WITH pre-season player movements dominating the sporting headlines, Maidenhead Rugby Club seem to be having more than their fair share of good news.
Rumours of Piers Morgan’s retirement appear to have been greatly exaggerated, and last year’s leading try-scorer now looks likely to feature in the upcoming campaign.
Flanker Drikus Miennie is the only definite departure from Braywick, but his countryman Jacques Botha has returned from a trip to his native South Africa, bringing former university team-mate Martin Fourie with him.
The winger will have plenty of competition for a place, with former Henley star Dave Knight also joining the squad over the summer, while Maidenhead speedster Danny Walton is back to full fitness and raring to go.
Last year’s regulars Alex Greer and Simon Cripps are also in the frame, while competition in the centres could force Pete Nisbet and Danny Martin to join battle for the No.11 and 14 shirts.
Tony Young is also approaching full fitness again, creating even more competition in the backs’ division.
And with former Henley scrumhalf Ben Ayres moving to Braywick, there will be plenty of competition for the half-back positions.
The scrum still looks one or two players short, but coach Simon Edwards said he was actively recruiting and hoped to add some depth to the pack in the coming weeks.
Former Maidenhead colt and under 19 Scotland international Will Lowden will go some way to achieving that, having recently returned to Maidenhead from the Bath Academy.