Unfortunately, quite a few boys have not been selected despite being available. Be great if you could come along to the beerfest and support the boys despite your non selection - Jack Wilson, Callum Anderson, Alastair Wilks, Greg Wills, Ethan Morton, Ed Thompson and Ross Cleminson all made me aware of their availability. However, side may change over the next 10-12 days so be ready if called upon. Cheers lads

The Undateables to play Billingham Rugby Fest are :
Joe Whelan
Louis Matthews (v.captain)
Darren Kelly
Rhys Merlane
Ben Jubb (captain)
Harry Tankard
Isaac Robinson
Sam Bird
Sion Gittins
Alex Cokeley
Sully Ismail
Joe Kapur

Quality squad with Joe Whelan coming in as a late replacement. Joe graduates this year so it is an opportunity to play one last time in the Novos shirt. He will bring energy and enthusiasm and a desire to be competitive at the breakdown.

Louis Matthews has been in great touch over the 7's season catching the eye of other sides we have played. Even the refs the other week were asking who the 7 is - assume it was because they were impressed and not because he came under their watchful eye.

Player coach Darren Kelly will have his first outing of the 7's season and will bring some much needed know how to our young squad. Darren was immense this season whether he played in the forwards or backs.

The pack orientated lads are complete with Alex Cokeley, Sully Ismail and Sion Gittins. Alex has played in every tournament so far giving the group fantastic memories with his play, cheek and beer snaffling exploits. Sully has shone brightly in recent games - a shame he is off on placement next season after a cracking first year with us. Sion is having his first outing during the so called off season. He recently played for Northumberland U20's and we hope he continues that form at Billingham.

The backs have a great mix of talent with the likes of graduating colt Rhys Merlane who has already played a few games for the first team. In addition, Joe Kapur has come in as a late replacement to make his senior debut. Although he has trained with the group on a number occasions after turning 18. Rhys will be partnered with Ben Jubb and Harry Tankard expected to play in the 9/10/12 roles. Ben is an incredible player who has come along way since joining our club as a 13yr old who wasn't getting any game time at Northern. A complete player who will organise, carry and put people in holes. Harry has impressed since going our club in February. Excited to have him registered to play during the new season - a great prospect with pace, feet, kicking game and toughness.

The backs are completed with regular first teamers Sam Bird and Isaac Robinson. Who will look to be the finishers on the end running in the tries. Sam played the last few games of the season at 15 having played in the centres all season. Isaac is a quality centre/winger who we hope will play regularly next season. We are always much stronger when he is in our squad. A physical presence out wide with strong tackling and an ability to finish.

Precise travel details to follow but looks like 0915 at Central Station, last train home from Billingham.

Draw info to follow....

Supporters who wish to come to the Rugby Fest please copy the link below. Tickets for the Saturday are £5.

https://fixr.co/event/billingham-rufc-rugbyfest-tickets-500768275

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