The start of the 2018/19 rugby season is about to get underway, and the Hurricanes kick off their season welcoming Portsmouth 2nd XV to the Fairway Ground, in the newly formed Hampshire Premier.
The revised league structure accommodates the current Hampshire based sides and their 2nd XVs and merges the former Hampshire 1st XV leagues and the Merit League tables for this season. The intention to provide more consistent fixtures for 2nd XVs across Hampshire.

Sandown & Shanklin RFC finished 5th last season and will look to push on, in what hopes to be a closely fought league. Also joining the league are Tottonians 2nd XV, Gosport & Fareham 2nd XV, Eastleigh 2nd XV, alongside New Milton & District RFC and Basingstoke RFC who were relegated from London South West 3 last season.
1st XV Captain for the 2018/19 season Sam Flux, takes over the roles from Sam Rees and is hopeful of a strong start to the season.

“The attitude in the camp at the moment is brilliant. We have built upon the graft that the boys put in last year and look to push on to that next level. Pre-season has been fun, but not without the hard work that is to be expected! There will also be a few of the younger lads stepping up to the fore this season and I expect them to make big differences when it really matters. The likes of Harry Hopper and Damian Seder in the back five impressed last year, and will want to push on again. Again, in the back line, a new signing Owen Williams, I look forward to seeing him in action alongside Jack Wedderkop who was impressive last year.”

A change at the top has also occurred in the off season. Damion Marriott a former player for the Hurricanes has returned as Director of Rugby. Damion has been coaching for four years with two and a half seasons as head coach at Ventnor RFC. Whilst at Ventnor Damion coached the club to promotion into Hampshire 1. Since 2015 he's been the Head of Rugby at The Island Free School, growing the game within the school.

“I couldn’t be more excited by the start of the new campaign. I’m sure like for all of you, it’s been a long summer without rugby, so to have a home game to kick-off our season, it couldn’t get any better. Firstly, I would like to thank Andrew John, better known as Taff, for his time and effort last season as head coach.

It’s been a hugely encouraging summer for us, and it’s been refreshing that we’ve been able to train competitively for the first pre-season I’ve been here. Having that competition for places will bring the best out of the squad, and also give us that depth which will be crucial in a busy season of league and both cup competitions.

We’re expecting a real tough game on Saturday, we’ve got respect for Portsmouth and we’re going to have to play well. They’re very physical up front and very direct, they don’t play much rugby in their own half. They have a very strong kicking game, big press from the defence, and are very direct as they get into your half. Portsmouth look to take you on physically and a good set piece, and we need to match that on the day.
We know what we’re up against and certainly if we give away as many penalties as we did in our last pre-season fixture, it could be a tough afternoon. It will give them field position and opportunities to take us on physically.”