By Ross Tucknott

Peace and harmony went out of the window this Tuesday as the players let their fists do the talking in a training session which looked less like the build-up for National 2 and more like an audition for Kung Fu Panda 2!

Under the expert eye of the south-west’s premier martial arts instructor Ed Byrne from the Byrne Black Belt Academy, balls were put aside in favour of punch pads as 28 of the 31 players who have signed so far were shown a collection of punches and kicks to launch at each other – but only on the training field!

This was not about learning self-defence but a gruelling physical workout which tested every single player to their absolute limit and beyond in a wholly different way to their normal training regimes. After a brutal warm-up session which left the players hoping for an early shower, they took it in turns to unleash combinations of hooks, jabs, uppercuts and high kicks against the focus pads held by their partners over punishing lengths of time. Players were predominantly matched by size with newly re-signed heavy-weights Ashley Morcom and Damien Cook trading blows, although a few mismatches littered the pitch such as Brett Rule having the fortune to sparring with returning prop Craig Williams. The short straw was certainly drawn by Tom Duncan, whose hands took quite a pounding from an obviously enthusiastic Darren Jacques.

Not content to let his sporting charges off lightly, Byrne then pushed the players through a crushing series of tests that were more in the comfort zone of a special forces operative than a rugby player. Every time an exercise seemed about to finish it was extended, and every time that it seemed the session was over Byrne pulled another unrelenting examination of their fitness out of a repertoire that has seen him produce a seemingly endless supply of Cornish, British, European and World Champion fighters.

The end result was that almost no man was left standing in the aftermath of the workout. Redruth Rugby Vice-Captain Peter Joyce – previously the club’s Fitness Trophy winner over multiple seasons – remarked that “We all thought that we were pretty fit, but that session put things into a different perspective”.

Byrne replied “We’re all fit in different ways. There’s no way that we could do what you guys do on the rugby pitch!”

Although the session was enjoyed slightly more by the coaches than the exhausted players, the Byrne Black Belt Academy fitness treatment will be more than welcome at Redruth again as the team steps up its preparations for the forthcoming season.

Byrne Black Belt Academy offer two free lessons to anyone interested in learning martial arts, including for their ‘Little Ninjas’ classes for 3-7 year olds and the ‘Karate Kidz’ classes for 8-12 year olds. Full details can be found on their website at www.bbba.co.uk.

NOTE: Redruth Rugby does not endorse, encourage or condone physical violence of any kind either on or off the field of play.

Have not had too much to say over the past few weeks as I thought the announcement of signings etc should take the lead, but as you can see things are progressing well and I am pretty happy with where we are at present. I hope you are happy with the publication of players as they sign as its been a area that I have picked up much criticism about over the years. We have a few more to publish in the next couple of weeks and hopefully a couple of new faces arriving at the Recreation Ground in addition to those already announced.

Pre season training started on Monday just gone (20/6/11) and has been exceptionally well attended and we averaged in the first week 33 (36 on Monday, 32 on Tuesday and 31 on Thursday) we have also averaged 10 players per night who have apologised for their absence so once again all is looking good there. If you are interested we are training at Redruth School until August and the fitness sessions are intense but fun and there is plenty of variety!

Our pre season games have now been confirmed and we are playing Plymouth Albion at home on Sunday 7th August, Plymouth Albion, away, on Sunday 14th August and Bath United, away on the 20th August. In previous seasons we have looked to play good opposition and it has always proved to be a very useful exercise so hopefully this will be the same and give us the preparation we need. We also have one Development Team fixture and that is at Hayle on 17th August.

Elsewhere in the rugby world, the Queensland Reds finished top of the pile in the Super 15 this season and we send our congratulations to Jim McKay on a great achievement. Jim has had unprecedented success at the Reds since leaving his post with Leicester Academy a couple of seasons ago. In the time Jim spent with us, back in 2008/2009, we had our best start ever in the leagues and went unbeaten in 11 games. The season was our best ever also when we finished 3rd.

