First XV

Ripon RUFC 1st XV will play in Yorkshire 2 in the 2008/09 season having just survived the drop on the final day of last season. The squad will be under completely new management lead by Head Coach Simon Middleton.

Simon (a level 4 coach) will continue to coach at Leeds Carnegie whilst helping prepare Ripon’s senior sides during the week. Assisting Simon will be the experienced head of Colin Clarke who has been appointed as 1^st XV Lead Coach. Colin brings experience from County, University and Senior rugby coaching. Former 1^st XV prop Al Norrie completes the coaching team.

Looking after all the "off field" preparation will be Lawrence Black; Lawrence, a society referee, is also an experienced rugby coach and a county selector.

The playing squad has been strengthened by some new arrivals and new skipper Steve Moss-Blundell is looking forward to enjoying a successful season. Steve had to endure an injury ravaged 2007/08 season and is keen to generate some forward momentum with the squad.

New players are always welcome to the club and we train every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.00pm. News and other updates are posted regularly on our blog. Please contact me at brendan@nethersett.co.uk or on 07900 993303 if you are interested in joining us.

Brendan Hurley
Director of Rugby
Ripon RUFC

(Updated July 2008)