Wrexham University sports science students and academics have helped Widnes Vikings with their pre-season fitness tests.

The rugby league team visited the university's sports and exercise science and sports injury rehabilitation departments for a day of testing.

They used the university's equipment, including the biomechanics and performance sciences laboratory.

The day began with general health screenings, including blood pressure readings and anthropometry measurements, which assessed the players' height, weight, and body composition.

The players also completed a beep test, a 20m shuttle run that measures aerobic capacity.

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Widnes Vikings staff carried out concussion testing, providing a valuable learning experience for sports injury and rehabilitation students.

First-year sports injury and rehabilitation student, Jenny Coppock, said: "It's been a fantastic learning experience to have the opportunity to have face-to-face time and experience with a professional rugby league team."

The players then undertook three performance tests in the biomechanics lab, focusing on power and strength.

Some players also tried out the new anti-gravity treadmill, designed for athletes recovering from injury.

Final-year sport and exercise science student, Amadeusz Arczewski, said: "This is just one of the many great opportunities I've had, while at Wrexham University to get real-world, practical experience with athletes."

Widnes Vikings visited the university   (Image: Wrexham University)

Dr Chelsea Batty, principal lecturer in sport and exercise science, said: "It's been fantastic to welcome Widnes Vikings to the university for their pre-season testing.

"It's a great opportunity to showcase our advanced testing facilities and equipment and the consultancy we can offer using various physiological and biomechanic tests."

Allan Coleman, Widnes Vikings head coach, added: "Coming to the university has offered the experience of a full-time environment in an elite sports club.

"It's emphasised that importance with the players on their performance and the future as we move forward as a team."

The day ended with psychological testing and team-building exercises, including an escape room challenge at the university's new Cyber Innovation Academy.