I watched the play off game between the Sharks and the Crusaders on Saturday and, whilst the Crusaders were in top form, the key and most poignant moment was when Stefan Terblanche spoke after the game … No excuses, he heaped praise on the Crusaders but also highlighted the adversity that the people of Canterbury had suffered in the last 12 months with the earthquake etc. He also said what an incredible achievement by the Crusader team to come together and represent the people of Canterbury in such an honourable way whilst having to play all their games away from home … just shows what a humbling sport rugby is and what great people play it …

Just found something out that has shocked me … our former 4th Official and TM, Dave Ricketts, has had a serious accident and broken his neck in 3 places! He did this in Canada and has been there ever since. I am not sure how long that has been but nevertheless it was serious enough to have the bones surgically fused with 2 rods at C3, C4 & C5! He hopes to be repatriated shortly. Dave, our best wishes go to you mate and hope you get well soon!

Since my last written article the club has lost 2 members who, over the years, have given invaluable voluntary help for many years. First, and the most shocking, was the death of Dave Thomas. I attended his funeral and the turn out epitomised the high regard that people held for him. Also, very recently, Bill Rowe passed away. The club sends its deepest condolences to the families of both gentlemen and we will respect them at the first pre season game in August.

For me, personally, it has been a hectic few weeks with no real break from rugby matters since the end of the season. A good trip to Cardiff for the Hamlin and Heineken Cup Finals has been followed by watching a bit of cricket at both Redroot and Mount Ambrose, enjoying the sunny weather NOT, and doing the gardens!! Over the next few weeks I am off to Sandown Park for some evening racing in July. This will be a great evening as it is not only the racing we are going to watch … Tom Jones is performing “live” at the end of the evening!!!! In August I am off to the England v India Test Match at Edgbaston and that is sandwiched between the first 2 pre season games … Then its back to league rugby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well … keeps me out of mischief I suppose!

Finally this week ….. go onto You Tube and search for the “Kernow King” … He is bloody hilarious and there are a number of sketches with him in … I won’t tell you any more but it is worth a look …

That is it for this week … Keep watching for more news …

Cheers and gone!!!

Dave

Week 4 of our summer signings shenanigans sees six more familiar faces re-sign for the Reds ready for the forthcoming campaign in National 2 South (please check out our league guide too). As usual we’ll added signings hourly and announced on our Facebook page and our Twitter stream simultaneously.

1) Damien Cook – Damien signs for the 8th season and will provide huge experience in the team. He had an outstanding last few games of last season at second row and played for Cornwall in the County Championship. He has played over 150 games for the 1st XV and is looking forward to the challenges that National 2 South will bring.

2) Ashley Morcom – another warhorse returns for another season. Last season was an injury ravaged one for Ash but he came back towards the end of the season to provide much needed cover when a spate of front row injuries caused major disruption. Ash can play on either side of the scrum and is a good motivator around the team.

3) Craig Williams – Craig returns for a further spell at the club after a few seasons at St Ives. Craig’s first stay at Redruth came in the 2006/2007 season when he joined from Macclesfield. With competition fierce in the front row Craig wanted to play rugby and took the opportunity to play at St Ives where he became a stand out performer. He played in all 3 County Championship games this year for Cornwall and is relishing the challenge for a front row spot.

4) Matt Biggins – The Development Team Player of the Year signs for a second season. Matt came to us last season after spells at both Penryn and Falmouth. He is tough tackling centre and a hard runner with ball in hand. Will provide good back up in the three quarters.

5) Lewis Moyle (@moyler92) – A stand out player in the Development Team last year and a stand out player all the way through the Mini/Juniors and Colts, Lewis is looking to step up and push for a first team spot. He is an outstanding 7 who can also play at hooker. He represented Cornwall Under 20’s last year and will provide good competition within the back row.

6) Luke Johnson – Luke makes the step up from the Colts to the senior squad. A member of the cup winning Colts over the past couple of seasons Luke plays on the wing but can also play at fly half and full back. Luke is also a talented cricketer for Redruth Cricket Club.

We also say a temporary farewell to Chris Morris. Chris suffered an horrific knee injury a couple of seasons back playing for Cornwall and has still not recovered fully. Chris has requested a season to play at a lower level in order to regain match fitness and his confidence. Chris will join Truro for the forthcoming season and we wish him every success there.

