Maids looking the ‘strongest they have ever been’ on return to training

Myke Parrott says Maidenhead RFC are looking the ‘strongest they have ever been’ having got back to training and seen a large influx of players join the club.

The Director of Rugby is itching for his side to kick off some competitive action on May 1, starting with a Ready4Rugby tournament against Tring, Maidenhead’s Colts section, and ‘a couple of other teams’.

Then, the club will be permitted to move onto adapted contact with Oxford Harlequins on May 22, and host a training match with Oxford University at Braywick Park.

“We have been back training for about three weeks now and there is a really positive vibe around the club at the moment,” said Parrott.

“It’s been brilliant to see all the lads back down there having a laugh and having a run around.

“Our numbers have been great. In the Seniors (1st and 2nd team) we’ve had 40-45, the Colts have been 20-30 strong, and our social team (3rd and 4th team) have had similar numbers.

“On any given training night, we have had about 70-80 participants and that’s not including our reinvigorated Ladies section that come down Thursday nights aswell.

“It’s brilliant to see everyone back down there enjoying rugby again.”

On the club’s new players, Parrott added: “I have been quite active on the recruitment front, and the strength of the squad is looking incredibly good.

“Every session we have had new players come in, and there are a few that I’ve been speaking to that are hopefully going to fully commit and buy into what we’re doing at Maidenhead.

“We’ve tried to be as busy and proactive on social media to bring players in and that’s paying dividends because we’re getting regular enquries.

“Prior to lockdown, we had a very promising group of youngsters who had recently won the National Cup. Those lads are now 18 months older, stronger, fitter, and some of them are starting to finish University aswell.”

In June, once the restrictions are lifted, Maids will hope to host a club day where members can get down to Braywick Park for a BBQ andcelebrate being back in one another’s company.

“We've definitely got that bounce back feeling now,” said Parrott.

“We're hoping we can put on a party and play some kind of rugby to entertain everyone.”