Squad size: 32. This is an encouraging number but slightly down on last season’s numbers with some players being unavailable due to their GCSE commitments, injuries and part time jobs.

Successes: County Cup finalists in 2014/15 season; County Plate finalists in 2015/16.

County players: Jamie Bridson (flanker), Sam Hick (fly half), Chris Pickering (prop).

This season’s targets: To win the league and to ensure all squad players continue as U/17s next season. Our primary aim over the last few seasons has been to build an inclusive squad and increase numbers. Our success can be seen by the numbers we have at training and matches each week, the vast majority of which intend to progress into colts and adult rugby. We are one of very few squads in the area that have achieved this.

Tour and fund raising: We are not planning a tour for this season due to the players’ commitments to their GCSE exams. Our previous tours have been a great success, competing in and winning matches and tournaments over weekends away on the South Coast of England and Holland last season. We raised good funds in order to subsidise the tour to ensure all players could take part independent of financial considerations. A profit was retained to fund training equipment and social events for the squad throughout the season.