31 rugby warriors have assembled so far to fight the good Cornish fight, so if you want to be a part of the action too from the first game against Shelford at home on the 27th August you should download the membership form today!

Your players also need your support: please consider our Player Sponsor or Player Supporter packages from only £150.

Complete list of signings as of 27th June 2011:

Download the Newbie Guide to National 2 South

All kick-off times 3pm unless otherwise stated

Results Archive

National League 1: 2010-11

Week 3 of our Monday signings! As usual we added a new name to the page every hour, as well as announcing on our Facebook page and our Twitter stream simultaneously.

1) Luke Collins (@Chips_Red5) – Luke signs for a further season and continues his long association with the club. Following a season’s spell at the Cornish Pirates in 2009/2010 Luke returned to Redruth last season and played in all but 1 game. He is a dynamic line out forward and a good ball carrier in open play. Luke has represented England Counties and Cornwall and will be a major asset to the team for next season. Luke is another product of the fabulous Redruth Mini/Junior and Colts set up.

2) Dean Bonds (@Bonds92) – brother of new skipper Craig Bonds, Dean joins the senior squad for the 1st time. Another product of the Redruth Mini/Junior and Colts section, Dean is a very good rugby player and can play at centre but is more accustomed to full back. He has represented Cornwall at all age groups up to Under 20’s and will provide valuable cover outside the scrum. Dean played in the same Redruth line-up with his brother first the very first time in April 2011 against Imperial Medics and he is (according to his Twitter profile) ‘living the dream yeh!’

3) Josh Morgan – Another player who learnt his trade through the Redruth Mini Junior and Colts section. Josh can play in the 2nd row and cover both openside and blind side flanker. A committed player who gives nothing less than 100% when he plays was part of the Redruth Colts team that reached the National Colts final a few seasons back.

4) Sean Buzza – One of our most promising Colt players has been rewarded for some excellent performances over the past couple of seasons with a senior contract. A product of the Redruth Academy, based at Redruth School, Sean shows a lot of promise and will be a valuable asset to the squad. Sean is also a product of the Redruth Mini Juniors & Colts sections.

5) Jack Churcher – Jack, like Sean Buzza, is a product of the Redruth School Academy and also our Mini Junior Section and Colts section and joins the senior squad for the first time. Jack will add strength to the centre positions.

6) James Ball (@FREAKYrrfc) – is a second row forward and joins the club from Perranporth. James indicated a desire to play with good players and in a good club and wants to play some good entertaining rugby, so he’s definitely come to the right place! Welcome to the club James!

7) Nathan Thomas – “Thommo” rejoins the club after a spell at Stithians. A committed player, who made his league debut back in 2004 for Redruth, played through all the age groups at Redruth and the Colts and will provide experience to the younger players. Nathan has always had the club at heart and whenever he had a free Saturday he would make himself available for any Redruth side.

We can also announce that Scott McLean is leaving the club to play for Hayle next season. Best of luck next year Scott.

That’s now 25 players who’ve put pen to paper for the Reds next season, with plenty more likely to follow as they begin reassembling for pre-season fitness training today. We’re gearing up to tear through the opposition next season, so if you want to enjoy the carnage from start to finish you should download the membership form today!

Your players need your support: please consider our Player Sponsor or Player Supporter packages from only £150. For a quick glance at who’ll be the teams to beat next year, why not check out our Newbie Guide to National 2 South? and then add some dates to your diary from the 2011-12 1stXV fixtures!

Complete list of signings as of 20th June 2011:

Two more re-signings earn a special Friday spotlight, with both backs and forwards benefiting with young stars Tom Duncan and Aaron Penberthy returning for another season with Redruth.

1) Tom Duncan (@dunky011)

Another player who has come through the club’s youth sections, Tom has committed himself for the up and coming season. A very strong ball carrier, Tom has progressed well over the past couple of seasons and has made a number of first team appearances. He was outstanding towards the end of last season when appearing off the bench and scored a number of tries. Tom is a former Colts captain and was rewarded for his strong 1st team displays with a county cap against Devon in the Tamar Cup. Tom probably would have figured in the County Championship but was away on holiday. With Mark Bright leaving the club Tom has a great chance to put his hand up for the 8 shirt.

