You are never too old - England success at Wymondham RFC!

Having taken full advantage of the opportunity presented to them, Neil Davies and Andy Verney are on the verge of representativel honours for England. For those who have not met them they are an exiled scrum half from Wales and a one-paced hooker from Essex!

One and a half years after being formed, the Wymondham RFC Touch Team is enjoying great success. Attracting over 20 players for every training session they have managed to get both men and women playing Touch Rugby with age ranges from 17 to 62. Some of these had never played Rugby in any of its forms and have become regular members and, in some cases, started playing for the senior sides.

In an effort to develop ability and bring the latest training techniques and skills back to the WRFC Touch Rugby group,four of the players took up an offer to train with the England Over 40’s Masters team. Following on from this 3 of the guys trialled for places in the Masters squad with 2 securing places in the preliminary squad to represent England at the Touch World Cup in Edinburgh in 2011.

Gary Smith, founder member of the squad and coach said ‘this represents a huge effort by everyone involved and is a demonstration of the ability and skills in the group. Everyone who turns up on a Thursday night has contributed to this success’

Martin Crook, President of Wymondham RFC commented ‘This is something the entire club can be proud of, especially the Touch players who have all added to the ongoing success and growth of this club’

The most credit should go to Andy and Neil who, through their dedication to personal fitness and skills training, have put themselves in a good position to be capped at International level. The hard work starts now in increasing their fitness levels and refining the specific skills needed to play at the very highest levels of the sport prior to the final trials in February. Should they make it through to the final stages we have it on good authority that Andy will be visiting Lourdes while Neil will be visiting his homeland to bask in all things Welsh in an attempt to avoid being banished for good!

The club is always looking for new players and WRFC Touch extends an invitation to anyone wanting to come and try their hand at playing. Whether you have never played before or have been a regular player for years you will be welcome. To play any sport at international level is a challenge and to reach this point is a tall order but the guys have risen to new heights to make it. Fingers crossed for Neil and Andy and watch this space for more updates as the season develops.

GARY SMITH.