Newcomer Aces set their sights high
With some top talent signed, new squad envisions rapid rise up the RFL ladder
If you’re not in this league to win and be the best, then what are you in it for? Just to exist? That’s not going to cut it in Ottawa.
Busy signing players for the past couple of weeks, the Ottawa Aces are expected to announce another biggie Friday — a French international with Super League experience.
With 15 players signed (but just seven announced) several months ahead of their Betfred League 1 debut early in 2021, the Aces — at least on paper — have the makings of a very good squad for their inaugural pro rugby season.
But just fielding a good product and showing well in 2021 isn’t good enough. Aces chairman/ president Eric Perez said expectations are high as the team will look to quickly move up the Rugby Football League ladder, with a promotion to Championship, then Super League very much part of the vision.
“I’m eager to move on to the next phase of this — which is winning,” Perez said on Thursday. “The idea of winning and setting a bar of excellence in Ottawa — the Redblacks have definitely achieved that in their short period of time — that’s the kind of thing we look to emulate. Ottawa respects winning. If you’re not in this league to win and be the best, then what are you in it for? Just to exist? That’s not going to cut it in Ottawa. Just existing doesn’t cut it here.”
While many of the player signings won’t resonate with a good portion of Ottawa’s sports fans, followers of the RFL will be familiar with many of them.
“If you follow this on Twitter, people are shocked with the level of the signings,” Perez said. “We’ve laid out a path where we’re looking for young, hungry, up-and-coming players. It gives you an idea of what this team will look like, what direction we’re going in. It makes a statement that we’re trying to get promoted at the first go. I think we’ll have a pretty solid team. Every single guy we’ve signed is capable of playing at least high-level Championship.”
So let’s take a look at what’s been already announced.
The signing of Irish international prop Pat Moran was made official Wednesday.
Before that, it was twins Jay and Ted Chapelhow, who arrive via their hometown Widnes Vikings. Commenting on the brothers, Aces coach Laurent Frayssinous said: “To be able to sign players of James and Ted Chapelhow’s calibre shows everyone how appealing our project is. They will add size, power and strength in the middle of the park for us.”
Second row/loose forward Sam Wilde, who played for the Warrington Wolves and Widnes, is another addition. Wilde was an early target of Frayssinous, who said: “It is an incredible coup to have Sam Wilde on board with us next season. I have followed Sam for a long time and he is performing well, year in and year out. He is a typical modern edge back row who can break the line, is skilful, carries the ball strong when needed and, first and foremost, is solid defensively.”
Former Widnes and Halifax scrum half Tom Gilmore adds experience and leadership. Said Frayssinous: “He is a fantastic player and a great person. At only 26, he already has a good amount of experience playing at the highest level. He has a great kicking game, great skills and he is a natural leader that can boss the team around the park.”
Welsh international hooker Matty Fozard, most recently with the London Broncos, participated for the Wales side at the 2014 European Cup and the 2017 World Cup qualifiers. Said Frayssinous: “I am over the moon that Matty decided to join our project. He has vital Super League experience. Matty has high expectations of himself and the team, which suits what we want to achieve perfectly. He can play different positions, is very strong defensively and has a lot of skills to bring to the club.”
French international halfback Louis Jouffret played for local side Sporting Olympique Avignon and Warrington Wolves Academy as a junior. He started his senior career in 2015 with St Esteve XIII Catalan in France’s Elite 1 competition. He signed with Batley before moving to Featherstone Rovers earlier this year. Jouffret has also represented France at the U16, U18, U19 and U23 level before playing for his country at the senior level, with two appearances. He also took part in the World Cup 9’s in Sydney in 2019.
The team is hoping to add some key Canadian players in the coming months. There will be an upcoming tryout camp in Ottawa, likely in late September or early October.
“It would be a dream if we could have five Canadians on the squad,” Perez said.