We are under no illusions that the BUCS Midlands 1A will be a big step up from last year for the 1st XV, however, we have only lost a handful of individuals through graduation from last season’s Performance squad so we will hopefully see some good continuity. The other institutions that we are due to face have a good pedigree and attract some talented individuals but we are confident in our own ability and the way that we are trying to play. We also have a number of talented and excited Fresher’s arriving at the club who have been in contact with us over the summer which will provide excellent competition for places.

Unfortunately, the 2nd XV were relegated into BUCS Midlands 3A at the end of last season, however, we fully expect them to bounce back, having experienced that league a 2 seasons ago we are aware of what to expect. The 2nd XV will be the strongest we have seen at Brookes on paper, the key thing will be supporting the group to gel and understand how we look to play.

As a coaching group and committee, we believe that a strong 2nd XV pushes those in 1st XV to perform week in week out.

2. Are you happy with travel distances where both teams are concerned?

Being one of the most Southern Institutions in the Midlands means that it is nothing different to the travel distances that we have been faced with in previous seasons, we see bus trips as a great opportunity to get to know each other better.

3. Are you happy with the facilities of teams we are travelling to for both teams?

Having visited Nottingham Trent last season, Warwick with work and Loughborough many times before I know that we will be visiting some top-class facilities that are all geared to providing their students with a high-quality sporting experience. However, when we cross the whitewash and get onto the field it is pretty irrelevant but we are looking forward to travelling to some new places and seeing what the hospitality is like.

4. How important is home form, Oxford RFC has become a bit of a fortress in the time we’ve been there?

Home form in any league campaign in massively important, we haven’t lost on the 1st XV pitch at Oxford RFC since we moved there 2 seasons ago and I don’t see why that cannot continue. The support that the rest of the club bring to match days is awesome and we want to develop that throughout the season. I know that the committee has some cool stuff planned to get the SHED rocking every Wednesday.

5. How is recruitment going so far ahead of the 2018/19 Season?

It’s been the best year yet, we’ve had nearly 20 lads get in touch with us over the summer letting us know that they will be joining us for either pre-season or the start of term, this is a testament to the successes that we experienced last year. Brookes is now a place where you can combine your studies with a quality rugby experience.

We have some exceptionally talented individuals heading our way that will improve the squad and create great competition, having obtained some references from past coaches, seen some video footage and seen some of the lads in action this week I’m pretty pleased with the guys that have come in so far and they will fit in well.

6. Is it possible to replicate last season’s 1st XV success?

Of course but we have to work for that success, this season will be a huge challenge for everyone involved but there is a strong feeling of self-belief in the group and an understanding that if we are to achieve our goals for the season then a few sacrifices will need to be made along the way. One phrase that we use a lot and will ring true this season is ‘Performance is a behaviour, not an outcome’, if we get our attitude and outlook right then the outcomes will follow.

7. With new intake incoming and enthusiasm to join the club this must bode well for the future success of the 2nd XV?

100%, the 2nd XV are well positioned to push on and get some success this year. Our Low Numbers Coach, Tom Whelan will be taking a lead in the main with 2nd XV, he will be supported by Skills Coach, Gav Stanton so the lads will have a dedicated team helping and supporting the lads development. I’m keen to see a fair few of the 2nd XV players push through for a place in the 1st XV.

8. What are the ambitions of the club for the season ahead?

We are an ambitious group and winning is an addictive feeling so I would be lying if I didn’t want to try and win the division, however, we are in year 2 or 3 year plan to get to the BUCS Premier Division, so we would be happy with a top 3 finish but...ask me this question after we have played all of the teams once and the answer may be different. That being said I believe that we have the talent within the club to achieve great things but as previously stated, it will come to attitude. The Cup will be a real challenge and we have set our targets at the ¼ finals here.

As a club we want to continue to strive to be the best supported club at Brookes, we have lots of things in mind that can help support this goal.

9. Are there any timescale plans in place for the near future where you see the club being after said period?

We want to be a Premier club in the next 2 years.

10. What's your overall personal opinion on where the club is heading?

The environment has developed unrecognisably over the past few seasons and I’m so proud of what has been achieved so far but I know that there is much more to come from the group. As a coaching group, we genuinely get excited to see the lads play each Wednesday afternoon, to get onto the pitch, forget any external pressures that they may be facing in their personal and academic lives and express themselves. Collectively we are all pushing in the right direction and we will continue to develop an environment where individuals feel free to explore, try things and not fear failure.