Longton 1st XV

Longton Rugby is going through some extremely exciting times in its development and are now well settled at the impressive Trentham Fields site. The club are excited to have a new management and coaching team in place this season and will compete in the National Midlands league. The club are once again the current Staffordshire Cup holders.

National Midlands will provide an extremely challenging league and an interesting range of opposition, each with their own characteristics. There certainly won't be any easy league matches and the introduction of the bonus points system this season will encourage and reward an enterprising style of play.

For 2009/10, the Firsts will look to build on its cup success last season and hope that a host of players returning to the club can further compliment those that did such a good job last time out. 

To do well the Firsts will need to win matches when they don't play particularly well; score points when they do play well; use a relatively small number of players; and keep their team members consistent. Last season Longton used over 50 players in the first team

Neil Smith, Joint Director of Rugby, comments "All the facilities are fantastic at the club, and we feel we've got the right coaching set up to take the club forward in what is sure to be a very challenging but enjoyable season. The squad is developing extremely well with a good mixture of existing Longton players; returning players and new recruits."

Certainly, the challenge now is to blend the players into a 1st team squad that will provide strength in depth and from which the coaches will have the good headache of having to select the best team - rather than settle for who is available.

The players for 09/10 will need to buy into the approach that the coaching team will try to instil and Neil comments that "...players should enjoy their rugby. That's got to be the most important aspect otherwise players won't keep training. I'm looking forward to the challenge of the season and working with a talented squad of players."

If you are interested in playing for Longton Rugby please get in touch using the Contact Us page of this website. Or come down to the club on a training night - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.00 p.m. until 9.00 p.m. Alternatively, come along to one of our matches or give the club a call on 01782 594016.

If you are interested in watching the highest standard of rugby in Staffordshire please check our fixtures and come along and support us.

We look forward to welcoming you as a player or as a supporter to Trentham Fields, home of Longton Rugby.