Bay Rugby Club well on track

LOCAL rugby guns came out in large numbers for the first round of trials at the Richards Bay Rugby Club on Tuesday evening.

Players who took up residency in the gym over the off season stood out owing to their superior fitness levels.

‘We started our preparations for the new season in December, which surprisingly attracted a large number of players,’ said Richards Bay head coach Trevor Montgomery.

‘With players putting in the hard yards, I am very happy with the depth and current fitness and form of certain key players.

‘This is our first year as a club in the Premier League, which carries a certain amount of responsibilities which the players and committee are taking very seriously.

‘Going into the season as the underdogs always plays into one’s favour and I aim for at least a fifth place finish.’

The first round of trials was impressive, with players playing structured, controlled rugby, putting their bodies on the line in the hopes of impressing the selection panel.

The second round of trials will be tonight (Thursday) at 6pm at the Richards Bay Rugby Club, with the third and final round being played on Saturday at 8am on the club’s fields.

A squad of 46 players will be selected and will play two friendly matches before the the two teams will be finalised.

The club currently has over 60 registered players for the new season, which gives coach Montgomery a lot to ponder about.

‘I am very blessed to be in the position I am in with such a large number of players available, but unfortunately we are falling short in the front row department.’

Montgomery, who steered the first team to success last year in the First Division, will be assisted this season by Kobus Wernich (technical coach), Kobus Beukes (assistant coach) and Grant Fouché (manager).

The club practices every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6pm-8pm at the club for anyone interested in joining.

The first and second teams will play two friendlies before their first league game against the Mancosa Rhinos on Saturday, 25 March.

Friendly fixtures

• Saturday, 4 March – Richards Bay 3 vs eSikhaweni at Richards Bay Rugby Club (3.30pm).

• Saturday, 11 March – Richards Bay 1 and 2 vs Ballito Dolphins at Richards Bay Rugby Club (2pm and 3.30pm).

• Saturday, 18 March – Richards Bay 1 and 2 vs Vryheid at Richards Bay Rugby Club (2pm and 3.30pm).

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