Show me you’re up for league fray: Gaz
President Richard Sykes congratulates coach Gareth Lewis on his Clubman of the Year award at Huddersfield Rugby Union Club, supported by chairman Mark Birch and some of the players. Picture by Ray Morris weekend but is looking for more after some intense training sessions this week.
And he has re-iterated players have chance to force their way into the starting line-up for the National II North opener at South Leicester on Saturday week, September 2.
“The group have worked hard this week on aspects that needed some improvement, both in attack and defence,” said Lewis, who has a newlook squad to select from.
“We are all looking forward to the Pocklington game as they will be high on confidence, having won their league last season, and will be a tough test.
“This week provides another opportunity for the players to stake their claim for a shirt, with lads involved such as Adam Blades, Richard Piper and Jack Andrews.
“More importantly, it’s about the team moving to that next level in preparation for the opening league game at South Leicester next Saturday.”
Admission to the games is free and the teams are hoping for good support.
These will be the first matches on home turf since Huddersfield clinched their 26th straight win to make it a clean sweep and secure the National III North championship in April in record-breaking style. Pocklington were crowned North 1 East champions in the same month and will now be playing in the North Premier Division (the old National III North) as a result.
Pocklington secured their title by 12 points, winning 22 of their 26 games.
Tomorrow’s games should prove a good test for both teams immediately before the season proper. SARACENS flanker Will Fraser has retired from rugby with immediate effect.
Saracens announced that 27-year-old Fraser has quit on medical grounds due to a neck injury.
Fraser was an integral part of Saracens’ double-winning 2015-16 season when they landed the European Champions Cup and Aviva Premiership title.
He also represented England Saxons, and was part of the same academy group at the club as players like British and Irish Lions Owen Farrell, Jamie George and George Kruis.
“As everyone knows, I have had a torrid time with injuries pretty much throughout my whole career, but especially in the last couple of years,” Fraser said.
“Unfortunately, with this injury, I have had to listen to the medical advice, which has been for me to stop playing. The decision was made for me, which is tough, but it’s a decision that completely I understand and accept.
“As I take time to reflect, I can look back on my career with no regrets. There is nothing more I think I could have done or anything else I wished I could have done.”
And Saracens rugby director Mark McCall added: “Will’s attitude, commitment and selflessness will be his legacy at Saracens. The way he fought back from a number of injuries was an inspiration to us all.”