2) Aaron Penberthy (@apenberthy10)

After a few weeks of uncertainty and rumour, we can confirm that Aaron has re-signed for Redruth. Whilst dual registration was discussed with the Pirates, current RFU regulations do not permit that; having said that the Pirates have indicated that Aaron will be named in their extended squad for the British and Irish Cup and he will do pre-season with them starting on the 27th June. In his first full season of National League rugby during 2010/2011 – when he scored 251 points – Aaron went onto represent Cornwall in 2 County Championship games, play for England Counties Under 20’s against Scotland, and finally toured with the full England Counties team to Spain where he made 2 appearances and scored 24 points.

With Aaron and Tom back on board, Redruth’s prospects for next season just got a lot rosier, so if you want to follow the adventure next season from start to finish you should download the membership form today!

If you want to show your support for a particular player then why not consider our Player Sponsor or Player Supporter packages from only £150. Plus if you still don’t know who we’ll be playing next season, why not check out our Newbie Guide to National 2 South?

We can also confirm that Grant Thirlby has left Redruth to sign for Camborne for the coming season, so we look forward to seeing him again on Boxing Day!

Complete list of signings as of 17th June 2011:

Matchday Help Required

Redruth Rugby needs volunteers for the following tasks on first team match days:

· Putting out the Fire Extinguishers in the Stand pre-match and bringing them in after the game

· Putting up the Club Flag pre-match and taking it down after the game (good head for heights needed)

· Manning the entrance to the Stand at the Frame UK Hospitality Suite end

· Covering gate duty with the existing team

If you can help with any of these jobs please contact Martin Caddy on 07968 406274

Martin is waiting for YOUR call!

Recruitment Officer wanted

Additionally, Redruth Rugby is looking for someone to work with the club Membership Secretary with the goal of boosting membership of the club. If you feel that you are able to help, please contact Roger Watson at watson_roger@hotmail.com or 01872 530687. Thank you!

Here we are again: another week closer to the start of our first exciting season at level 4, and another batch of players putting pen to paper ready to don the Red shirt in 2011! As with last week, we added a new name to the page every hour, as well as announcing on our Facebook page and our Twitter stream simultaneously.

1) Lewis Vinnicombe – Lewis has re-signed for the club for a further season despite interest from other Cornish clubs. He has been a prolific try scorer in previous seasons from the wing and from full-back and will add strength to squad.

2) Nick Simmons (@NSimmons9) – Nick progressed exceptionally well last season and forged a strong half back partnership with Aaron Penberthy. With Mark Richards joining Truro we will be looking to Nick to take his game a step further. Nick represented Cornwall in 2 County Championship games last season and will play a vital part in the club’s future.

3) Sam Parsons – centre/wing Sam recovered well after a serious shoulder injury ruled him out of the game for 15 months. He made his comeback, ironically, against the team whom he was playing against when he sustained the injury – Launceston – in December and didn’t miss another match all season. Sam is a quality centre who is relishing the opportunity and the start of the new season (aren’t we all!).

4) Richard Brown – Richie had an outstanding season last year that culminated with him playing in all of Cornwall’s 3 County Championship games. Richie will be attending university from the end of September but his registration will be retained and he will be available for selection throughout. Runner-up for the Players Player of the season, his availability will be a bonus for the squad.

5) Chris Bailey – Chris joined in October last year and quickly impressed. He previously played for Hereford and appeared for the Midland Under 18’s in the Divisional Championships a couple of seasons ago. He was a member of Worcester Warriors Academy and now studies at the University of Exeter at Tremough Falmouth. He played for Cornwall in the Tamar Cup and was on the bench against Kent in the County Championship. He made his league debut against Coventry and is outstanding at second row and back row alike.

6) NEW!: Tim McBride – Tim rejoins after a spell at St Ives and is a most welcome addition to the squad. Another player who made his County Championship debut this season, he is a product of Redruth Colts and will provide good competition for a place either in the centre or wing.

