And just like that, we enter preseason game week 1. It doesn’t seem that long ago we were playing Tonbridge Juddians at home in the last game of the season, fast forward 6 weeks and we began our preparations for the 2022/23 season. Two off-site sessions at CrossFit Huntsman kicked started proceedings, and blew out any cobwebs. The squad have been working extremely hard both on and off the field, whilst the new players have settled in really well, and with that the excitement of what this group can achieve this season. Special thanks to Keith for his support of the 1stXV at Koru Gym, the facility is second to none.

On the subject of new players we would like to welcome the following;

Harrison Langworthy – Second Row from Sumner RFC (Christchurch, NZ)

Fraizer Kiff – Second Row from Birmingham Moseley RFC

Charlie Parkhouse – Full Back from Hertford RFC

Henry Wills – Back Row from Durham University

Toby Tierney – Back Row from Brentwood RFC

Connor Lloyd – Scrum Half from Leeds Tykes RFC

Will Rogers – Back Row from Norths RFC (Brisbane, Aus)

Luke Bury – BSRFC Junior returning from Exeter University

Ioan Parry – BSRFC Junior returning from Durham University

Chris Bolton – Scrum Half from Bury St Edmunds RFC

Also we have a number of players stepping up into senior squad from last year’s Colts;

Ryan Cox – Back Row
Harry Clenshaw – Fly Half
Fabain Ducci - Centre
Benji Furrer – Wing/Full Back

It will also be great to have Nick Hankin back from long term injury. Nick is currently working hard with the physio team and Ben Sheath, and aims to be back playing around mid/late September.

Throughout preseason we have also had a number of young players gaining valuable experience training with the senior squad. These lads will be heading off to university soon, and we wish them well and look forward to seeing them back at the club soon:-

Murray Davidson (Loughborough University)
Carn Richards-Farr (Hartpury University)
Josh Cilia (Bath University)
Cameron Furley (Nottingham University)
Oliver Webb (Exeter University)

Unfortunately we do have a number of departures from the squad, this will no doubt give opportunities for others to stake a claim and push for 1stXV honours. Those departing are:

Sam Winter (retirement)
Sam Coleman (retirement)
Declan Caulfield (retirement)
Seb Brownhill (Cambridge RFC)
Harrison King (Hong Kong Scottish RFC)
Tom Lewis (Letchworth RFC)
Alfie Orchard (Travelling)
Mike Ayrton (retirement)

We would like to say a massive thank to all those lads who over the past number of years have played a pivotal role in getting the club where it is now. Sam W, Sam C and Declan have been with the 1stXV through Nat 3 London, Nat 2 South and Nat 1. I’m sure there aren’t many players who can say they have done that with their boyhood clubs. Look forward to seeing those lads on the side-lines cheering us on throughout the year.

With Sam Winter stepping away from playing, we have appointed James Ayrton as 1stXV captain, along with Tom Banks and James Apperley as vice-captains. James has been a 1stXV regular for 3 seasons now and is consistent performer week-in week-out. We feel James will be a fantastic leader for the group. Reece Lane will take over from Jamie Campbell as Blues Captain. Reece, since arriving at the club in 2018 has been a main-stay in the Blues, so has plenty of experience to lean on.

From a coaching group perspective Ian Simpson will be lead forwards coach taking over the reins from Lee Soper. We would like to thank Lee for his time at the club and wish him well with his new role at St. Joseph’s College. ‘Simmo’ was a welcome addition back in January this year, and it’s been great having him back at the club after a number of years away. On match days, Simmo will still be leading the Blues, with Rob Faiers overseeing the 1stXV forwards.

Another addition to the coaching team is John Skelton. John will be our Mental Skills Coach, working closely with all the coaches and players throughout the season, helping to maximise our performance from a mental perspective.

Ryan Clarke will be our Head of Medical this season. He has been part of the coaching group for a few seasons now and we look forward to seeing him take charge. He will link in very closely to Ben Sheath who again heads up the Strength and Conditioning. Ben is constantly pushing the lads to improve their physical output and has certainly made the lads work hard throughout preseason.

So onto this year, we kick start out preseason fixtures with a visit to Kent to take on Canterbury RFC on Friday 12th August (8pm KO). This is followed by a home double header on Saturday 20th August vs Old Albanians RFC 1stXV (3pm) & 2ndXV (1pm) and then to finish with a visit from our close neighbours Hertford RFC on Thursday 25th August (8pm KO).

Our league campaign starts with back to back home games vs newly promoted Hull RFC and Cambridge. We look forward to seeing Silver Leys at its vibrant best, and with all the hard work and preparations on going, we hope to put on a performance to be proud of.
A few thank you to finish off. Firstly to Gareth and his Garson’s team who have been working tirelessly over the past few months to keep the pitches playable, I don’t think I remember such a dry and hot preseason!!! To all the wonderful volunteers who continue to give up their time around the club, your efforts and dedication don’t go unnoticed, thank you! To all our wonderful and generous sponsors, thank you for your support and generosity, which allows us to compete against some very big rugby names in National 1, and creates an environment in which we can continue to improve, evolve, and keep producing our home-grown talent. And finally to all the supporters who follow us up and down the country to cheer us on, come rain or shine, you presence makes a huge difference and we can’t wait to get back out there and make you proud. Season 2022/23, let’s go!

Oh.Stort.Are.We.