Severnsiders announce new Captain

Official press release

Report by Roger Pike

With Dave Bennet relocating away from the area, Lydney RFC is pleased to announce James Pugh as their new 1st IV captain for the 2021 season campaign in South West Division One West. Pugh a mobile front row forward has already played over 50 games for the Severnsiders in the past 3 seasons. Pugh will add an experienced head to the squad which has a good blend of experience and some very promising local youngsters.

Since its formation in 1888 some quality captains have passed through the Lydney ranks, F.A Ferm was the first back in 1888, E.J. Parfit 47-48, J Fry 53–55, J. F Morris 62 -73, G Sargent 75-76, W Morris 76-78, B Vine 80– 83, P Howell 83-85 to name just a few. More recently A Brooks, A Knox, N Nelmes, P Price and P Kiely will be further well-known names in the Forest.

Pugh commented’ it’s great to have a new challenge and a privilege to follow in the footsteps of some famous names who have captained the side. The future looks bright at Regentsholme, there is a great blend of experience and youth and I will be looking to ensure we start the season strongly. Promotion is our top priority but I will be challenging the team to win the league. It looks like we will have a great squad of players, the youngsters will be challenging for a start so will be some good competition for places meaning everyone needs to be on their game. The new coaching set up with Chris Green and Dave Emery will ensure the players continue to develop and are certainly bringing some new ideas’

Club spokesman Roger Pike added ‘Pughie is certainly the Supporters favourite choice for captain, on field his professional approach will ensure we follow our game plan and off the field he has a great rapport with the Supporters. We are now back training with some friendly games lined up in August starting away at Cheltenham Saracens followed by home matches to Dings and Matson. Our second IV will be playing in the Gloucestershire league which will greatly help their development and hopefully ensure regular fixtures.’