BRIDPORT Rugby Club have started their pre-season training for the forthcoming campaign in Dorset and Wilts Two South, under the guidance of their new coach, Wes Lewis.

Lewis returns to the club as a new player-coach having played previously for the club.

He is back to work in Bridport following his time at Cardiff University as well as working for Cardiff Blues and London Irish.

It is hoped Lewis will bring his insight of working at Premier League clubs to the Blues’ set-up and pass his experience on to the current players.

The club is looking to improve on its fifth-placed position in the league last season, with a hopeful drive for promotion. All new players are welcome at the club and to attend training on Thursday evenings at 7pm.

There will also be a drive to re-introduce a second XV to the Bridport playing structure this season, which will offer opportunities for young and experienced players to play at a social level while enjoying the experience of being part of the club and supporting the first XV.

Any new players wishing to play can contact club captain Tom Gamwell by emailing tomgamwell@gmail.com or club chairman Allan Staerck at astaerck@hotmail.co.uk

  • The Black and White IT company has won the club’s annual draw to be the Blues’ main sponsor for the forthcoming season.

They were first out the hat in the draw, entered by 70 companies from around the area.

The draw was made by Tim Gelfs, a visitor from Butleigh RFC in Somerset.

The prize for winning will be the company’s logo on the club’s shirts for the forthcoming season in Dorset and Wilts Two South and two tickets for an England Six Nations match at Twickenham next term.

Second prize was won by the Freshwater Caravan Park, last year’s winners, and third prize went to Kennedy’s Estate Agents.

Both of these will have their logos on the new shirt sleeves.

All entrants will be featured on the club’s website and on the sponsors’ board, advertised at the clubhouse.