With planning for next season already started in earnest, Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club is delighted to announce that no less than 32 members of the squad that won the Midlands Premier Division title last season have re-signed for the 2018/19 season.

Forwards Matt Probert, Kurtis Payne, Joe Foreman, Harry Smith, Zane Raimondi, Danny Wright, Harry Barnes, Ed Krawiecki, Andy Weaver, Keenan Cooper, Matt Spink, Umraan Jadwat, Ashley Scriven, Reece Donaldson, Michael Stephens, Chris Thompson and Jacob Lisle have all signed contracts for next season.

They will be joined by half backs Jack Jolly, Sean O’Sullivan, Reiss Boon, Max Rodman and Tyler Price, with fellow backs Jimmy Oliver, Steve Johns, Nathan Tilsley, Tawanda Chipadza, Alex O’Malley, Matt Dight, Jevon Hinds, Harry O’Brien, Ben Cooper and Ben Phillips also putting pen to paper.

Continuity is also the name of the game in the backroom staff, with Stewart Pearl signing on for another season as Forward’s Coach, who will be once again alongside Head of Rugby Pete Glackin, who has himself signed a contract extension that will keep him in post for a further three seasons.

Joint team managers Rona Higgins and Michael Jinks will also continue to be an integral part of the club’s rugby set up, as will Sports Therapist Gemma McGhee.

“Having had such as successful campaign in 2017/18, it is fantastic news that both the vast majority of the squad and key backroom staff will be continuing the journey with us in National League 2 next season” said Bees’ Chairman of Rugby, Dai Phillips.

“Playing rugby in a higher league against sides in the Southern division that we haven’t played against before will present a new challenge for us, so having solid foundations to base our planning is vital. Being able to do this before the end of May is a testament to the culture and unity that is firmly entrenched right across the squad and the performance team.”

He added, “I am particularly delighted that Pete Glackin has agreed to a contract extension in his role of Head of Rugby. Next season will be his third year holding the reins and by securing his services to the end of the 2020/21 season at least, both he and the club can continue to build for the future over a longer planning horizon.”

“I know that Pete has already secured the services of some new players for next season, as well as being in discussions with some other potential new signings. He is also looking to progress a number of existing Colts players into the senior set up too. This will further complement and strengthen an already impressive squad and we look forward to announcing these exciting additions in due course.”