With the fixture list for the 2017/18 Midlands Premier League already published, Birmingham & Solihull Rugby Club are delighted to confirm that a large proportion of last season’s squad have already signed new contracts for the forthcoming season.

In the front row, Joe Foreman, the ever-green Pete Koizot, Kurtis Payne and Zane Raimondi have all put pen to paper. Second rowers Reece Donaldson, Matt Spink, Andrew Weaver and Danny Wright will be joined by back rowers Michael Stephens and last season’s Players & Supporters Player of the Year, Ashley Scriven.

In the backs, newly appointed Club Captain Jack Jolly will be joined once again by Tawanda Chipadza, Matt Dight, Jevon Hinds, Steve Johns, Alex O’Malley, Jimmy Oliver, Ben Phillips, Max Rodman and Mohammed Hamza Suleiman.

“Continuity in any squad is vital and to have been able to re-sign so many of last year’s squad at this stage of the proceedings is great news” said Bees’ Head of Rugby, Pete Glackin.

“We have some outstanding talent in our existing squad and, for significant periods of last season, we proved to be a match for any team in the league. Getting renewed commitment from such a large contingent will be a key building block as we embark upon our pre-season preparations.

“We also have a number of exciting additions to the squad which we will shortly be announcing separately, plus there are a few players from last season who, for one reason or another, haven’t been able to commit contractually as yet.”

“With a demanding fixture list for both the Bees and the Hornets senior sides, having strength and depth will be important in eight long months of rugby” added Pete Glackin.