The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Former Stamford School stars look set to enter the Lions den
Rugby - More new signings imminent at Bretton Park
Two former Stamford School players with outstanding credentials look set to join Peterborough Lions. Tom Gulland, a 22 year-old flanker, and George Nairn, a 21 year-old hooker, have been training with the city club and have impressed head coach Darren Fox.
All being well, says Lions chief Andy Moore, the talentedtwosomewillputpentopaper soon.
“They are very exciting players - young, enthusiastic and hungry to impress. And they have both played at a higher level,” said the chairman.
The Lions play in Nation- al League Division Three whereas last season Gulland wasplaying for Blaydon in National League One and Nairn for Leicester LionsinNational League Two.
After leaving Stamford School, Gulland went to Newcastle University and he played for Newcastle Falcons Under18s. Hewasalsocapped for England Under 18s.
Nairn is a product of the Leicester Academy and while at Welford Roadheplayedone game for the Tigers against Cardiff Blues. He has also played for Cambridge in National League Division Two.
Several other new faces have been attending preseason training sessions and more signings are expected next week.
A new half-back pairing of Tom Aviss and Nico Defeo signed last month.
Scrum-half Aviss arrived from Ampthill and fly-half Defeo fromCambridge. Defeo played for Italy Under20sand Aviss for Pontypool, Tredegar and Bath University.
TheLionsstarttheirleague campaignwithahomegameat BrettonParkagainstDerbyon September 3.
Before that they have a pre-season friendly against an Ampthill Development XV onAugust21andthenoverthe AugustBankHolidayweekend they are awayontourin Cornwall where they have a match against National League Division Three (South West) side Camborne. The Peterborough Touch club based at Bushfield Sports Centre is on a real high at the moment after producing three England internationals and seven Midlands players.
MaxRaymondrunsthe club, which is affiliated to the England Touch Association and holds sessions from7pm-9pmonaFriday night all year round, andis quite rightly proudofwhat some of his players have achieved.
Fran Raymond (England Mixed U18s), Ellie Fuller (EnglandGirlsU18s) and Sam Missin (England Mixed U15s) are off to represent their country in the Junior Touch Championships in Arnhem, Holland, next month, while playing for the Midlands region at the Touch Nationals in St Ives from August 27-29 will be Ben Tam, Fran Raymond(Mixed Open); CameronDrake, ZanBuchanan (Men’s Senior); Sam Miss i n, Amelie Raymond (U18s) and Harry Missin (U15s).
Max Raymond himself is also aninternational. He was in the England Over 45s squad who competed at this year’s European Championships.
He said: “Last year we had two girls in the England Lions Girls Under 18 team at the inaugural Junior TouchChampionships in Nottingham and next month we’ve got three going to this year’s championship in Arnhem. So we must be doing something right.
“And we also have seven players representing the Midlands region at the Touch Nationals event in St Ives which is another feather in our cap.
“Touch is a social game for mixed or single gender teams and our club has a membership of players both male and female ranging from 12 years old to over 50. Andwecoverall abilities.
“The game is great for fitness and easy to learn and fun to play. It’s perfect for anyone who fancies getting into a team sport where they can quickly join in.”