Rugby Union: Bedford Blues man Pritchard used Canada games to help cure ...

James Pritchard

Bedford Blues man James Pritchard says throwing himself straight into international rugby helped to numb the pain of the Championship final defeat to Newcastle Falcons.

The Australian-born Canadian international full-back immediately departed for Maple Leafs duty after the second leg of the losing effort in the north east and the Bedford skipper was happy to have the opportunity to get straight back out on the field.

Other members of the Blues squad were not so lucky and with the side back in training, they are now chomping at the bit for the real action to start again as they look to follow up a terrific season with another strong showing in 2013-14.

“For me personally it was good that I went straight away with Canada,” said Pritchard, who became record points scorer for his country during the international summer.

“Sometimes when you finish with a defeat you need another game to bounce back the week after.

“A few players will be thinking about it [Newcastle] I’m sure, but at the moment we need to knuckle down.”

It has been a tough return to training for some of the Blues squad who have undergone the traditional fitness regime in scorchingly hot weather due to the recent heatwave.

For New South Wales native Pritchard, who returned a week later than the rest of the squad, this hasn’t been as much of a factor though due to his upbringing down under.

“I had an extended break to get over a few knocks,” he said. “I’m happy with the weather as all of my pre-seasons used to be like that, but I think a few of the lads may have been struggling.”

Thirty-four-year-old Pritchard praised the contribution of the new faces that Director of Rugby Mike Rayer has added to his squad ahead of the opening league game of the season against relegated Premiership outfit London Welsh on September 14.

That fixture will be played at the neutral venue of Saracens’ Allianz Park as part of a series of double headers and is an extra game with the normal home and away clashes with Welsh still taking place.

Pritchard remains unsure about the introduction of the new format.

“I don’t see the point really,” said the former Northampton man.

“You have to look at the welfare of the players these days as it’s already a strenuous season.”

Rugby Union: Bedford Blues man Pritchard used Canada games to help cure ...