What a strange 16 months it's been due to the pandemic and we now have a new senior head coach in place, Tony O'Brien (TOB). TOB brings a vast amount of coaching experience to the club, in the tactical side of the game as well as through his strength and conditioning background.

We also took the plunge this summer and joined with ours neighbours at Moorends ARLFC, something which can only better things for both clubs, and the future of rugby in Thorne and Moorends.

As we enter the rugby season 21/22 the 1st XV will play in Yorkshire 2 and the 2nd XV playing in the Yorkshire Merit League.

We have played a number of pre-season squad games and slowly as the season is getting closer the numbers have started to increase at training as we are now back to full rugby contact, after following the RFU Coronavirus (Covid-19) community rugby pathway.

It has been pleasing to see that we have recruited really well in the summer months and can't wait to see all the new faces wearing the club shirts out on the pitch this weekend.

First game up is Merit team who face local rivals Goole, under the lights, on Friday 3rd September, with kick off at 7pm. This is then followed by probably one of the toughest away fixtures for the First team, who travel to Ripon on 4th September 2021, with kick off at 3pm. It would be good to see supporters at both games getting behind the boys, for the opening fixtures and continue the support throughout this season.

Next weekend both senior teams face a local derby weekend on Saturday 11th September 2021 to Wheatley Hills. The 1st XV are playing at #Thorntress, with the support of a busy pre-match lunch behind them, whilst the 2nd XV make the short journey across Doncaster town centre to play at Wheatley. Both of these fixtures kick off at 3pm.

Also on Sunday the ever-growing #MightyMini/Junior section kick-off there season with U14 & U16 both home to chesterfield, with kick off at 11am. Again, all players/coaches/volunteers would appreciate the support at the club as this is the next generating of senior Thorne players.

Please check out the website for further fixture updates involving senior /mini/junior / girls teams.

I hope to see you all at some time down at club for a catch up, it's been a while!

Andy Ellis
Thornensians RUFC DoR