As I am sure you are aware the upcoming season promises to be a huge challenge to the players and coaches at Burton RFC, with promotion to the National Leagues (Nat Mids 3) coming at the expense of our neighbours Derby in the playoffs. The clubs focus will be on continuing to put out 3 senior teams plus Vets & Colts teams and offering rugby opportunities for all, whilst aiming to stay in National 3 Midlands.

I am pleased to confirm that Nick, Tom and Paz will continue in their coaching roles and Jack Sharkey will join the team to provide the fitness pain I know you all love, with the ever dependable “Duster” (Briggsy) in the background doing the manager / coordination role. With the challenges to the club and you as players it is very important that you attend as much of pre-season as possible. Pre-season testing will start from 17th June and the sessions are detailed for you below, with sessions starting promptly at 7.15pm.

Date	Venue	Who? Comments
Tues 17th June	Peel Croft	Gym Session (Forwards only) Boots & Trainers
Thurs 19th June	Peel Croft	Gym Session (Backs only) Boots and Trainers
Tues 24th June	Peel Croft	Whole Squad (Boots and Trainers)
Thurs 26th June	Robert Sutton School	Boots and Trainers
Tues & Thurs	Robert Sutton School	Rest of Pre Season unless informed otherwise

We have also organised a series of pre-season friendlies with Leicester Lions on Saturday 9th August, Matlock Tens on Saturday 16th August and A and 1st XV’s on a coach trip to Paviors (Notts) on Saturday 30th August. The season’s fixtures are being populated for all teams on the clubs website.

As players there are several ways you can help YOUR club which includes:

• Attending the working parties to improve YOUR club. Last year saw a lot of players attending to help with the massive works at the club. This year is no different and will require your support. We aim to undertake some major work in the home changing rooms, something as players you will greatly benefit from. Dates and details will be sent out via the club emails and posted on Facebook and the club website.

• Selling yourself for the club! You should have received or will definitely receive a letter detailing information about player sponsorship, copy attached below, which will see players of ANY TEAM get a kit package. Please email Briggsy on sbriggs@actionfarm.co.uk if you want an emailed version of the player sponsorship letter.

• Paying your annual subs on time, which saves a lot of mine and Briggsy’s time chasing people.

I hope you are looking forward to the challenges season 2014-15 will bring for you as players. We will be successful if you stay together as a group, support each other, push each other to achieve more and above everything else keep the true club spirit alive which makes Burton one of the best rugby clubs in the World.

Yours sincerely

Smithy
Director of Rugby
Burton Rugby Club