New talent joins Cinderford as Deacon announces new signings for 2013/14 squad
10 AUGUST 2013 – With pre-season training well under way, Cinderford RFC is upbeat about its readiness for its sixth season in National 1 League and has announced 19 new signings to the First XV and United squad for 2013/2014. Targeting a top tier finish this year after ending last season in 11th position, with one unplayed game, the Foresters are looking forward to an even tougher and more competitive league.
Cinderford is building on strength and adding to its experienced pool of talented players who found good form and cohesion in the second half of last season. In an upbeat mood, director of rugby, Andy Deacon, has confirmed that new players from local and national levels have joined the squad. Last month the club announced the appointment of former premiership Gloucester Rugby player, Brad Davies in the position of attack coach/player, in a move from Moseley RFC.
To bolster the FORWARDS squad, Finlay Sinclair (Birm&Solihull), Jamie Tsang (Hong Kong CC) and Ryan Charles (on loan from Gloucester Rugby) come into the squad as hookers, while Elliott Booley (Richmond RFC) joins as prop. Second row new signings include Lance Randall (Gwent Dragons), Dean Miller (Matson RFC) and Milo Reynolds (Exmouth RFC/Glos Uni). New back row faces feature Will Keenan (Preston Grasshoppers), George Mills (Hartpury RFC), Will Hodgetts (Exmouth RFC/Glos Uni), Marcus Brown (Gloucester All Golds), Jordan Fowke (Coney Hill RFC) and Alex Powell (Hamilton OB, New Zealand).
The BACKS feature Sam Hanks (Newcastle Falcons Academy) and a welcome return to the club by Al Bryan (Old Richians RFC) at centre., and Alex Pickersgill (Carmarthan Quins) as winger. New scrum half players include Clive Stuart-Smith (Hartpury RFC), Jason Graham (Lydney RFC), and Geraint Davies (Hartpury RFC).
A number of Cinderford Colts have also moved up to join the squad including: Toby Farrier (prop),
Mitch Bourne (back row), Liam Littleton (winger), Chance Ridler (second row), Luke Crunden (hooker), and Jack Richards (winger).
Said Andy Deacon, Cinderford’s director of rugby: “Cinderford had a progressive season last year and we have shown that we can compete at the highest levels within the league. By extending the strength and depth of the squad we are equipped to start the new season where we left off and continue our growth. We are pleased to have a good influx of new talent to bolster the side and replace those players who have moved on.”
“It’s testament to the club that a solid number from the 2012/13 team have re-signed again and this retention of experienced players will give us stability and consistency to kick-start to the new campaign. We have a high number of home games in the first month so will turn this into a positive advantage and start our new campaign from a position of strength,” Deacs added.
In a demanding and thorough programme developed by former Cinderford player, and now analysis and fitness coach, Isiah Young, the squad attended a focused training day on Saturday as part of the rigourous pre-season training programme ready for a challenging first league game home to Rosslyn Park.
A healthy pre-season friendlies fixture programmes kicks off this Saturday August 17th with a local derby away fixture v Hartpury RFC. On Saturday August 24th the Foresters are away to Wales Premiership Llandovery RFC and Saturday 31st August away to Championship side Cornish Pirates, while Cinderford United travels to Wiltshire to take on National Division 3 Chippenham RFC.
On Wednesday 28 August there is an exciting mid-week friendly against Matson RFC First XV, at Cinderford’s home ground, and all are welcome to support.
The National 1 league starts on 7th September v Rosslyn Park followed by more home games at the end of the month against newcomers to the league, Hull Ionians and Doncaster. A full squad listing will be announced shortly including the familiar and new faces. Also upcoming is news on the dual registration loan players as part of the partnership with Gloucester Rugby.
Outs: Rob Langley (Exeter Chiefs), Ben West (London Welsh), Will Foden (Doncaster), Luke Allen (Henley Hawks), Dale Critchley (Drybrook), Stuart Bailey, Ben Sparks, Kai Done.
Photo Caption: L to R
Back row of pic: Jamie Tsang, George Mills, Mitch Bourne, Will Hodgetts, Lance Randall, Will Keenan, Al Bryan, Finlay Sinclair, Toby Farrier, Dean Miller
Front row of pic: Alex Pickersgill, Sam Hanks, Ryan Charles, Geraint Davies, Marcus Brown, Clive Stuart-Smith, Brad Davies, Jason Graham, Chance Ridler
Editor Contact:
Cathryn Hage
Pentacom PR (for Cinderford RFC)
T: 01452 651160 E: cathryn@pentacomagency.com
Pentacom PR, Clearview House, 24 Bamel Way, Gloucester Business Park, GL3 4BH
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