Rugby returns after tough times

At last! Rugby is returning to Oaklands Park in Chichester.

It’s been a long difficult year or more for everyone, but in challenging times Chichester RFC have not rested on their laurels.

The committee and coaching team have used the time to discuss and plan how to emerge from the pandemic and bounce back for the 202122 season.

The core of the senior structure are remaining to drive chairman Paddy McAlpine’s vision for the club forward.

All of the club’s coaches, captains and support team are carrying on as the club emerge back into the light.

Director of rugby Paul Colley said: “My thanks in particular go to Scott Ashley and Mark Norton who have been relentless in their thinking and application during the choppy waters of the past 15 months.

“Pre-season is well under way with good numbers in attendance at training and a real buzz of anticipation as we return to real rugby.

“We will be having two warm up matches for the senior squad, both of which are at home.”

On Saturday, the Blues host Towcestrians (2pm).

A strong Midlands one outfit should also prove a stern test for Chi’s first and second XVs as they build towards league campaigns starting in September.

Charlie Wallace is continuing as first XV captain, Rhys Thompson as vice captain and Joe Woods as club aptain.

The firsts begin at home on September 4 to old rivals London Cornish and the twos, newly promoted to the Hampshire premier, kick off on September 18 away to Millbrook.

The Chi threes have also moved to the Hampshire leagues which the club hope will enable the team to flourish.

Colley said: “Early meetings with the university indicate that we should hopefully be able to draw on some of their cohort across all our sides. We are likely to have a twos/threes warm-up match in early September.”

For more information about the club, including its ladies’ and junior teams, visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/ chichester