Latest Club Press Release

Weston-super- Mare RFC are aiming to show further improvement and greater consistency this coming season.

Pete Sloman, club coach said - Some of the performances we put in last year, Bridgwater in the County Cup Final, against Cleve at home were impressive, but equally at times we played very poorly and lost three home games that we really shouldn?t of lost. That?s about experience and maturity, and I hope another year on, we can raise our level of performance up?

The side will again be based around the local players developed since juniors at the club: ten of the twelve forwards on show in last season?s cup final winning squad were ex- colts.

However, following the loss of Joe Ewens (retired), Matt McQuaid (Clifton),  Chris Rowland (Stourbridge), Mike Denbee (Plymouth),Simon Williams (Old Albanians in Hertfordshire) and Bryce Noble ( returned to New Zealand), some recruitment has had to take place.

Chris Heath, Director of Rugby said - The standard of South West One has improved year on year. We have already read that Bracknell, Chinnor and Maidenhead all expect to win the league. I expect Cleve to be stronger following a year?s experience in the league, and newcomers Bournemouth have a two year plan in place which gets them promotion to National League Rugby. So we know the season is going to be a real challenge?

With this in mind, the club signings include New Zealander wing/fullback Chris Chricton , front rower Tobias Gukibau who has been playing for Parramatta in Australia, hooker John Fillingham from neighbours Hornets, and ex Wales Students Rugby League player Matt Drew.  In addition two former first teamers, prop Merv Down and centre Duncan Rainey have returned to action following some time out from the game.

Heath commented ?There are a couple more signings in the pipeline. With a number of last year?s successful colts side coming up to senior ranks, together with these new additions, we think the overall squad has a stronger look to it. Pre-season has gone well and there?s a very positive feeling around the club.?

Tomorrow sees Weston face probably their most difficult game of the season in their last pre-season match.  Cardiff RFC, who play in the Welsh Premiership visit the Recreation Ground. Sloman said ?It?s a big compliment to the club that Cardiff enquired whether we would host them in pre-season. To play against a side who have already beaten English National One side Pertemps Bees, says something of the task facing us, but I hope some of younger players will rise to the challenge and realise that this is the standard of rugby to which they should aspire?

Admission to the game is £3 for adults with children free.