Horsham ready for new campaign

Horsham’s second XV, known as the Lions, have also been promoted to Sussex Division 1.

Last years coaching team remains in place headed by Nick Stocker, assisted by forwards coach Barry Hillicks and backs coach Richard Bell.

Stocker said: “Training has been well attended and in pre-season we have concentrated on both individual skills and team cohesion and the players have responded well.

We will have added strength in depth from a combination of either players returning to the club, or joining for the first time having played higher league rugby.

We have retained the players we had and also hope to add still further to the squad over the next few weeks.”

Pre season games have been arranged over the next few weeks away to Dorking 2nd XV on 29 August and then at home to Cobham on 5 September. The first competitive match is at home to Ashford on 12 September in the first round of the Intermediate Cup, and then league action commences on 19 September away to Tunbridge Wells who are one of the promotion favourites.

Stocker added: “There is a real momentum about the club at the moment. We are an ambitious club and the new faces coupled with the excitement of the top two sides playing in higher leagues mirrors the positive environment off the field, and we look well placed for a memorable season.”