CINDERFORD RFC RETAINED PLAYERS & EXITS 2020-21
Cinderford RFC can confirm that 29 existing players have agreed new contracts for the 2020-21 season.
The players confirmed as re contracted for 2020-21 are: George Porter (prop), Joe Smart (prop), James Elliot (prop), Tim Brockett (prop), Nathan Taylor (hooker), Chris Bundy (prop /hooker), Sam Baker (hooker), Tyler Jerrum (second row), George Evans (back five), Jack Shields (back five), Matt Lane (back row), Harry Hone (back row), Matthew Bennett (back row), Joe Mullis (back row), George Angell (back row), Matt Bennett (back row), Jimmy Williams (scrum half), James Dean (scrum half), Mike Austin (scrum half), Paul Morgan (fly half), Danny Pointon (fly half), Will Mansfield (centre), George Boulton (centre), Terence Babarinsa (centre), Dan Nicholls (centre), Will Baldwin (wing), Ed Sheldon (full back/wing), Ed Bogue (wing) and Sam Smith (wing).
Morris said: “These players played a major part in our success last season and, for some, the seasons before that too. Finishing eighth in National One, last season, above some big clubs with bigger playing budgets, was a considerable achievement. Most of these players signed before the end of last season and continuity is important. I am still in negotiation with several more of our existing players and we will have some potential new players training with us (when we can commence) in the hope of securing a contract. We will also be announcing some exciting, and confirmed, new additions to our squad shortly.”
Morris is able to confirm that Dale Lemon (second row) and James Butler (fly half) have moved on. Lemon has signed for local Championship club Hartpury. Morris stated “Dale has been an outstanding and popular player for Cinderford since he joined, as a teenager, in the summer of 2015. His selection by the Rugby Paper in their National One Dream Team of the Season emphasises the season he had. He never missed a second of training or a game last season. He goes with our blessing and thanks and Hartpury have acquired an excellent player. If he was going to move then this is the right one for him. He will always be welcome at Cinderford.”
Butler scored 80 points in National One, for Cinderford last season, and is returning to Cheltenham Saracens as player Head Coach. Morris said “James did a great job for us last season. He played an important part and we wish him well in his new role.”