The boys were given individual out of season programmes by our S&C Coach Liam O’Hara and have been working hard. Pre-season starts on the 26th June so we intend / should hit the ground running.

There have been a number of approaches for some of our players, but most have been loyal and buy in to the coaching structure and what we are trying to achieve, but more importantly has chosen to stay for the enjoyment of playing with your mates, in what is a very tight group. In my opinion the game has changed and is changing all the time, but if you don't want to get up and fight for the other 14 lads on the pitch then you won't achieve much. As a club have a budget, which we need to work within and that is also sustainable.

There are some players leaving, greater number joining, taking a few more on trial over the summer and still on the lookout for quality additions to the squad.

PLAYERS LEAVING US.

Chris Joyce -Hooker - Chris will playing at Henley this season at the request of Ealing who he is contracted to. For his continued progression they need him to be playing at a National Two club. We wish him all the best and the door is open for him in the future.

Will Goodman -2nd row- Will is in his last year at Loughborough University this season and after looking at his syllabus he is not be able to commit to the travelling. Hopefully we will see him back in the future depending on where he will be working.

Aaron Lowe -13- Aaron has taken a player coach role at Eaton Manor as he wants to take his career path in that direction. He did give us the heads up at the end of last season and again we wish him all the best.

Harry Morgan -Prop- Harry was approached by Old Albanians and they have offered him a significant contract and he also wants to try his luck at a higher division. I have no problem with players leaving to better themselves and he also gave plenty of notice. Good luck Harry.

Ben Creasey -Wing/Scrum Half- Ben has spent 17 years at the club and has worked very hard to improve his game. He informed me last week that he was joining Bishops Stortford as he wants to play in a higher division. We wish him all the best and hopefully he get to play National One Rugby.

PLAYERS JOINING US.

Red Newberry -4,5,6,7 and 8 - Red has played National One Rugby and also captained Shelford for a few years. We are looking forward to his input and influence as he is a very experienced player.

Michael Rugeley - 13,15- On loan from Ealing trailfinders. Michael played for Chinnor last season mostly in zoo 1 for Chinnor 2nd XV. He scored a lot of tries last season and is still only 20.

Matt Hodson - Hooker- Another one on loan from Ealing Trailfinders, who played for Henley last Season.

Jordan Macdonald -Hooker- Jordan represented South West under 20's last season. He is taking a gap year form university and joining us for the season.

Zach Scott Gray -2nd row and no.8- Zach has been at university for the last few years but has played for our 2nd XV and also played level 5 up North last season. He will be a solid addition to the squad.

Casey Morgan -Prop- Harry Morgan’s older brother. He been playing for Brighton University, but has decided to join us this season. He is a bigger version of Harry so it will interesting to see how he gets on.

Max Rabey -7- Max is only 19 and was a member of the promotion winning Chingford side that are in our league this season. Max trained a few times with us last season and looks a good prospect.

Lewis Tuson - Lewis has returned from University but is considerably lighter than when he left and is another welcome addition to the squad.

PLAYERS ON PRE-SEASON TRIAL

Cameron Lawes -2nd row- We need to work out logistics.

Alfie Hill -Back Row- We need to work out logistics.

Dates for your Diary:

Thursday 9th August: Floodlight game at Hertford against Cambridge-Squad of 30 to 40.

Tuesday 14th August: Training session with Stortford at Hertford. Live scrums-Lineouts-Backs vs Backs. Then conditioned game with a referee.

Saturday 18th August: 1st and 2nd team fixture away against Bury St Edmunds.

Saturday 25th August: 1st xv fixture against Bishop Stortford Away.

That's about all for now.

Baz