Salisbury RFC has launched an Academy for members of its Junior Section. A series of coaching sessions will develop the playing skills of players from schools where there are fewer rugby opportunities. The Club will provide the extra coaching support needed to ensure that these players reach their full playing potential.

Running a similar programme to the RFU's own ‘Schools of Rugby', the Salisbury players involved will have the opportunity to perform the same elements as those selected for the RFU's elite programmes.

Stewart Roderick, former coach to Salisbury's 1^st XV and Dorset & Wiltshire Junior teams, has been appointed as Academy Head Coach and will be supported by other coaches working within the Rugby Club.

Richard Lloyd, Coaching Co-ordinator explained the benefits ... "these sessions, although limited in number, offer the opportunity for some of our most talented players to test and improve themselves as Rugby players. Something that will benefit the players, their age-group teams and Salisbury Rugby Club itself."

Stuart Roderick has set clear aims... "we aim to stretch the players as much as possible, not only in terms of their rugby playing ability, but also their approach to rugby. By improving their skills and asking them to set high levels of attainment, Salisbury RFC will continue to supply large numbers of rugby players not only to its own senior teams, but also into the professional game and even England."

The Academy will therefore reinforce youth rugby in South Wiltshire and make a contribution to the national effort. More than half of the Club's  1^st XV squad came through the Club's mini, junior or Colts programmes and many Salisbury juniors go onto higher levels: Mike Brown (Harlequins and England), Tom Homer (London Irish and England U20), Tom Heathcote (Bath and England U20), Phil Chesters (Ealing Trailfinders and top try scorer in the National Leagues for 3 years).

Richard Lloyd, Coaching Co-ordinator

Salisbury RFC used the Vice President's lunch on Saturday 8^th October to recognise formally the establishment of a new relationship with Hop Back Brewery who will now be the Club's supplier of ales. This is a very exciting move to have the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with a local firm with a reputation for excellence. Club Chairman, Martin Plimsoll stated that "we hope that it will be to our mutual advantage" and offered a warm welcome to all those representing Hop Back Brewery.

Picture by courtesy of Trinity Photography, Salisbury.

This Saturday the Club will be formally recognising the arrival of Hop Back ales at Salisbury Rugby Club.  The League fixture v Buckingham will be preceded by a Vice-President's lunch (£20 per head booked via the bar or with Terry Taylor), an official launch of the sale of Hop back ales and the entertainment will continue after the match with the Hop Back Blues Band providing the music into the evening. 

All members, players, friends and supporters are welcome to come along and make it a long and memorable evening.