Although we fought manfully in the last few months of the season, so did our near rivals. Therefore, after an unfortunate season where injuries caused havoc in the 1st team squad, we find ourselves in National 2 South for next seasons campaign.
There is still a great spirit in the squad and our intentions are to bounce straight back into National 1. Although not ideal, having had to use 72 players over last years campaign has left us with a deep reservoir of players with some National 1 experience. This experience coupled with new signings and a strong coaching team leaves us both eager and excited for the challenges to come.
Unfortunately, we say goodbye to some players that are leaving for pastures new We wish them well. We also give a big thanks to Mark Langley for providing his forward coaching expertise over many seasons – the golf course will be seeing a lot more of him.
Likewise to Team Manager Jamie Simpson, whose efforts over the years from Juniors to the First Team have been outstanding.
Coaching/Managment Team – 2018/19
Bruce Millar – DoR
Head Coach – Gavin Hogg
Forwards/Defence Coach – James Buckland
Skills Coach – Alex Austerbury
Romans Coach – Tom Hadley
S&C – Leo James
Analyst – Ross Hamilton
First Team Squad Manager – Simon Atkinson/Mike Walker
Romans Manager – James Steventon
Lead Therapist – Jordan Harris
1st XV Captain – Ross Hamilton
1st XV Vice-Captain – Dan Watt
We are pleased to announce that James Buckland joins our coaching team, bringing with him a wealth of experience. A playing career as Hooker with Leicester/Wasps/Irish coupled with holding Head Coach positions at London Scottish and London Welsh means he will be a big asset to the development of players and the coaching team alike.
We aim to finalise the squad with a few more signings in the next couple of weeks which will be announced in due course. Any player of National League standard or ambitions to play at that level who is interested in joining the Club please get in touch.
Retained Players – 2018/19
Front Row
Charlie Hughes
Taylor Reed
Grant Forest
Aaron Martinez
Mike Bond
Harry Morgan – Saracens Academy/Hertford
Zaki Chanmaoui – Ealing
Nick Cox – UCL
Jamie Townsend – Richmond
Sam Crean – Saracens
Locks
Ross Hamilton
Tim Bond
Chris Napier
Ashley Illston – Chinnor
Jon Kpoku
Backrow
Chris West
Hadley Eames
Reuben Prichard
Harry Betts – Loughborough
Alex Brown – London Scottish/Richmond
Jeff Fisher – Oaklands
Tobias Munday – Saracens
Scrum Half
Morgan Thompson
Mark Evans
Ben Calder – London Scottish/Ampthill
Inside Backs
Tom Bednall
Dan Watt
Gregg White
Tom Smith
Tom Holdsworth
Matt Deane
Charlie Watson – Saracens
Back Three
Joe Bridger
Daly Aremu
Joe Hearle
Ollie Brown
Tosin Segun – Northampton Academy/Cambridge
Alex Chalcroft – Towcestrians/East Mids
Kieran O’Connor – Ampthill/East Mids
Looking forward to seeing you all at Woollams.
Bruce Millar
Director of Rugby
Director of Rugby
