Coaches February 2024 Up date

Our Tuesday and Thursday nights trainings started on Tuesday 13 February. We have had on average 16 -18 players attending these sessions until last Thursday we had 10 players to train.

With only 6 weeks left to the first competition game we are eager to see as many to training as possible so we can hit the first competition game in the best position we can.

We want players to take responsibility to actively turn up or if you cannot make training, please text Toka to notify.

Great to see the management teams from all afternoon grades turning up and observing how the trainings are planned. These should help the Coaches of the afternoon grades with ideas to help run trainings once we split into our teams.

Recruitment

As we have found it difficult to recruit local players to commit to playing this season we have had to recruit overseas. The Club has had confirmation that Stewart Black from Scotland who plays No 9 and 10 will arrive in mid March (20th).

We will have a Canadian No 13, Jacob Ince,  arriving in New Plymouth on 12 March. The areas that we are very short are props and locks.

If you know of any props and locks out in the community who can help us out please get them to contact Toka.

We have Josh Perrett returning from Canada around 10 May who may have a lock coming over with him. Our agents are still searching for props and locks however they are very scarce within NZ and overseas.

Ex- Players

This is a mayday call out to all ex players of Spotswood United who maybe still reasonably fit and can make themselves available to help the club out. We are struggling with numbers for Colts, Division 1 and Premier grades.

Please seriously consider helping the club out as there are things that we can do better in recruitment and creating an environment that the players want to be part of for next season.

With only 6 weeks left until start of competition we are very short of players in all positions. If you can help out please make contact with Toka 027 2771102 and have a chat.

Physio

We have Andrew Larkin from CareFirst Physio as our club Physio for all afternoon grades. Andrew and his team are very excited about joining back up with the club and has made their services available for any injuries that players receive during trainings and game day. Please use the Physio working through your team manager to make the appointments when required. Please do not make appointments and just not turn up. Have the respect and decency to text Andrew if you can not make an appointment. Andrew contact number is 021 0769421.

Upcoming dates to lock into your Calendar

– Please let your partners know of these commitments early

Saturday 23 or Sunday 24 March (tbc) Rugby Admin Day for all afternoon Grades (compulsory)

Thursday 28 March 6.30pm Pre season game against NPOB at NPOB (mix of Colts Division1 and Premier players

Saturday 6 April Pre season game against Clifton at Spotswood United Grounds ( mix Colts and Division 1 and Premier game (2 games)

Saturday 13 April Spotswood United vs Inglewood at home

In summary we have some challenges in front of us so let’s all work together to make this season like no other. Be prepared to put in the hard yards to turn this club around,

This Club has a proud history and we all have a responsibility to ensure that the Club stands strong through adversity and remain united to achieve the results that this club is capable of.

Signing Off

Coach Toka