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Coaches Preview Notes From Luton Fixture

Coaches Preview Notes From Luton Fixture

Stephanie Yule18 Sep 2015 - 11:10
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Due to a problem with a corrupt file we never managed to get the first Ranger of this season to press but Giles wanted you all to see his notes.

Coaches Programme notes - Luton

“This is it lads. This is your Everest.”

Those keen rugby fans among you will immediately know that it was Jim Telfer who uttered those famous words on the eve of the first British Lions Test against South Africa in 1997. Well this is indeed it. The start of the season is finally upon us and the start of our Everest campaign and hopefully back to the National Leagues . All of the blood, sweat and tears that the strength and conditioning team of Rich Beeny and Andrew ‘Mac’ Macintosh have extracted, must be put to good use to not only get a result but also to play how we know we can. As a famous ex-coach of mine once said “talk is cheap, money buys houses!”

Unfortunately I can only pick 18 players for today’s match, so contrary to Jim Telfer’s view that’s “being picked is the easy bit”, it certainly is not. Make no mistake this has been a ‘squad’ pre-season for the Tring Rangers. With big changes on and off of the field the 1st and 2nd team squad have responded with fantastic enthusiasm and professionalism and this is testament to the character of them all. Selection has been very tough and I wish the second team the very best against Hemel Hempstead 1st team today. All 1st team players know week in and week out that they are playing to keep their shirts. Exactly the way it should be.

This season sees Nick Radley take over from Mike March as 1st XV skipper and we all thank Mike for his hard work, excellent leadership and dedication to the team under his charge. Nick follows in his father Mark’s footsteps as captain and just like his father before him he will certainly lead from the front. I am also extremely thankful that ‘Mr Tring’ himself, Tom Newton has been joined by one of Tring’s famous rugby sons Gary Trueman as assistant coaches. I am sure it is a very proud and special day for the Radley, Newton and Trueman families.

Off the field we have welcomed Mike Ward as the new Director of Rugby and I want to thank him publically for the support that he has shown the players and me over the past few months. Steve Clapham must be a glutton for punishment and comes back for his second spell as manager! Often a thankless task but very much appreciated by myself and the lads.

Today is also a very proud moment for me and my family. The Wallis name has been part of Tring Rugby club since its foundation in 1964 with my granddad Stan one of the founder members and club chairman and then President. As my father Chris’ international Oman shirt (that sits proudly on the club wall covered in paint!) humorously mentions, he has played at every level for Tring. He religiously supports the lads home and away, as he did with me at every stage in my career and continues to be an inspiration and support me in my next chapter as coach. I was never fortunate enough to captain the 1st XV here or get my name on the honours boards like my Father and Grandfather, but I know as the boys run out today, I will feel every hit and live every moment with them. I also know that there will not be a prouder two men at the club than me and ‘my old man’ when that whistle goes at 3pm. Perhaps even Stan could be sitting on his Everest looking down smiling on the Club today. I hope so.

Good luck to our visitors Luton and let’s hope for a great day of rugby.

Giles

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