Head Coach Richie Williams has confirmed the welcome return of Gareth Baxter, Kieran Frost and Matt Waring to his forward pack for the 2022-23 season.
“One of our key strengths over the past few seasons has been the effectiveness of our line out and the way in which the players have applied their knowledge in this area.
“We are extremely fortunate to be blessed with a huge amount of quality and experience which will be tested again this season.
Home grown talent Gareth Baxter returns to the National 1 winning side for his thirteenth season in the senior squad, after working his way through the Cambridge set up from a young age, and is eager to be a part of the centenary year for the club;
“The opportunity we have this year is so exciting and I can’t wait to shock the rugby world in the clubs 100th year.”
Williams is pleased to have Baxter back in the fold;
“Gareth is closing in on 150 appearances for the club and is a player that has come through our successful mini and junior pathway. His experience, coupled with his deep understanding of the line out has been invaluable the last few seasons. His calmness and consistency have allowed him to develop into a quality operator. I’m sure he’ll now want to test himself at this level.”
Also joining Baxter in the second row is Northampton born Kieran Frost who brings Championship experience back to the side having previously competed for Yorkshire Carnegie and Ampthill;
“Kieran Frost was arguably the standout second row in National 1 last season, with some impressive performances. His physicality and soft skills will be important areas for us this season. Since arriving from London Scottish, he has started to reach his potential. Like Gareth, he has a very analytical eye and is quickly becoming an intelligent player.” Said Williams.
The final string to the second row comes in the form of Matt Waring;
Photo by Chud Photography
“Matt Waring remains at the club and provides a different option at second row. He has been a part of the squad for a number of seasons and adds a physical presence. He started in our important home victory against Bishops Stortford last season and will look to add to his five games this season.”
Today’s announcements are the latest in an upcoming string of squad reveals before the season gets underway in early October. Keep your eyes peeled across the coming days as the remainder of the squad is unveiled.
2022-23 Squad:
Props
Seb Brownhill
Matt Collins
Jake Ellwood
Harry Morley
Billy Walker
Hookers
Ben Brownlie
Corey Lewis
Willie Priestley
Morgan Veness
Second Row
Gareth Baxter
Kieran Frost
Matt Waring