7) Nathan Pedley – A true clubman if ever there was one, Nathan continues his long association with Redruth. For much of last season Nathan appeared regularly in the centre to sure up the midfield. Nathan’s “no fear” defensive qualities are a trademark of his game and I delighted he has committed for a further season.

The squad’s starting to shape up nicely, so if you want to follow the adventure next season from start to finish you should download the membership form today!

If you want to show your support for a particular player then why not consider our Player Sponsor or Player Supporter packages from only £150. Plus if you still don’t know who we’ll be playing next season, why not check out our Newbie Guide to National 2 South?

Complete list of signings as of 13th June 2011:

Craig Bonds – 2011/12 Club Captain

After taking a year out to concentrate on coaching, Craig returns once again as a player. This is great news for the club and for the team. Craig’s leadership values will be a massive added bonus for our youthful back line, where he will join once more at centre. Those leadership qualities have also prompted Director of Rugby David Penberthy to invite Craig to take on the captaincy for the forthcoming season – and for the third time in total – which a task that he has accepted.

Peter Joyce – 2011/12 Club Vice Captain

Peter is an outstanding prop forward and leads by example both on and off the field. His work rate is phenomenal and is widely respected by his peers. Peter missed a proportion of last season through injury (ribs sustained against Macclesfield and then proceeded to chop his finger off in an accident at home) He recovered sufficiently to return against Coventry and started the last 2 matches against Blaydon and Wharfedale. He also played in 2 of Cornwall’s County Championship games. In recognition of this Peter has been appointed Vice Captain for the 2011/2012 season.

That brings the number of signings so far to 9, and we’ll be releasing another batch on Monday as well. If you want to sign up too to watch the best Cornish players take to the field next season then why not download a membership form today. Additionally, why not consider supporting the players directly as a Player Supporter or Player Sponsor from only £150!

To get an idea of what Redruth will be up against next season, check out our Newbie Guide to National 2 South.

We’d also like to wish all the best to departing player Adam Hosking, who has signed up to play for Hayle next season.

Confirmed signings summary so far:

Here is the first of, hopefully, many announcements over the coming weeks of players re-signing, joining or leaving! We’ll be adding another name to the list roughly each hour until 3pm today, so keep an eye on this page to get the full story.

1) Owen Hambly – Owen has re-signed after an excellent 2010/2011 season where he played in every game of the season. He capped the season by winning the Club’s Player of the Season and was also voted Player’s Player by his peers. Owen converted from hooker to openside at the beginning of last season and was outstanding.

2) Tom Notman (@notman14) – Tom joined from Camborne last season off the back of an outstanding debut for Cornwall in the County Championship. He found the challenge of National 1 rugby difficult to start with but certainly found his feet after Christmas and had an excellent end to the season. His try against Macclesfield was a particular highlight of the season.

3) Chris Fuca – Chris played every game last season and filled in on a couple of occasions in the second row to help me out. He is a first class club man and is very passionate about his performances.

4) Brett Rule – Brett finished last season in the number 15 shirt and showed some outstanding form. Known for his fearless tackling and bravery, he is a vital member of the squad.

5) Darren Jacques – Last year’s skipper had no hesitation in committing for another season and will be part of an outstanding front row unit. He captained Cornwall in the County Championship and was part of the team that won at Kent to maintain their position in the top tier of the Championship.

6) NEW!: Danny Clackworthy – Danny joins from Hayle where he gave many seasons of loyal service, including in the role of head coach last season. He has played for the Cornish Pirates and Mounts Bay in both National 1 and National 2 South, and can play in all front row positions. He has also played for Cornwall, and is a welcome addition to our powerful pack.

7) Matt Bowden (@MattBowden1) – Our final announcement today, Matt enjoyed a great season last year and improved with every game. Whilst attracting the interest of a Championship side Matt has remained loyal to the club and will provide a potent attacking threat.

If such an array of key players signing up for next year is enough to make you wish for the summer to hurry up and end so the season can start already, why not join them and sign up yourself for membership for the 2011-12 season today!

If you still need some convincing (why would you?!) then check out our Newbie Guide To National 2 South – also released today – or wait for the next bunch of signings to be announced so we can play more than just a 7s tournament …