Snow and a cryotherapy chamber set to -40 degrees greeted the Wales RBS 6 Nations squad as they arrived at their training camp in Gdansk.
Six Nations side travel to Poland for pre-tournament training camp
Snow and a cryotherapy chamber set to -40 degrees greeted the Wales RBS 6 Nations squad as they arrived at their training camp in Gdansk.
Warren Gatland's team have made the trip to Poland in order to prepare for the tournament ahead of their opener against Ireland on February 5.
Leigh Halfpenny has travelled with the Wales squad on the back of his kicking performance which helped Cardiff Blues secure a quarter-final place in the Heineken Cup.
However, just 12 hours after securing a last-eight spot, the 24-year-old back was on a plane to Warsaw and believes that training camp could be the ideal location as Wales prepare to visit the new Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
"They may have rebuilt it, but the swirling winds and certainly the winter temperatures of the old Lansdowne Road will still be apparent and Poland can play its part in preparing us," Halfpenny said.
"I wouldn't go a week without kicking so we will be doing some sessions out here, whatever the temperatures, and it won't be difficult to put yourself mentally onto that pitch against Ireland, so it may help.
"The conditions here generally are pretty sparse, there's nothing to do except eat, sleep and train, but I don't think any of us would have it any other way."
Lucky
Halfpenny has experienced some luxurious tours during his career, but admitted that Gdansk must rate as one of the most Spartan camps he has endured.
"We are all lucky to be doing the job that we are doing and there are rugby trips where you are made to feel a million dollars and you have your every need looked after," he added.
"On the British & Irish Lions tour three years ago we had our training camp at Penyhill Park. Every player had a double bed which you sank into and which formed around you as soon as you lay down on it.
"It was snowing when my plane landed in Poland today and when we got to Gdansk we were straight into the cryotherapy chambers to help with our recovery and off to the canteen for some 'eggy' chicken and some protein shakes after that."
Achievement
The Wales winger and full-back is sharing a room with Blues teammate Alex Cuthbert and believes that the success at regional level is transferring to the national side.
"All of the Blues players are obviously bouncing and it's always great to meet up with the Wales players again, but we are under no illusion we are here for the hard work," he said.
"I'm expecting our first training session tomorrow to be like a scene from Rocky IV, but Alex is taking it all in his stride and there is certainly a sense of achievement to look forward to when you come to the end of one of these camps.
"When all is said and done we all want to be the very best that we can be. It is only by testing yourself to the absolute limit that you begin to realise what it is possible to achieve and that is what these training camps are all about."
