CHINNOR RFC Thame are delighted to announce the retention of six key players for the 2020/21 season.
Will Harries, Laurence May, Joe Rees, Willie Ryan, Nick Selway and James Tyas have today re-signed for the Oxfordshire club.
All six players have played key roles already this season and have 97 games between them during the 2019/20 campaign.
Director of rugby Matt Williams is delighted to see them re-sign as Chinnor, who sit third in National League 1, bid to keep the core of their squad together.
He said: “It’s a big statement to the league.
“Just off the back of the RFU announcing their cutting funding at the Championship level, we show the passion and desire to keep progressing with the spine of our team re-signing.
“Nick Selway, Joe Rees, Willie Ryan, Will Harries, Laurence May and James Tyas have all committed to next year.
“That’s six great first retentions and just shows that whilst Championship clubs are trying to work out what they’re doing, we’re still as strong as ever.”
No 8 Ryan is in his third spell at Chinnor after spending time on loan in 2017/18 and 2018/19.
The back-row forward, who rejoined the club last summer from Doncaster Knights, has only missed one game this season and is thrilled to be staying.
“I’m very happy,” said Ryan.
“It’s a good place to be, so it’s a no-brainer really.
“It definitely feels like home and I’ve enjoyed my rugby the most since I’ve been here.
“On and off the pitch it’s really good. We train hard and we play a good set of rugby. The coaches give us a free rein and let us play what we see which is quite nice and off the pitch it’s a good group of lads.”
Former Bath Academy player Tyas recently returned to Chinnor in January, signing from London Scottish after a successful month’s loan at the end of 2019.
Having previously spent two years at the Thame-based club between 2014 and 2016, he is relishing being back at Kingsey Road.
Tyas said: “I’m really pleased to have signed for Chinnor for next season.
“These last few months have been some of the most enjoyable I have played and I feel we are building something really special.
“We still have a lot to do this season, but to know I’m staying at a club that feels like home to me for another year is great and the club, Matt and Simon’s (Vickers, Chairman) ambition is something I want to be a part of.”
Tighthead Rees joined Chinnor from Merthyr last summer, but had to wait until December to make his debut due to undergoing ACL reconstruction.
However, in seven appearances the Welshman has shown his undoubted quality at set-piece time.
Rees said: “I’m delighted to re-sign for Chinnor, I’ve really enjoyed my first year with the club.
“I was obviously gutted to miss the first half of the season through injury and I’m relishing being back on the pitch, but I feel like I’ve got unfinished business here.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this club and I’m enthused by the work that is being done both on and off the pitch.”
Former Cornish Pirates star May joined Chinnor from Ealing Trailfinders last June and has been ever-present in his debut season.
Starting 22 of his 23 appearances, the fly-half has scored 151 points so far in the 2019/20 campaign and is thrilled to agree a new deal.
“It’s great to know I will be here next season,” said May.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here since joining last summer and it’s a fantastic club.
“We’re playing some great rugby at the moment. It really is one of the most enjoyable places to be and we have some great personalities here.
“I’m really impressed by the club’s ambition and it is definitely something I wanted to be a part of.”
Former Wales international Harries was another player to join the club from Ealing last summer.
Although hampered with a hamstring injury during October and November, the full-back has delivered a string of impressive performances over the last couple of months, scoring four tries in 13 appearances.
Harries said: “To know I am staying on for another year is fantastic.
“This has been my first year as a semi-pro and I have really enjoyed the transition. At the same time, I’m still impressed by the club’s ambitions and it’s a nice place to be playing rugby.
“I’m now looking forward to helping us finish the rest of the season strongly and building on our hard work so far.”
Selway was also a player who moved away from the professional game last summer, leaving Jersey Reds for Oxfordshire.
He has proved a popular figure at Kingsey Road, while Chinnor’s well-oiled pack has resulted in the hooker crossing 15 times this season.
“I’m glad to be re-signing with Chinnor,” said Selway.
“There’s a great bunch of lads here and I’m really enjoying my time with the club.
“It’s good to be able to keep hold of the nucleus of the team and to be involved in such an ambitious club.”
