It’s safe to say that the conditions we’ve faced throughout the first five weeks of pre-season have been challenging, and it doesn’t look like they’re going to get any easier anytime soon.

The lads have been excellent so far and have shown real grit and determination to maintain the momentum we built towards the end of last season. Under the guidance of our new Strength & Conditioning Coach, Richard Gill, the group have been working hard not only at the club but also away from it in the gym, as we prepare to hit the ground running on Saturday 12th September.

At this stage, I already feel we’re much further ahead in our preparations than we were at the same point last year. That said, as a group we know we still have plenty more to give. In just over three weeks’ time, we face Cambridge and Colchester in a three-team pre-season fixture at Cambridge on 15th August, before returning home on 22nd August to take on fellow Level 5 side CS Stags. We’ll then conclude our pre-season campaign with another trip to Cambridge, this time to face Shelford on Thursday 27th August.

In terms of squad news, there haven’t been many departures. I’m pleased to report that almost the entire squad has committed for the new season, and we’ve also welcomed a few exciting new additions—more on those shortly!

Finally, and most importantly, I’d like to say how proud I am of this group of players and coaches for the way they finished last season after such a difficult start. It demonstrated not only the character and resilience within the squad but also the quality that’s there for everyone to see.

The unwavering support we received throughout the season kept us positive, even during the toughest moments. On behalf of the senior squad, I’d like to thank all of our supporters, patrons and sponsors for your continued backing. We’re incredibly grateful for everything you do, and we can’t wait to run out in front of you all again very soon.

Yours in rugby,

Marcus