Howley, who takes charge for the first two matches against Argentina and Samoa, has been overseeing the reigning RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam champions’ preparations in Poland which has included spells in ice chambers.

The 35-man squad will return home to their Vale Resort on Sunday but former Wales scrum-half Howley, who will also take charge for the Six Nations, insists they are better prepared – both physically and mentally.

“The players feel refreshed mentally and have also been able to focus on recuperating from various injuries that have been managed or sustained over the previous weeks,” Howley, who will temporarily step down once coach Warren Gatland returns for the clashes against New Zealand and Australia, told Wales Online.

“This is a fantastic and unique facility. It has given the players the opportunity to spend time together, they’ve bonded and enjoyed the experience.

“There’s been a lot of banter, the team dynamics in professional sport are important and we have been impressed with the players this week.

“The mantra of this national team over the last few years since the current coaching team has been together has been about hard work and this facility is unique in the way it allows you to do that.

“Our sessions are pretty short and intense, enabling us to put the players under pressure in defence and attack.

“While we work hard both on and of the pitch, it’s also about working smart and maintaining that intensity.”