Gainsborough RUFC issue appeal for players and launch youth policy

Gainsborough run two senior teams, the All Blacks, who play in Division 5 East (North) of the Midlands League, and the Maoris, who play in the Lincolnshire Merit League.

But the Maoris have yet to fulfil a fixture because of a shortage of players, while the All Blacks could also do with a boost after losing two of their opening three matches.

As a result, the club have issued an appeal for anyone who fancies playing rugby union to join them, and have also started their first youth team which, hopefully, will stimulate more interest.

“We are looking for all types of players across the board,” said secretary Tony Goude. “They can be inexperienced players and beginners or they can be players looking to take up the sport again after a break.

“Our youth side is at U13 level. They played in their first tournament at the weekend, and we are now looking to get them some fixtures. Kids are welcome to come down with the parents.”

The youth policy is part of a five-year plan of progress at Gainsborough. This season, they have installed a new coach in Jonathan Brewster, who played at a good standard with Scunthorpe, and a new captain in 25-year-old local lad Daniel Chadwick, who has been with the club since he was a teenager. Brewster, helped by his wife, Louise, is also running the U13s.

The club have been part of the town since being reformed in 1974 by enthusiasts who included the current president, Tony Rogers. They are hoping to acquire the lease for their ground at the Roses Sports Field, and to eventually build their own clubhouse. They have already secured a grant of £8,000 from West Lindsey District Council to install training lights at the ground.

Training sessions for the All Blacks and the Maoris take place at Roses every Tuesday from 6.30 pm. For the juniors, they are every Thursday at 6 pm and every Sunday at 10 am. Anyone interested in joining should pop along to training or ring Goude on 01724 763825 or 07557 382155.