Bees Rugby Supremo, Martin Whitcombe was pleased with the turn out at the players meeting where around 30 players and 10 further non-playing members attended.

"I wanted to give the lads a chance to chat with the new coaching staff and I wanted the meeting to be open to anyone of whatever ability who wants to be involved in this club. I was pleased with the feedback I received and I am already feeling very positive although we are still a long way from the season starting".

Part of the purpose of the meeting was to officially announce that Brett Mitchell was re-appointed as club skipper and his good friend Richard Scull would be taking up the role of vice captain.

Whitcombe said:"Scully is a tremendous player, a great lad and is Bees through and through; I have no doubts that he could and he will captain this club. However I spoke with Brett and I was really impressed with the passion he put into his argument to be given another crack at the skipper's job for this season".

When asked about his underlying philosophy for the coming season, Whitcombe had no hesitation in stating:

"we are going back to basics on and off the field. We are going to run Three Senior Sides and a Vets XV and these sides will be open to anyone and everyone who wants to pull on a Bees shirt. I have said to the lads here tonight that I want them to go home and ring or text a mate each who has been away from rugby for any period of time and try and get them to put their boots on next season. Outside the First Fifteen I have asked Dan Cookson if he will lead the Barbarian XV, not that I dont rate Cookie as a player, but because I know he can be a rallying point for local lads to come and play for The Bees. We want to be a focal point for our community and we want to be a proper rugby club."

Whitcombe was also able to announce that some coaching sessions will begin immediately. "Benny Greaves and Robin Kay will be holding some gym sessions down here at the club on Saturday mornings and everyone who wants to learn some technique and wants to get stuck in is welcome. Ali Macdonald is going to start holding some sprint clinics on a Wednesday evening at 6pm and Richard Tafa is organising some touch and pass after that. I cant say this often enough, but everyone who wants to play rugby at any level, whatever shape or size is welcome to attend. We want more people playing rugby at the Bees again".