CHINNOR RFC Thame are thrilled to announce the signing of full-back Nick Smith from Biarritz Olympique.
The 27-year-old becomes the latest exciting talent to join our Senior Squad, adding further flair to our back-line.
Smith, who grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, can also play at fly-half and is expected to arrive in Thame next month.
A member of the Auckland Rugby Academy and the Blues development program, he joined North Harbour in 2016, playing in the Mitre 10 Cup – the second highest level of professional rugby in New Zealand.
Last summer, Smith moved to Biarritz, making six appearances and scoring 17 points in Pro D2 – the second tier of French rugby.
Nick is now excited to be moving to England and is looking forward to becoming part of the Chinnor family.
He said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Chinnor RFC Thame. With my British ancestry which I have through my mum, I’ve always wanted to play in England. Richard Thorpe has great plans for the Club and I’m excited to be a part of it. He’s got the right people in the right places as well and it looks like Chinnor are building something really special. Hopefully I can show good things in a Chinnor jersey. I’m someone who likes to play fast and in a lot of space. I’m aiming to score a lot of tries, a lot of points, and help us win a lot of games.”
Chinnor RFC Thame Director of Rugby, Richard Thorpe said: “We are excited for Nick to arrive with us over the coming weeks. He is an exceptionally talented attacking player, who will add considerable flair to our already exciting backline. As a player moving from abroad, we are very much looking forward to welcoming him in to our Chinnor family, and I am expecting him to become a regular feature in our first team this season.”
CHINNOR RFC Thame are delighted to be able to announce the signing of Army-serving hooker Pete Austin.
The former London Irish Academy player becomes our second signing of the day and our fourth of the week, following Jonas Humbert, Nick Smith and Charley Robinson.
Austin further strengthens our front row for the 2020/21 National League 1 season and brings a wealth of experience to the Senior Squad.
Pete, who is a Bombardier in the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, has played in the prestigious Army-Navy match, as well as for London Scottish, Birmingham Moseley, Worthing Raiders and Barnes.
He is now looking forward to pulling on a Chinnor jersey and becoming part of the new chapter at the Club, where he will also be a community coach and play a key role with team analysis.
Austin said: “It’s great to sign for Chinnor RFC Thame. When Richard Thorpe was announced as Director of Rugby, I wanted to be a part of the Club because I knew he would do good things. I know Thorpey and (Backs Coach) Delon Armitage from my time at London Irish, I was in the academy when they were in the first team, and I also know (Attack Coach) Craig Hampson from England Under 18s. I’ve played at Kingsey Road a few times for the Army and I’ve always liked the brand of rugby Chinnor play. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Club and I’ve always had Chinnor in the back of my mind for about three seasons. I’ve now made the leap and it’s good to be here.”
Chinnor RFC Thame Director of Rugby, Richard Thorpe said: “Whilst few Academy players graduate through to play Premiership Rugby, I always felt that Pete Austin was one that had what it takes. Since our days at London Irish together he has pivoted into the Army, but I am now thrilled to reconnect with him alongside Delon at Chinnor. Pete is a natural leader, a combative player and accurate not only in his line-out throwing, but around the park as well. He adds a huge level of experience to our pack and I’m sure we will see this shine through once we are back on the playing field.”
CHINNOR RFC Thame are pleased to announce that Charley Robinson has re-signed for a second season at Kingsey Road.
The hooker, who came through the Bedford Blues Academy, first joined the Club last summer.
Charley is aiming to make up for lost time after being restricted to just one first-team appearance before missing the majority of the 2019/20 campaign with an ankle injury.
Robinson, who has also played for Ampthill, Leicester Lions and Peterborough, is making good progress with his rehabilitation.
And the 23-year-old is determined to make an impact in a Chinnor jersey.
Charley said: “I’m really pleased to have re-signed. I like the Club, the Chairman Simon Vickers and the boys who have stuck around – I really like the feel of the place and the atmosphere. Richard Thorpe wants to make everyone feel welcome while having a professional environment – the best of both worlds – which is really good. It’s a difficult time not knowing when we will start playing again, but he has created a positive atmosphere.”
He added: “After being injured pretty much the whole season, this year is a good opportunity for me to try to get a lot of game time and test myself in National League 1. I started running again on Tuesday and I was pain-free which is really exciting. It’s been a really long slog with my ankle, but this is my first serious injury. It was a real struggle last season - it was quite a tough place to be when it was dark and cold and I wasn’t able to train. It does get you down, but I’ve been working really hard with Becky (Osborn, Head Physio) and in my own time to get it stronger. Becky has been really good; we spoke about not rushing things and taking our time with it because we don’t know when the season will start and that’s been a blessing in disguise. We’ve been able to focus on getting it perfect before running on it. My ankle is getting better and better and there’s no repercussions of running, so I can now focus on my fitness.”
Chinnor RFC Thame Director of Rugby, Richard Thorpe said: “I’m looking forward to seeing Charley back on the field making an impact this season. Dealing with a long-term injury is tough for any player, and Charley has demonstrated real character pulling himself through a disappointing first season with Chinnor and has been working hard with his rehabilitation to get himself back on form. I have no doubt we are yet to see the best of Charley, and that he will be doing what it takes to get himself there.”
