THERE is a real sense of positive optimism about the place at Bridgwater & Albion Rugby Club ahead of the start of the 2023-24 season where they kick off their new campaign in Western Counties (North) with a home fixture against Nailsea and Backwell at College Way on Saturday starting at 3pm.

Ahead of the new season Director of rugby Geoff Sluman shared his thoughts on how things are at the Club. 

“Well, the off season has certainly not been a quiet time and there has been a lot going on around the club," he said.

“In senior mens rugby we have had a bit of change on the coaching front. Carl Rimmer remains head coach with Richard Capstick continuing with forwards and skills.

"We have been lucky enough to add Joe Snow to our coaching team who is looking after backs and skills. Snowy is a member of the Exeter Chiefs squad so he also brings some of the very best and latest techniques.”

Sluman added: ”We started pre season training back at the start of July so the squad has been working hard for the past eight weeks. Playing wise we have had some leavers and some joiners and there is a good atmosphere around the squad. Numbers at training have been healthy and there is a good atmosphere around the place.

“We have played three pre season fixtures against Wellington RFC, Cwmbran RFC and Burnham-on-Sea RFC. People always ask me the score, but the scores are fairly meaningless in pre-season  games. It is much more about trying things out, getting new combinations of players playing with each other and giving everybody some game time.”

The Director of Rugby went on: ”The women's team have continued their build up to the new season. They train at the ground on Wednesday evenings and as with the men’s  team always welcome new players.

“The youth section are planned to return on the first Sunday in September between 10:00-12:00. This is a growing section of the club and a great way for children to make new friends and exercise, so everyone, girls and boys are very welcome to attend.”

“The men's first team are playing in Western Counties league this year so there will be new teams and places for us to visit. The first team kick off with a home game with Nailsea and Backwell while the second team are away at Cheddar.” 

Sluman added: “All of the playing squad, coaches and everyone else at the club are really looking forward to the start of the season, it will be great to be playing and watching rugby again. We look forward to seeing everyone back at the ground on Saturday.”

To find out more log onto www.barfc.co.uk