Tavistock Rugby Club ready to kick-off their preparations for the new season

TAVISTOCK Rugby Club will open their delayed pre-season campaign tonight when they make the short trip to Polson Bridge to play Launceston’s second team.

The Counties Two Devon outfit have had a relatively quiet summer with not too many changes at Sandy Park.

Leigh Puttock is continuing as their head coach, with Martin Budden forwards coach, Rob Milligan as backs coach and Will Reed returning as first XV manager.

Their squad is very similar to last season, but Glenn Fuller has returned to join his brother Freddie at the club.

Freddie Fuller will be co-captain again this year, an honour he will share with Richard Cann.

Another new face is former Topsham player Jim Wellard, who has moved to the area for work.

“Jim has already added some real quality, experience and leadership to the group and will be a huge asset for us this season,” said head coach Puttock.

Tavistock are also boosted by more colts coming through to their senior ranks.

“They got some valuable exposure to the senior game towards the end of last season, and I’m sure the experience they gained from that will really help them as they make the transition,” said Puttock.

“It’s exciting to see young players wanting to take that next step, enjoy senior rugby and become a genuine part of the squad.

“Their development will continue to be a really important part of what we’re trying to build at Tavistock.

“Recruitment continues to be a real challenge. We’re seeing the rise of some of the bigger “super clubs” in the area recruiting players further and further down through their senior sides.

“As a community club, we simply can’t compete with everything some of those clubs are able to offer players, and it will be interesting to see what impact that has on the wider game.

“With fewer players playing community rugby, I do wonder how sustainable fixtures will become for teams further down those larger club structures.

“Our focus, though, remains firmly on Tavistock – developing our own players, giving opportunities to those who want to play, building a strong club environment and making sure people enjoy being part of the Moorlanders.”

Tavistock will face a Launceston side that is set to include Saltash forward Devon Bennett-Murray.

After playing Launceston, Tavistock will visit North Tawton next Friday before hosting OPMs and Old Techs in a three-way fixture on September 19.