As we welcome in rugby's return I hope everyone’s had a good summer and that their season preparations have gone well. We're looking forward to another exciting year ahead here at Woodhead.

It's been a busy summer behind the scenes at the club and it's good to have seen so many functions and parties making use of our clubhouse and grounds during the off-season.

A huge investment of time, money and effort has gone into our pitches, led by Martin Smith, to improve playing surfaces and drainage and I'd just like to highlight the work Froggy has done, supported by the likes of Craig Wood, Ian Abbot, Nick Akerman and the fellow "Friday Clubbers". We're also delighted to have brand new toilets in the changing rooms, replacing some very old and tired facilities, and all fully funded by another successful Brodstock Music Festival back in June.

Looking ahead to this season; Mark Turner is doing a great job banging the drum in his role as Membership Secretary, Nicola Bentley has been supporting the huge task to get all players registered and Kate Akerman has been busy with all the relevant checks as our Safeguarding Officer. We also have a new drawmaster for our monthly 300 Club lottery so I'm sure you'll be hearing from Rob Bradley very soon indeed.

I'd like to take the opportunity to wish Rob Farr the very best as he begins his first season as Junior Chair along with all our brilliant Junior Coaches and Team Managers.

As for our seniors; we have a new Director of Rugby in the shape of Neil Sheard, Lee Imiolek will lead our Men's Forwards again and it's a welcome return for former Brods Junior Harry Dunne who takes charge of our Backs.

Our Ladies have also recruited and prepped well and we're looking forward to another great season.

Good luck and a huge Brods' welcome to all the new players across all aspects of the club.

Slightly away from the usual rugby happenings, and on behalf of the whole club; I'd like to wish Matt Whiteley the very best as, for the first time, an academic year begins here at the Brods. This September we become the home for B-Tec sports students so we wish Programme Leader Matt a great start as well as a warm welcome to all the students.

With a bustling events calendar and plenty happening, I look forward to seeing everyone around the club throughout.

If you're joining us for Saturday's big cup match against Cleckheaton or for the start of all the league fixtures in September; your vocal support would be very much appreciated. Let's all get behind our boys, girls, men, women and have another great year.

Up the Brods!
Clive