After a successful season last year with the 1s being promoted back into Kent 1 and the 2s flying high in the merit leagues all players are encouraged to attend the pre-season sessions to ensure that this success continues into the 2017/18 season. Whilst there have been a few fitness sessions already over the summer, Tuesday sees the start of official training as Club Coach Andy Miller begins his second season with Old Gs - this year accompanied by new development coach Daran Poppy.

Both Andy and Daran have some fun, enjoyable sessions planned that will cater for both new and exisitng players at whatever level of experience and ability - so anyone new to the club is welcome to come and join in and will be welcomed with open arms by a friendly squad.

So dig out the trainers (or boots) and get down to the club for the start of another enjoyable season of rugby at Old Gs.

Club coach Andy Miller shared his thoughts in advance of pre-season:

"After a successful 2016/17, I'm really looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead for OGs in Kent 1. With several players returning to the club and a few new faces I'm sure we can meet our recently set targets and the influx of players will also mean competition for places will be strong which will inevitably mean a strong, and hopefully, successful second team. However, success will only be achieved by hard work by all the players, especially on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I'm also delighted to welcome Daran Poppy onto the coaching team to assist in looking after those new to the game but also to work on individual skills. Here's to a successful 2017/18."

1st team skipper Frazer Barnes echoed these thoughts and shared his enthusiasm for the season ahead:

"I can't wait for it to start, looking forward to getting a rugby ball back in my hands and putting in a shift at training twice a week in the run up to our season back in Kent 1. It's going to be very hard work, I know Andy will want us to be ready for Kent 1, he knows the step up in fitness that is required after we played Cranbrook and Beccs last season in the Vase. I've already run a few sessions in preparation for Andy's ones and we've seen some new faces. This is really good to see, I expect to see more as pre season kicks in. I know any new players of any ability will be welcomed with open arms as our club is one of the friendliest around. We are going to set ourselves (1st XV) some really ambitious goals for the season and I look forward to achieving them. I know Kevin Spain and Mark Fenton-Smith will push the second team along as well! I expect the buzz that the club had last season to continue."

See you all on Tuesday - come down and enjoy the fun!