Ellon Rugby are preparing for their new season with a healthy compliment of players, but there are ambitious plans in the future as well.
The clubs’ director has said that the club is looking to gain a few promotions from their current league of Caledonia 2 in the near future.
Shane Jakeman, director or rugby at Ellon Rugby Club, said “Our First XV squad members are much stronger this year than have been for a while and this is due to the junior and youth development teams starting to provide several players to play in the Firsts.
“Our objective for the next three years is to secure promotion towards the National Leagues. We’re also starting to build a good fan base and always welcome new supporters to come and get involved.”
Ben Shirron, First XV captain, said he is “really looking forward to this season as they have kept the core of the squad and also added some new exciting players that can help them achieve the target of winning this league.
“Ellon Rugby has always has a successful youth system which has produced some very good young players that have made a solid impact when stepping up to senior level rugby, so it is key for the club to continue the good work for the youth teams”
“The team has done very well in pre-season, from last season’s one we have more than doubled the amount of guys coming to train which has helped us create a strong bond with each other.”
Sam Mountain, First XV coach, said “This year is one of excitement for the seniors, they have set ambitions but realistic targets for themselves, which am sure that if they train hard and put in the hard work they will achieve.”
“Last season was one of re-building getting a settled squad in place regularly training and playing together, which showed as we only lost one game after Christmas”
“We have added to the squad with some excellent players who are previous members of the youth section”
“Pre-season has gone excellently with guys buying into what we are trying to achieve and I’m confident that if they continue with this level of commitment there goals they have set will be achieved, but the hard work has only just started and the key to this season is being consistent in our approach throughout the year not just a good pre-season.”