FORMER fly-half Tom Saddington will team up with Luke Kerins on a mission to guide Redditch back to winning ways in the new season.
Saddington, who had played for the Kingfishers and Worcester Wanderers, has been named head coach and will work with first team manager Kerins to revive the club’s fortunes after last term’s relegation.
Redditch will kick off in the bottom tier of Midlands rugby – Midlands Five West (South) – but the division will combine North and South teams in a 12-strong section to create a spread of fixtures.
“This league, being the lowest, has a variable amount of teams in it, normally six, which means you only get ten competitive games a season,” explained chairman Brian Carr.
“Our honorary secretary Steve Hindson has been instrumental in persuading the Midlands Leagues Committee to combine the South and North leagues at this level to give a full fixture list for everyone.”
Redditch kick off the league campaign on September 14, away to Chaddesley Corbett, and stage their first home game on September 28 against Dixonians.
Before that, however, the Kingfishers warm up with a tournament at Droitwich on August 24 and then a North Midlands Vase clash at home to Bromyard on August 31.
Training has continued all summer, including playing in two tournaments.
Off the pitch, Carr has switched to chairman, having taking over from Chris Hemmings in a role swap. Hemmings has had to step down as chairman due to work commitments but will act as president.
Peter Hunt will be vice-chairman (playing) and Harvey Habgood takes on the role as vice-chairman (admin) and social secretary.
Carr says the club is recruiting players across the age ranges and will be having a stand at the Morton Stanley Park Festival on August 17.
They have also been busy refurbishing the clubhouse to make it a more attractive venue to hire out.
Carr added: “It’s going to be an interesting new season both on and off the pitch. The whole club profile is set to be increased and a successful rugby side will be a pivotal part of it.”
