Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club is gearing up for the forthcoming season.

The club welcomes players of all ages and abilities, and there are plenty of opportunities for members of the local community to visit Greytree rugby ground to enjoy either playing for, or supporting, their local rugby teams.

Ian Phillips was recently appointed as Chairman of Ross Rugby Club and told the Gazette that this season, there is a strong emphasis on bringing all sections of the club together as one.

There are currently two mens senior sides, the 1st XV and the 2nd XV. Ross 1sts play in the Gloucestershire League Division 2, and last season, they finished in third place, missing a promotion by a single point. This year, the team have high hopes for a promotion into Division 1.

The Ross 2nds also had a successful season last year, playing in the Gloucestershire Merit League 3, and are planning on building on their progress even further during the forthcoming season.

Ian commented that the Rugby Club is planning on starting a 3rd XV side. This will consist of senior players, and will give them the opportunity to get back into the sport.

Ross Rugby Club’s Ladies touch section is also going from strength to strength, and the team play their tournaments on Sunday afternoons in the Midlands Touch League.

The club has also introduced a mixed touch rugby section, which was formed after five or six members started. The group now has approximately 30 people attend the weekly training sessions, and they aim to enter a 7-a-side touch rugby league this year.

One of Ross Rugby Club’s largest success stories is their fantastic Junior section, which spans the under 5s to the under 16s. The groups play and train every Sunday between September and April.

The children who play with Ross Rugby Club’s Junior teams acquire a love for Rugby at a young age, and they are able to progress up through the age groups, eventually joining the 2nd XV and 1st XV senior teams, or, if they prefer, one of the touch-rugby sections.

If you would like to find out more about Ross Rugby Club, please visit: www.rossrugby.co.uk