Chinnor hoisted the third tier title last year but before they departed National One, director of rugby Nick Easter said it was the best division in the country because it is the highest league with permutations at the top and bottom.
Easter’s side were pushed all the way by Rams before breaking away in the final months of the season. Seb Reynolds’ side will be hoping to go one better next term and possess a dominant pack, while usual suspects like Rosslyn Park and Richmond, who have both recorded heavy victories over National Two sides during pre-season, will expect to compete at the top.
Big spending Blackheath flattered to deceive in the first half of last season and missed out on their pre-season goal of top six but have secured the league’s most high profile signing with 26-cap Fiji second row and former Newcastle Falcons forward Tex Cavubati joining the club.
The Londoners have clearly illustrated their ambition and head coach James Shanahan is hoping for a fast start with their campaign beginning at home to London rivals Richmond.
Shanahan told The Rugby Paper: “Last season we wanted top six and were one win away from that. We were disappointed as that goal felt attainable. We want top six this year, maybe top four. I’m happy where the squad is at with our new signings but other clubs are strengthening as well. Everyone is happy in pre-season but you don’t really know where you are until you’re six games into a season.
“We need to trust our process and remain switched on. Teams will come at us but we need to throw the first few punches and dictate how we want to play. We’re sometimes relaxed in games and wait until a team has got at us then think let’s have a crack now which is often too late.”
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin September 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin September 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Morris hat-trick lifts Steelmen
HOOKER Ieuan Morris came off the bench to settle matters for Ebbw Vale at Carmarthen Quins with his stunning second half hat-trick completing a 39-11 victory in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Joe keen to follow in family footsteps
JOE Ford is leading the charge to take Doncaster Knights to the promised land but says they have a long way to go before that becomes reality.
Robson keen to make it to the top with Coventry
COVENTRY ended the first five-match block of fixtures as the Championship’s only unbeaten side and full-back Charlie Robson has his sights set on promotion, and eventually playing for England.
Hancox joins the 200 club
AFTER 10 years of donning the red, black and yellow shirt for Bournemouth, skipper Grant Hancox made his 200th appearance this month after their Regional 2 South Central clash against Winchester.
Bear keen to be a big hit Down Under
FORMER Cornish Pirates back row Bear Williams has flourished in making the difficult transition from rugby union to league and has plans to play in Australia’s NRL. `
To play in two World Cups was a dream
RUGBY started quite late for me.
Call time on this pantomime ploy
THIS 60-second shot clock twaddle. If we must continue to plough down this blind alley it needs to apply from the moment the referee awards the penalty. If the authorities are going to put some stick about at least do it properly and with conviction.
Coetzee's pulling his weight again
WHETHER he starts or comes off the bench, Jaco Coetzee is just happy to be contributing fully to Bath’s revival after an injury-hit start to his career in blue, black and white.
Murray's on a wing - and a prayer ...
BLAIR Murray began the week ‘in a state of shock’ at having gone from nowhere on one side of the world to the starting grid for the autumn Tests on the other.
We need to kick on after winning at last
Paul Rees talks to Ethan Grayson who heard from two rugby legends after he helped Newcastle end their 25-match losing run