Rams ready to kick off the Reynolds era

REDINGENSIANS RAMS kick off the Seb Reynolds era with a trip to rivals Henley Hawks on Saturday (3pm).

Long-term head coach Mike Tewkesbury, along with forwards coach Spike Henderson, stepped down at the end of last season with Reynolds and Owen Root stepping into their place.

And former Forest School pupil Reynolds is looking forward to finally getting going this weekend and is setting his sights high.

“The squad has worked very hard over the summer and there is a tremendous buzz about the club,” said Reynolds.

“I think it will take a while for the players to adapt to some of the fundamental changes we have introduced to our playing style.

“But this squad is capable of taking the club to National 1, which will provide local enthusiasts with some good quality rugby when Irish exiles move back to London.”

If Rams are to win promotion, they will have to do so without fly half Jacob Atkins, who has left the club after his loan spell from London Irish last season.

“We were bitterly disappointed to lose Jake,” said Reynolds.

“He grew in confidence during the season with us and became a valuable and much liked member of the squad.”

As well as Reynolds and Root, Danny Batty has also joined the coaching staff as a backs and defence coach, joining from Henley Hawks.

“I felt I needed a new challenge from my rugby and Rams offered it to me,” he said.

“The club is very ambitious but it wants to go forward by developing young local talent and that plays to my strengths.”

CROWTHORNE are also back in action on Saturday, kicking off their Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier campaign at home to Tadley.