Captains Corner with Club Captain Toby Holt
We wrap up pre-season this weekend with our first-ever clash against High Wycombe. We haven't played them before, but we know they'll be tough, which is exactly what you want heading into the season. Both our 1s and 2s are out, so plenty of boys getting a run and competition for shirts across the club.
This weekend's teams
1st XV
Up front we've got Leo, Akeem and Luke Parry in the front row — as solid a start as you can ask for. Reggie and Noah bring some serious height and grunt in the second row, and the back row of Gereint, Sevanaia and Dave Francis is looking tasty: Gereint back fit after injury, Sevanaia carrying his form from last season, and Dave always good for smashing holes at eight.
In the backs, Kyle Beck and Vids link up at nine and ten — a partnership I always enjoy watching. Lewis and Ryan take the midfield, and we've been working hard to tighten up that channel after Twickenham found a gap or two. Out wide we've got Jack Hobbs and Josh, and Ben Poth at fullback to round things off.
Off the bench, two debuts to shout about — Dave Coleman and Alex from our Colts. Both have put in the work and earned their chance, so it'll be brilliant to see them get their first run in senior rugby.
2nd XV
The 2s are looking sharp as well, led for the first time by Harrison as skipper. Big moment for him, and I know he'll thrive. The front row is strong, and what's most exciting is how much the 2s have levelled up. Against Twickenham, our second team looked dangerous whilst theirs struggled to keep up. That shows how much depth we've built — and it'll be massive for us this season.
3rd XV
And then the 3s — just as important. They're the doorway for new lads into the club, and a place for boys who want to play without the full-on commitment of league rugby every week. They're central to our one-club ethos, and it's no small achievement that we can regularly field three sides in London. That's a huge part of what makes us who we are.
Pre-season
Pre-season has been brutal but brilliant. Fitness blocks, broncos, and a lot of contact — the boys have grafted hard. We've had three full smash sessions, which really sharpened us up, and thankfully injuries have been pretty minimal.
The set piece is looking solid, our shape is in place, and the backs have been firing. What I've loved most is the buy-in — across 1s, 2s and 3s, everyone's working hard and pulling in the same direction. Compared to this time last year, we're in a much stronger spot.
This seasons goals
So what are we aiming for this year? For me, it's about all teams pushing on.
1s – Promotion has to be the target. It won't be easy with Finchley, Hampstead, Old Haberdashers, plus Wasps and Saracens in the mix, but we've put in the graft and we're ready to have a crack.
2s – Keep building. The standard has gone up a level, and with our one-club approach, lads can step in anywhere and keep the style and shape going.
3s – Continuity. Keeping three sides on the pitch every week is huge for our community and our culture. That's just as important as chasing wins.
Off the pitch, we're continuing to grow too. The barbecues have been class, the links with the women's team are stronger than ever, and the player sponsorship this year makes a massive difference in giving every lad the best rugby experience we can in London.
All in all, I couldn't be more excited. Three strong squads, cups to chase, and one club driving forward together.
Bring it on.
Toby Holt - Club Captain