To help take Chinnor RFC into a semi-professional future, Director of Rugby Matt Williams has announced the formation of Chinnor Falcons.
“It is vital that we get a clear and defined pathway for lads to progress from Chinnor and Oxfordshire Youth into our 1st XV” said Matt.
Chinnor Falcons will be a Development-focused team taking over from the 2nd XV with former 1st XV recruit Dave McKee as player/coach.
Dave has played over 100 National League games for Hartpury, Cinderford and Chinnor. He suffered a back injury that stopped him playing last season. Dave is now fit and raring to go and says,
"I am very excited by the challenge of creating a successful group of boys to support the 1st XV and enable lads to progress through from youth to senior."
2nd XV team manager Hwyel Evans will move into managing the Falcons and Julian Millo is the newly appointed fixtures secretary of both Falcons and Colts.
Chinnor Falcons will have the major aim of feeding into the 1st XV and creating the next generation of Chinnor stars. The team will consist of a combination of existing Chinnor players, University players, former and current Colts, anchored by 1st XV squad members.
Matt Williams said,
"It is vital that we get a clear and defined pathway for lads to progress from Chinnor and Oxfordshire Youth into our 1st XV. If boys are good enough, age is most certainly not a barrier with me. We have a duty not just for Chinnor but for the youth of Oxfordshire to give them a pathway to reach the level of Rugby that they are capable of and have the dedication for. Boys mature at different ages and there is a lot of talent out there who have missed Premiership Academy structures for various reasons."
Chinnor RFC will also be organising four Floodlight Wednesday Night Under 20 games spread throughout the season. This provides an opportunity to further progress the highly talented young players progressing through Chinnor.
Matt says,
"This is a great opportunity to keep lads in contact with the club who have gone to university or work far afield. There is a big drop off in most clubs from Colts to Seniors as lads find other things in their life - Universities to girls! If we can keep the club in their minds when the time is right they will be back!"
This continues on from the announcement that Director of Rugby Matt Williams will also be in charge of Colts Rugby from next season that sees current first team player Greg Goodfellow as Colts Head Coach.
Matt Williams further commented,
"The Falcons and Colts will have the same attention to detail as the 1st XV and I will be viewing all the video analysis of both teams. If you are good enough, you will progress. My coaches pathway of Ricky Khan coaching the Falcons on a Thursday and Dave McKee coaching the Colts on a Wednesday means I have eyes across the board."
Photo courtesy of Chinnor RFC for more information, please visit their website: www.chinnor-rfc.com
