sure everyone was okay – mentally – they were as good as they could be.

“Then the challenge to return to training came along and it wasn’t easy at times. Different challenges came up, but it’s definitely been worth it.

“I and a number of other colleagues have had a lot of meetings for the last two months about the guidance from the Government, Department for Culture, Music and Sport, the RFL and the clinical advisory group from the RFL – there’s been a lot of things we’ve had to do.

“The site itself has been made exclusive for our use, risk assessments have been done on the building, all staff and players have been tested, there are chairs on the running track as the changing room doesn’t allow for social distancing, and day-to-day training is different too.

"The RFL have issued guidance that lets us train – we’re limited to the amount of close contact training we can do, and we have to track that through GPS, and the players have to fill in a well-being chart to register that they’re Covid free.

“It’s not normal but it’s as close as we’re going to get at the minute.”

After months of training at home, just been back on the grass at Robin Park was a boost for both the players and the supporters.

“To be back and to be around each other – socially distanced at the same time – is brilliant,” added Fitzpatrick.

“Having a routine again and having something that we recognise – similar to what we had before – has been massive for everyone.

“There is a structure to the day again – it’s not what we had before but it’s very similar and it’s definitely lifted everyone, including the staff too.

“Although players are glad to be back, there are obvious apprehensions. A lot of them have got families at home, some of them have got families that have had to be shielded, so for them to come back in has been a big ask.

“They’ve had to opt in, we’ve had to do risk assessments on players and family members within their household.

"With the protocols in place we are confident everyone is safe and secure. It’s important to look after everyone.”