Firstly, it is a huge thank you to Josh Armstrong. Josh picked up the role nearly 8 years ago when in fact we had just moved into the candy league. What we have achieved since then under Josh has been quite extraordinary. Multiple times county champions, league champions and now a driving force in the area. Josh has spent some time battling knee injuries but is now back fighting fit. Unfortunately he has work commitments and a promising legal career so training is a challenge to navigate from Newcastle. Josh will still be involved in a leadership role but more on that later.

Sam is a great young talent who led a great colts side to success. He has first team experience and is pushing all the time for that spot. This role gives Sam a chance to grow as an individual and leader, which will only help develop him and aid his long term ambition of a first team regular. He is passionate and much like his brother a committed Billingham player from a young age. Regarding that, age is just a number, at 19 Sam will be helped all the way by a senior leadership group. Sam takes pride in wearing the Billingham shirt and with the new intake of younger seniors he will feel comfortable at the helm - as a 9 he should have no issues bossing the lads around.

Assisting Sam we have installed a leadership group much like the first team. There was a lot of choice around the club, there is still multiple experienced lions regulars but the 3 names below are all all perfect for the roles.

James Watson - as most will know James is a serious talent and has played a lot of first team rugby, again he has had some serious shoulder issues but even in that limited time last season he was the lions leading try scorer. James will be involved in developing the young forward pack every week. Making sure the pack follow the clubs style and ethos. That young pack has some extremely exciting players this year and we hope James can add his experience and pass knowledge on. He will assist Sam in every aspect around the pitch

Matty Westall has led the squad as player /manager for a few seasons and at times I know it has challenged him. Matty will support Sam on and off the field as well as his continued role of reporting into the head coach and assisting in selection. Despite his pleading to retire and play socially he will continue breaking himself week after week for the shirt. It goes without saying Matty has taken on a lot these past few years and he deserves huge thanks and praise.

Josh Armstorng as said above has extensive Captaincy experience. He will support our young half backs weekly and is committed to assisting Matty with his manger role.

All 3 players have the respect of the senior section and will have a role to play driving the lions onto the next level with Sam at the helm.

Lastly, Charlie Wilson has agreed to be a helping hand on a Saturday. In charge of H20, kit management and fines! Charlie will be a valuable support mechanism from the sidelines to the 4 names above.

There is a lot of change this year but it builds for an exciting future. Growing people, characters and quality rugby players.

Nearly 4 weeks in pre season and the numbers have reached near 80 on multiple times, we should be so so excited to start the season whenever that may be.

Pete

#OSIOS