Pre-season gets underway soon at Trafford MV Rugby Club

By Wilf Dooley

With a tough season behind them and a short recovery period enjoyed, it is now time for the players at Trafford MV Rugby Club to get their boots on and roll up their sleeves for the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025/26 season.

The call is out for new players to join the playing squad at MacPherson Park as the new coaching team of Aaron Booth, Andy Quigley, and Jamie Kingdon unite to build a squad able to play and compete in the top half of Counties 1 ADM Lancashire & Cheshire League of the Northern Division.

A lot was learned last season, and the team will surely be wiser for their efforts. However, the loss of several key players due to retirement leaves positions in the team up for grabs by the right players. Defence will also be a crucial focus for the coaches, alongside match fitness, so the team can see out close matches that are in the balance – these are vital must-win games in the season ahead.

The coaches have called a Players Meeting for Tuesday, July 1st at 7.30 pm for current and potential players to get together, express their thoughts and plans for 2025/26, and assess the interest of players looking to compete for the senior team places. Competition is sure to be strong, and early season training will be a key measure of commitment to the cause.

Pre-season training proper will begin on Tuesday, July 8th at 7.00 pm, where the coaches will assess initial fitness, introduce players back into the fold, and begin the hard work based around their game strategy for the new season.

Any rugby players looking to set themselves new challenges, looking to get back into the game, or looking to step up and make a stake for a 1st XV place in a competing Level 7 amateur rugby team with limited travel and a great Club ethos, then please get in touch with Jamie Butler at mensrugby@tmvrfcc.co.uk.

Off the field of play, Trafford MV have opened their doors on Saturday mornings for the British and Irish Lions matches being played in Australia.

The big games will be against the Australian Wallabies XVs being played at 11.00 am on 19th / 26th July and 2nd August, with The Lions seeking to win the 3 match series. All rugby lovers are invited to join us in the clubhouse if they do not have the TV channels showing the games at home – non-members are very welcome.

If you are at a loose end on Saturday afternoons, there is plenty of cricket being played at Trafford MV Cricket Club, M33 6LR, on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, weather permitting.

Games begin around 1.30 pm, and there is a bar available for refreshments throughout the afternoon – food may also be available on occasions. Alternatively, come and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Mersey and call in to say hello while enjoying the wide outdoors.