Pre season is well underway and there are now only seven more training sessions until our cup match at Morpeth on Thursday 25th August.
We are making every effort to be ready for that match and will be stepping up our training from next week in terms on intensity and contact. In addition, there is Friday's pre season fixture vs Ballymoney. Then there is RugbyFest at Druids Park over the weekend of 5-6 August. Finally, there will be a development game on the 13th August before our last pre season outing against Sunderland on the 27th August.
Plenty of opportunity for players to stake claims for jerseys and for new lads to impress. Friday's fixture vs Ballymoney should see senior debuts for Brendan Thomas, Daniel Whittaker, Gus Antons, Ian Farrugia, Martin Fearon, Alistair Burgess, Ben Kelly, Johnathan Bulfin and Christian Selkirk.
The squad looks to be strong again this season and competition is set to be fierce, especially in the back row where Fearon and Burgess have stood out at pre season training. Also, look out for another RGS product in Gus Anton who has shone in contact sessions over the past few weeks.
Training on Monday sees the coaching return of Rob Vickers fresh from his pre season camp at the Falcons. Rumours are about that after his try scoring exploits of last season he has just signed a new boot deal and is set to be "the feet" of Nike. I have seen a sneak preview of the ad campaign which is set to the tune of that great 90's track by Ini Kamoze "Here Comes The Hotstepper"
There is a lot happening at the club at the moment so ensure you are a part of it. Whether that is supporting, coaching, club management or simply playing - be a great club member and give back to this great club of ours.