Firstly, thanks to everyone for their hard work over the season. We must have had more than 30 players represent the 1st XV this season. The 2nds played outstanding stuff whenever I was able to see them in person and the 3rds, with successive promotions, go from strength to strength. It was a difficult season for the 4th XV, and ensuring this club puts out four senior men’s teams every week will continue to be a priority. The standard of rugby across the board is improving and by the end of the season it was very strong.

There was a great level of commitment throughout, which allowed to us to develop a playing style that will serve us well in the future. There were some outstanding individual performances and improvements and everyone contributed to a big squad effort.

A huge thanks to captain Dave Hoare whose diplomatic skills on and off the pitch will be sorely missed (by me, especially). He stays on as a player. Harry Rigby takes over as 1st XV captain next season - a great choice and someone I think can really take this club on. He leads by example on the pitch and at training (arguably not at the club dinner) and has the unwavering support of the coaches and the players across all the senior teams.

On the administrative side of things, a huge thanks to Ian Bailey who stands down as President. I've appreciated his support immensely over the past couple of years. Aidan Jones is the club's new President and takes over with the club in great health.

Pre-season training, almost unbelievably, starts in about seven/eight weeks’ time on July 4th. We did very well with our recruitment last season and some of the new players who came in made a big impact. Hopefully the expansion of our coaching team will continue in the off season as well - a big thanks to JB for his commitment and tireless efforts this season.

Some IMPORTANT things to know:

Pre-season training starts on July 4th at 1845 on the Park Pitch. I am away - but JB is across it.

There will be competitive pre-season fixtures throughout August, so please make yourselves available for those. It’s very important.

The MMU training facilities will again be available for us to use from October through March. The site is booked from 6pm - 8pm on Tuesday nights, and the new time of 8pm-10pm on Thursdays which, we hope, will make it easier for the city slickers to get there. That will be a big training night every week.

Kit: PLEASE order your own Mizuno shorts and tracksuits. You can do so now via the shopping section of this website. Pre-match attire will be tracksuits next season. You will also have the opportunity to buy your own socks from me. Don't lose them.
 Exciting times ahead. See you a couple of months. (Don’t bother me until then.)

Thanks again