Saracens

Approaching the season in a positive way is key to the future success of amateur rugby at Bramley road, the home of Saracens since 1939. We are committed to the core values of rugby. The modern game of rugby has since the arrival of professionalism has moved forward at a pace never seen before. Playing standards, the pace and power of the game is producing an awesome spectacle for spectators. Amateur rugby under the Saracens name has and will continue to strive to provide the best rugby experience for all its members, young and old.

We currently field teams at every age group for boys, girls, men and women. I believe that encouraging more people to play means keeping up the campaign that portrays rugby as the sport of the hard-working and well-behaved. If that is done, the status of the game will rise, more children will want to play, gate receipts will soar, investment in grassroots rugby will flourish and we can produce yet more Richard Hill's to take Saracens to the top of the world game.

As the season starts, I thought I would use this opportunity to let you know about what's happening in Saracens amateur section. The senior men have a new head coach and their new league season is about to start. Steve Hancock, a former 1st team fullback from the 80's has taken on the challenge of maintaining and improving our current league status as well as getting three men's teams out every week. Training takes place at the club on Mondays and Wednesdays. All new players are welcome.

This Season is the 20th anniversary of the women's section. Last Saturday I was at the 20th anniversary dinner to celebrate what has been achieved in the last 20 years. The section has produced 70 international players and won 28 national titles. A tremendous record that puts Saracens' women firmly at the top of the women's game in this country. The section has four teams, two seniors and an u18's and u15's. I am afraid if you are under twelve you will have to play in the boy's age groups. The women train on Tuesdays and Thursdays and always welcome new players, so if you have played a bit or would just like to give it a try turn up at Bramley road at 7pm any Tuesday.

On Monday 28th of September serious rugby is returning to Bramley road. The Saracens A team are playing Northampton in a game to officially open the new flood lights. The game kicks off at 7pm. It has been suggested that we should call the lights the Richard Hill Lights; this idea started a discussion in the club about how we could acknowledge great Saracens of the past. We had the toilets refurbished at the end of last season and the club President, Steve Ravenscroft suggested we name them after one of his favorite Saracens. We also thought about asking the local council to change the name of Bramley Road to Richard Hill. If you would like to make any other suggestions please contact me and we can discuss these at the next committee meeting. On the 15th of October the former players led by Steve Ravenscroft are off on their first official Rugby Tour. The squad is embarking on a three day tour and hope to sample some French rugby and hospitality as well as watch the Professionals' play against Toulon on the Thursday evening. The size of the tour party is creeping towards the 30 mark and includes some of the great players of the past 30 years.

The coming season ahead I am sure will be one to remember. The amateur and professional sides of the club continue to work hard in a strong partnership. This year sees the start of a joint coach development plan where coaches from the pros will run sessions for our coaches to help and support their commitment to provide our players with the best possible rugby experience. The club is also working with Southgate College to partner fund a RFU Community Coach. The coach will be based at Bramley Road to support player and coach development as well as helping with the college's rugby academy program. He will also go into other schools and clubs to promote rugby in our local Community.

Lee Adamson

Visit www.saracens-amateur-rfc.co.uk