With planning for next season already in full swing, Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club have announced that their second team will be renamed “The Hornets”, as they strive to make a greater impression in their league from September onwards.

The name “The Hornets” was chosen by players and supporters from right across the club in an on-line poll, beating off some serious and some not-so-serious alternative suggestions in the process. The name will replace the “Development side” moniker that the team has played under over the last couple of seasons.

“The Hornets are an integral part of the planning for next season and beyond” said new Head of Rugby, Peter Glackin. “We have struggled to consistently put out a second team in recent seasons, but this side is vital to building strength and depth in the senior rugby squad. It also forms a key stepping stone in the pathway from the Under 7s in the club’s Mini & Junior section right through to the Bees – the club’s first team.”

He added, “A strong second team, regularly fulfilling its fixtures, will be a cornerstone of the club’s future success. It will provide senior rugby for former colts, promising players who are pushing for first team places as well as a proving ground for first team players returning from injury.”

“As in any good second team, there is also always be room for experienced players who may not be in their first flush of youth, but still want to play a decent standard of rugby and enjoy the post-match atmosphere.”

The Hornets fixtures for next season will be confirmed over the next few weeks. Our intention is to also play floodlight Wednesday evening fixtures on a couple of occasions throughout the season against Services sides -Army, Navy and the RAF - as well as local sides at Portway.

Players interested in playing for The Hornets next year should contact Pete Glackin pete.glackin@beesrugby.com , Mobile Tel 07590 988869 or contact the club on Facebook.