Dearne Valley RUFC are pleased to announce that back row forward Todd Bailey and centre Ben Hartley have been named first XV captain and vice captain for the 2024-25 season.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Head Coach and Director of Rugby Callum Emery spoke of his excitement at Todd taking on the captaincy as well as his reasoning around the decision. “Todd, in the space of 12 months, has gone from a fringe player, with no clear strongest position, to being the first name on the team sheet. His commitment to develop both as a player and as a leader within the team has been exceptional. I cannot wait to see how he grows as a captain over the coming season and I know he will have the support of his team mates and the coaching staff along the way." He continued, "he isn’t the loudest voice, and doesn’t say much, but what he does say strikes the right tone and he knows how to effectively communicate in the right moments. He is also an incredibly popular member within the playing group and what you could call a ‘peoples captain’.”

Ben Hartley, a product of the Castleford Tigers Academy, was a regular feature in the first team last year and has rapidly grown as a senior figure throughout pre-season. “As for Ben, everyone down at the club from both Rugby Union and Rugby League angles, know what talent he possesses, and on his day he would walk in to any side in Yorkshire Rugby" said Callum. "This added responsibility shows how much faith the coaching group have in him and I truly believe we will see the best version of Ben Hartley during the coming season. He has arrived with a spring in his step during pre-season, following a successful Rugby League campaign, and I hope he uses that confidence as a trajectory for the upcoming union season.”

Club Chairman, Ant Hamilton, gave his perspective on the latest announcement. "We are currently going through a transformational period, and taking what was an idea with a beer, to establishing the foundations that will create a long and sustainable future for the club." He continued, "we do not believe in using the captaincy as a tool to retain or attract talent and want the players with these roles to embody our culture and core values both on and off the pitch." He went on to say "Both Ben and Todd have incredible attitudes and mindsets, they train every week and are the first to be inquisitive about our evolving playbook so they can support others around them. They give 110% effort in everything they do and we think they are the right players to represent 'The Dearne Valley Way' on the pitch this season."

The coaching staff and committee would like to place on record their thanks to last seasons first team captain, Archie Adams, for all his effort throughout our inaugural season. Archie has re-signed for the men in black and continues to work hard on the training paddock following a positional switch this pre-season. We are sure he will be right behind Todd and Ben throughout the upcoming campaign.