The first block of pre season training for the Champ Rugby squad is done – the players have a week off away from Ellgia Fields but will maintain their own personal programmes.
So, three weeks into the new Champ Rugby era at Cambridge, Club Chair Tim Hague is pretty pleased with the way things are taking shape:
“Nearly all the senior squad have now arrived and had the pleasure of a bonding weekend in the wilds of Ipswich, which was a pretty tough weekend, withstanding some terrible weather and flooded tents! It all took place in a very good atmosphere and there’s real progress in knitting together a hungry young squad. There’s a lot to do – but I don’t think we could be better placed than we are now. We still have a few additions to make and announce, but all in the ‘direction of travel’ is good as we head towards our opening pre season fixture here against Ulster on September 13th.
You can buy your tickets for the Ulster game here.
So – it’s all coming together. Like Craig Newby and the 1st Team squad, we have a battle plan too. That motif is driving the Club on and off the pitch. We’ve got quite a lot of ‘spinning plates’ – the GPS for the squad has been sorted – thanks to the 1st XV Club; a big screen is also on the way and will be installed when the dugout move is completed- many thanks are due, again, to the 1st XV Club for making this possible. Our gym has been granted planning permission, so big thanks to all those that have helped, especially Colin Brown. It’ll make a massive difference to our preparation. And I’m very pleased that pre-season has firmly located the team, the Club, as part of the city of Cambridge. We’re all going into battle this season on behalf of the city”.
“We’re continuing to invest in our 1923 Academy – there’s much more to come on that in the next week or so – we’re continuing to invest in our Exiles side and our very successful Women’s squad. We’re got extensive recruitment going and we’re ramping up the coaching. We’re committed to bring our Academy players, many of whom are local, into the 1st XV set-up as we progress.
“This all costs money. We always need investment to bring these battle plans to fruition. We are a members club, we know we have to be more self-sustaining, so we’re putting a lot of effort into membership , into match day revenues, recruiting more sponsors, and putting on events at the Club. We’ve applied for planning permission for Padel Tennis courts. We’re looking for more sponsors for players, and financing the Academy – we always welcome investment to make us more professional. And let’s not forget, match days here are always a great day out! We have a fantastic fixture list this season with the expanded Champ Rugby offering”.
If you’d like to become a Cambridge Rugby member, please visit our website for further details and remember to get your car parking season ticket – all information can be found here.
The boys are back in town for Block 2 of pre season on Monday 4th of August…