Rugby Club Issue 47 | Page 18

Progression “We regularly provide players to the county age group teams and have a good working relationship with Hartpury College. Some of their younger students get game time and invaluable experience with us and in return one or two have been re-signed by the college to play National League rugby. In recent years, Andy Chesters, Rik Cottrell and Rorie Day have made the step up to National League rugby. The club has yet to have a player gain full international honours with the England men’s XV but have had Paul Beech (Under 21) and Pete Meek (Under 16 schools) selected in the last 20 years. One area where the club can boast 2 full internationals is in the current England Women’s XV with both Natasha Hunt and Ceri Large former members of the club’s junior sections.” Community “We are very much a community club and have become the social focal point for the village and surrounding area. The club is the headquarters of a number of local organisations and can even boast a ladies Morris dancing team, the local British Legion and a Pigeon Racing club amongst its associate members. In 2012, the club was awarded for its excellent community approach by staging the launch of the new England rugby kit in conjunction with sponsors Canterbury. England Captain Chris Robshaw was one among a whole host of celebrities and media organisations that descended on Drybrook for the day.” Facilities “Most visiting teams are very complimentary about Drybrook’s facilities. We own all of our own facilities and have 3 pitches, one of which is floodlit. We recently installed 2 covered spectator areas and in readiness for next season have completely re-vamped the changing quarters and added a gym and fitness suite.” 18 ISSUE 46