A number of Eddie Howe's side are currently away with their national teams, with European Championship qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers and friendlies all scheduled during the two-week break from domestic action.

But back home, the remaining members of the squad, including Dan Burn, Harvey Barnes and Sean Longstaff, were put through their paces as they took part in a rugby-themed warm-up - using footballs instead - just a few hours ahead of the tournament curtain-raiser between France and New Zealand on Friday night, before the footballs were put back to proper use soon after in the Tyneside sun.

Spirits were high in the United ranks, with Howe and his coaching staff utilising their time with the smaller group of players as preparations continue for the visit of Brentford a week on Saturday.

Club photographer Serena Taylor was there to bring nufc.co.uk this gallery.