I’ve not been known for these informative pieces before, but with the new season nearly upon us I felt the time was right to update all the followers of Dings Rugby.

News of our death have been greatly exaggerated, with a strong finish towards the end of last season showed a terrific fighting spirit. It would have been easy to have succumbed to a second and disastrous relegation, but that’s in the past now.

An easy decision was made to offer the role of Director of Rugby to Stean Williams and one I’m glad to say he accepted without hesitation. He got himself into the hot seat before the season had ended and has acquitted himself well, creating a balance between new and existing players which is vitally important and that’s exactly what he has done. Training being as well attended as I can remember from my own playing days, and I know you will all wish him well as he transitions from playing into this equally important role, but his desire to earn his cap may mean you still see him out there a little longer.

With Mark Woodrow expressing a desire for a rest from rugby and needing time with his growing family as a true club man he gave plenty of notice and we were able to complete our preparations before the end of the last playing season.

Other changes were made with Jason Forster moving up to the Head Coach role vacated by Woody, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a particularly strong Welsh accent!
He is also now supported by the experienced Luke Arscott the current Bristol full back showing the boys at least some of the latest drills being used by the returning Premiership Club , and he will become a regular around the pitch side at Lockleaze and also away when his `proper’ Job allows. He’s already shown a keen commitment to the Dings Club, we also welcome Mark Irish back to the club who has recently taken on a major role with Bristol Rugby and will be a key element of the academy over the next few years

As the season starts you will also see some very familiar faces from the past pulling on the shirt and I hope you give and treat them all with the respect they have earned over the years

So onto the main news, Shaftesbury Park is now a reality , the heavy machines are on site and with the pitches now being seeded means that as all of you pass the site will start to see some real changes and with an anticipated construction start date of November subject to confirmation, but I must Say MJ Church who are carrying out the ground works package are a very competent and professional company and have already show great affinity with the club and realise how Important it will be to us all. With Shaftesbury Park being a unique place to visit in Bristol, either watching or playing I’m sure you will enjoy the experience.

A dedicated band of volunteers have worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure that when you come to Lockleaze for the first home game v Camborne that you will be surprised at the work they have achieved, which has made the old place look extremely well groomed (well as well as it can). So I wish you all the very best of what is left of the British Summer, and I know all of the players have worked hard throughout the summer to make sure this season is one to remember for all the right reasons.

Steve Lloyd