DEVIZES rugby players are at the forefront of new research commissioned by the sport’s governing body aimed at improving the safety of the scrummage.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has launched a study, led by boffins from the University of Bath including Chippenham player Dr Grant Trewartha, into the set piece at all levels of the game.

Players at Devizes RFC will become guinea pigs for the second time in three weeks at their London Road base tonight as the forces involved in the scrum are studied.

First team skipper and number eight James Gaiger, whose friendship with Trewartha led to the link-up, admitted the first session had been of benefit to him and his teammates.

He said: “The first test about three weeks ago involved a huge amount of setting up, taking five men around four hours, with numerous cameras, lighting and camera rigs, speakers and pressure sensitive scrum machines all involved.

“Graham Smith, who is one of the RFU’s (Rugby Football Union) leading scrum coaches was conducting the tests and was able to give us plenty of feedback.

“We didn’t get coached during it because they wanted to get their data.

“But what was very useful is that the coach gave us feedback afterwards and we got a DVD of the session and players at our level don’t normally get that chance.

“It is a good tool for our coaches and should help us over the next few weeks and beyond that.

Trewartha, who may also take the project to Chippenham said: “The project is on behalf of the IRB and it’s primarily from a player welfare point of view, to get an idea of what the demands are on the players.

“Devizes is one of the first clubs we’ve done and we’re hoping to get through 10 or 12 clubs before the end of the season.’’