ROLLS-ROYCE
Works clubs have all but disappeared from the RFU Leagues but Rolls-Royce, of Derby, founded in 1943, are upholding that spirit. They were relegated from Midlands Three East (North) last season after winning only one of 18 matches but are targeting a top-half finish in the next league down.
Prop Will Malewicz is in his second year as club captain and head coach Adam Jones-Bradburn is assisted by Chris Wheatley. Spokesman Stuart Melvin said: “Around 90% of our players are employed by the company but they are not recruiting much now, so our usual stream of graduate newcomers has been reduced. We need to find different sources of local players.”
They’re starting them young with a new venture, ‘Rugbytots’. Melvin added: “We’ve never had a mini-junior section but it will be great to see two- to seven-year-olds on our pitches.”