Having returned to pre season training a little earlier than last season the rewards have been visible over the last couple of weeks. Not only in the groups, and I say groups because we as a group have worked extremely hard to not only improved the Player's fitness levels in the 1st XV, but also the Buccaneers and U18s! We have been working hard also on the skill levels of all teams who have all been on board from the first week in June. This time last year our pre season was good but I felt with an earlier start and the inclusion of our Buccs and U18s players our standards across the board would certainly improve and I’m pleased to say to date that the contribution of everyone both staff and players has been commendable! The gulf between all three teams has certainly become closer. This resulting in our skills and drills sessions being at a far higher standard. Our opposed sessions has seen our attack look very fluid with some quality coaching from our newly appointed attack coach Maliq Holden and with Ben Smith picking up an injury last month he also has made a very positive contribution on the level of detail on the coaching front, that we are looking to implement for the new season that awaits us.

We are two thirds into our Pre season programme and with several new faces joining us in the close season and with ideally a couple more late additions, the squad come September will be in a good place to go out and perform to a very high standard on a weekly basis.

The League this season looks as always very competitive on all fronts. Which all bodes well for what should be an exciting season ahead. Several high profile local Derbys. New opposition in Lymm and Billingham. We at the Ionians really do appreciate your continued support and with the season just around the corner I as I’m sure all our Sponsors and Supporters are of the same mindset.

BRING IT ON!

Let’s have some fun and enjoy playing a brand of rugby that is pleasing on the eye but also gets us the those all important wins.

Up the I's,
Steady.