Kingsey Road gearing up for new rugby season

PRE season training is well under way for Chinnor RFC’s Senior Teams playing at Kingsey Road, and the club is hoping to welcome new comers to go along every Tuesday & Thursday from 7pm.

Friendly matches have been arranged to allow players old and new to settle back into playing after a two month break, beginning on August 10, when the First Team squad will travel to Coventry RFC.

On August 17, Chinnor will be playing London Welsh who are now based at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford. Last year London Welsh played in the Premier League and were unfortunate to be relegated to the Championship League so will no doubt be looking for promotion.

Chinnor RFC came a creditable sixth in the SSE National League two, South (Level four). The Second team won their league as part of their unbeaten record last season and have been promoted to the The Zoo Sports Shield, Division One. They will face much tougher teams such as Jersey, Esher, Ealing, Richmond, Blackheath and local rivals Henley.

Both clubs have new First Team Coaches. Justin Burrell was appointed head coach of London Welsh in 2013 having previously been joint head coach and forwards coach for the Cardiff Blues and Chinnor recently signed Craig Chalmer, former Scotland and Lions player. He has coached Scotland?s successful Melrose RFC.

As well as being the show case for the two high profile coaches, the ‘friendlies’ will be an opportunity to for the new signings keen to show and share their talents with the existing players.

Entrance to both matches is free of charge. Kick off will be at 3pm.

The final pre season match on August 24, will be the Seconds playing Tonbridge Juddians. Chinnor Firsts played this club?s First team and won in order to attain promotion for last season. Again another good battle promised here!

SOURCE: Contributed