Rugby Club ISSUE 86 | Page 79

Taunton Taunton RUGBY CLUB Taunton Rugby Club was founded in 1875, now approaching 150 years of enjoying rugby in the county town of Somerset. We are a community club which boasts over 425 playing members from U7’s right up to the senior 1st team which plays National League rugby. The Taunton Titans currently play in National League 2 South Level 4 in the RFU structure. The team moved through the leagues to their current division where they have been since the 2010/2011 season following consecutive promotions. In their first season in the league they finished 7th, then after a couple of seasons of settling in they have not finished below 6th since 2013/2014. The Titans Head Coach is Tony Yapp a former Exeter Chiefs player who has been at the helm since the 2011/2012 season and has built a great off field team. The forwards are coached by the experienced Chris Brown, with two player coaches Gary Kingdom and Julian Salvi. The Titans train twice a week and the squad is made up of local players in the South West from both Somerset and near neighbours Devon and Dorset. The squad has been fairly consistent over the years which has enabled a lot of the players to earn over 100 league games for the club. The Titans continual growth has led to several players moving on to play at a higher level with players moving on to play for teams in the Championship as well as some getting full time contracts and the chance to play in the Premiership with both Exeter Chiefs, Bristol Bears, Saracens, Harlequins and Wasps. With the likes of Sam Skinner going on to play for Scotland and Ben Moon for England. The Titans can play at this level with the thanks to all of those that sponsor them. We have a very loyal support group who all want to see the best for the club. Sponsors are local and we have everything from local restaurants to car dealerships and electrical company’s and top local schools. They all make a huge difference and are the cogs that keep the club ticking. In addition to sponsors away from the club we have the unfailing support of a very loyal bunch of club followers known as the Friends of Taunton Titans. The Taunton youth section is a thriving one. We have teams from U7’s all the way up to U16’s. Everyone enjoys their rugby and it’s a great way to meet new friends and enjoy a sport which can develop to a competitive level. All of our coaches of the junior sides are properly RFU accredited badge holders. The youth Section is organised and supported by a large number of volunteers and we can’t thank them all enough for all of the hard work they put in to our special club. Taunton School is the main sponsor for the youth section and they show a huge amount of support. Article provided by Nick Mason www.rugbyclubmag.com 79