Medics push for rugby-style pre-season

THE GAA’s much-maligned collective inter-county winter training ban could soon be replaced by an enforced pre-season.

The alternative is currently being discussed by the GAA’s medical and welfare committee and the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA).

The initiative would see players undertake strength and conditioning programmes instead of gym work, which they are currently restricted to in November and December by the winter ban rule.