Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club are pleased to announce that try scoring machine James Thacker has agreed to take on the role of 1st team Captain for the 2020/21 season. After carefully considering an approach from Billingham RUFC, who are a big North East club nestling in the Northern Premier division, James decided to stick with his hometown club. Much to the relief of all his teammates and supporters.
James has been one of the club’s star players and has attracted interest for several years from major clubs. His loyalty will certainly boost the team for the coming season. James has played mainly in the centre at 12 or 13 and wing but has occasionally helped out in the forwards featuring in the back – row positions. His prowess as an immensely powerful runner and smart at running angles and often leading from the front, has earned him many tries over recent seasons.
James started his rugby career at Waterhead Warriors ARLFC based in Oldham learning the craft of rugby league. He then switched codes at Oldham rugby club. Eventually his family moved North to Newton Aycliffe and he was soon introducing himself to the club. The rest, as they say, is history. He went on to help claim honours with the club as division champions and cup winners in recent seasons. A big lad with a big heart and extremely popular throughout the club. Aycliffe Rugby are confident they have chosen the right man and wish him and his team the absolute best of luck for the coming season.
James will be leading a squad into uncertain times, as the covid pandemic has interrupted everybody’s lives, including live sports. Slowly the government has introduced strict controls to allow live sport at the top level like Premiership football for example to go ahead. Without the supporters of course. As of 1st September, Premiership rugby has been given the green light to start. Grassroots rugby do not have the finance and structures in place to perform regular player testing for covid. Therefore, the RFU have set up a structured timeframe for introducing stages of training before it is safe to do full contact, as demanded by the very nature of the sport. That said, all grassroots clubs in the country adhere to the guidelines in order to protect all players and coaches.
Recent announcements by the RFU have increased the grouping of players training from 6 to 10 and are allowing ‘touch rugby’ to take place between two teams of 10. No contact is allowed to take place. In addition, the RFU have suspended the start of grassroots matches until sometime after September. Frustrating as this is, Aycliffe rugby have been slowly building a squad by training regularly. This is mainly fitness and ball handling skills. The introduction of touch rugby will enhance the squads performances even more.
The current timetable has left plenty of time for new experienced players or any males over the age of 17, who wish to try the sport, to come down to Newton Aycliffe Sports Club on Moore Lane and join in. All newcomers will be made most welcome. Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings start 7pm and on Saturdays 1pm. For further enquiries please contact head coach
Bob Malvern 07398167461.
