Mike: We’re Ahead Of Where We Were 12 Months Ago

Director of Rugby Mike Umaga is pleased with how pre-season training has gone so far this summer. It’s this time of the year that the players put in the hard yards to build their fitness up to the levels required before the season starts with a home opener against Otley on Saturday, September 7. With the majority of the squad retained for the new campaign, recruitment has been kept to a minimum and Umaga is pleased with how the players have gone about their business.

“Pre-season training has gone really well so far,” Umaga said.
“We’ve had good numbers every week and I’ve been impressed with the effort from the lads.
“We’ve only been going for a month and I’ve been quietly pleased with the level of enthusiasm.
“Compared to this stage last year, we are definitely ahead.
“The vibe is good and much better than this time last year.
“This year, we’ve been pushing the players and ourselves in how we do our work. 
“As we get closer to the start of the season, training will change to more game related stuff.
“We’ve not had to recruit massively as the majority of the squad have decided to stay and be a part of what we’re doing here.
“That makes the transition from last season to this much easier.
“The new additions include front rower/flankers Waverley Wigglesworth and Curtis Taylor.
“Both are very skilled and are willing to improve.
“Anthony McCormack is a 6ft 5″second rower/back rower with loads of potential. 
“Finlay Hobson is an exciting player who can play in the back three and has a bit of flair about him and has no qualms about expressing himself.
“Adam Brankley is a former Bishop Burton student who plays in the back row and Tom Megson is a loosehead prop.”