Chinnor Rugby add size and strength to the back five of the pack in the form of experienced duo Ben Thomas and Joe Dancer.
Returning after 2 seasons in France, 30 year old tight Lock Ben Thomas has played 40 games for Stade Dijonnais in Federal 1. Ben learnt his trade in the Saracens Academy representing England at 18 and 20, losing to New Zealand in the World Cup 20’s final.
He has since played over 50 games in the Championship for London Scottish and Rotherham Titans as well as one season at Coventry. Matt Williams commented, “I’ve been focused on adding an experienced old school tight lock and Ben is exactly that! I’m delighted he chose to join us over several other rivals. At 118 kg and 6 ft 6 he is a force with ball in hand and a natural leader. Ben added, “Having spent 2 seasons in France it felt the right moment to come home. I met several other clubs but I really like the vision and management style Matt (Williams) has and I can’t wait to put on the shirt and show Chinnor what I can bring to the table!”
Ben will also be heading up the new Sports in Schools Chinnor Community Rugby Program Further information will be announced in due course.
24 year old former England Student Joe Dancer arrives from Hartpury College where he has played over 80 games in 3 seasons. Joe was an ever present starter in the National 1 league winning team and featured 15 times last season. At 6 ft 6 and weighing 105 kg Joe is a dynamic athlete who is equally happy at 6 or at Lock.
Joining his brother Alex at Chinnor, Joe said,” I’m very happy to be joining Chinnor for what will be an exciting first season for the club in National 1. Matt has built a formidable squad and with a handful of additions on top of an already exciting team should make for a great season. I’m particularly excited to be playing with my brother, something we’ve wanted to do for a while yet never managed it!” Matt added, “I’ve been a fan of Joe’s for a longtime. He will add something very different to what we have. He is very mobile and lives for a tackle! It will be good to see Alex and Joe spurring each other on!”
