George Bentley (Flanker/Hooker) – George is a young dynamic back row. A typical seven. He chop tackles everything and very good with ball in hand. He’ll do a really good job of connecting the forwards and backs. I’m excited to see him play.

Ben Dickson (Second Row) – Ben’s a strong lad, plays in the second row. He trained with us a bit last year and is another Oxford Brookes boy. Ben is really good in the lineout and he’s looking at trying to prove himself by getting into the first team.

Ed Berridge (Number 8) - He’s a really abrasive ball carrier, great in the lineout and great in defence. Definitely one to watch. Hopefully some of the boys can take him under their wing and teach him a few tricks of the trade.

Saope Soko (Centre) - I’ve heard lots of good things about him. A destructive tackler and brilliant ball carrier. He’ll make a lot of yards for us. I’m really looking forward to seeing how he’ll play in the centres. Saope is young and eager so hopefully I can teach him a thing or two as well.

Josh Harris (Centre/Wing) – Josh is an Outside Centre/Winger, certainly got some gas to him. We’ll look to use his pace and his strengths going out wide. I think he’ll fit in perfectly to the kind of game we like to play here.

Justin Parker (Scrum-half) - Justin moved back to the area and played for Banbury nearly 10 years ago. I’ve played with him in the past and he’ll provide great experience. Especially for some of the younger lads like Tom Burman. These six guys are really going to add to the team, there will be a lot of competition for places and a lot of the guys have got something to prove.

A lot of boys coming in from Oxford Brookes, is that a link you’re looking to develop further? Absolutely, the two lads we’ve had this year Angus Johnson and Freddie Cracknell have been phenomenal. Angus is staying for his final year. Freddie has finished at Brookes and will be heading home. To get that link with Brookes and to have 5 young keen lads come to Banbury is brilliant. I think the boys that are coming in are strong and will really add to the squad.

Some coaching changes as well?
Coaching wise we’re looking to focus in on key areas and where we want to strengthen. Bringing in Jamie Lakin to look at those minute skills can make all the difference. Looking over game film will be important but also in training focusing on their skills as individuals. I’ve known Jamie a long time and he’ll be a massive benefit to the whole squad.

Have you set yourself some goals for the season?
We’ve spoke about it as a coaching group. We’ll be silly not to try and win the league. It scares me saying that, but we’ve got the squad including the boys coming in to really challenge. Its going to be a tougher league but the boys have performed really well in this league. The only way to improve on last season is promotion so that has to be the target.

You start with two away games against Witney and Beaconsfield followed by your first home fixture against Chippenham. Will preseason be even more important this year, so you can try and make a positive start in those first few matches?
Preseason is more to help the new guys gel and maybe a few positional changes for the boys and start developing those partnerships. Preseason can be funny with availabilities/unavailability’s. Some opponents can be really up for it and some not. We could win all our preseason games and start in the league poorly. The performances will be the most important thing and how they look on the training pitch.

Witney away is always a tough fixture. It was our last game of last season and we did well, so they’ll be looking for revenge. Beaconsfield, we don’t know a lot about. We had an opponent in Marlow last year we didn’t know a lot about and we underperformed, and it cost us. We can’t underestimate anybody. Chippenham is obviously a big game, but all our preseason will be focused on that opening game against Witney.

Everyone from Banbury Rugby Club wishes Freddie Cracknell all the best in his rugby career as he heads home after finishing university. Starting the season as Syston. The mullet man/egg man quickly became a fan favourite with his dynamic running style and enthusiasm across the pitch. We hope to see you at Bodicote Park in the near future.