Cambridge Rugby are pleased to welcome new signing and Prop Jake Ellwood to the fold, along with returning Props Billy Walker, Harry Morley, Seb Brownhill and Matt Collins ahead of their inaugural season in the RFU Championship.
After a successful season in 2022-23, which saw Cambridge fight to the final minute, earning a spot in the second tier of English rugby in their final game of the season, Head Coach Richie Williams was keen to lock in his front row prospects, as the club looks ahead to a new challenge.
“A number of seasons ago we identified the need to develop our scrum and we recruited players that we already believed were good enough to operate at Championship level and had the attitude to play even higher.”
“With some clear aims and objectives, these players have been carefully nurtured by Forwards Coach Neil Harris and have quickly developed into a powerful unit.”
Williams has further bolstered his front row with new signing Jake Ellwood, who joins Cambridge from fellow Championship side Ampthill. Ellwood is no stranger to top tier Rugby in England, with the North West born front row prospect having risen through the ranks in the Newcastle Falcons Academy before moving on to make appearances for London Scottish and Ealing Trailfinders.
“I’m thrilled to have joined Cambridge for next season! After speaking with Richie and some of the players that I know there it sounded like a great environment and a very exciting time to be a part of that. I’m looking forward to linking up with the squad and the wider coaching team and really getting stuck into preseason!” Ellwood said.
Of his returnees, Williams was eager to share his elation at retaining the core of last season’s front row;
“Fortunately, we have retained the cornerstones of our scrum from last season as we look to continue to evolve this important area of our game. All of our props have been crucial components of our success and will need to quickly adapt to the new demands of this season.”
Tighthead prop Billy Walker and Loosehead Harry Morley return for their third seasons at the club, both having tasted Championship rugby with Nottingham and Jersey Reds respectively.
Walker is keen to take on a new challenge this season;
“I’m very happy to have re-signed at Cambridge for this year. What we have built over the last few years is something very special and I can’t wait to test ourself as a team in the Championship.”
Tighthead Matty Collins also returns for his second season in red, and is looking forward to facing his old club Ampthill in Cambridge’s first league game in October.
The final name to complete the set is that of Seb Brownhill whom Williams commented;
“Seb showed so much growth last season after joining from Bishops Stortford and will be another player keen to challenge himself against new opposition.”
Today’s announcement is the first of many reveals set to be shared over the coming days. So, keep your eyes peeled across our social media channels and brand-new website for more news on our player roster and staff set up for the 2023-24 season.