This season’s roster is brimming with talent, determination and pride. 37 players from last season have re-signed and 11 new faces perfectly complement the exciting brand of rugby we want to play.
First and foremost, we are proud to announce that the formidable back-rower, Arthur Ellis, will once again captain the boys for the 24/25 National League One season. Arthur has represented the 1st XV 128 times and always leads from the front.
The season is a long one, and strength in depth is imperative. Competition for places is essential to a healthy environment, and the forward pack welcomes six new faces. West Norfolk RFC’s bruising prop Rhys Charalambous joins us from the local Championship side London Scottish. An ex-Kirkham Grammar student, Matt Woodward, comes in after securing promotion with last season’s National One winners, Chinnor. These two additions to the front row will make the scrum enthusiasts exceptionally happy.
Another player disembarking from the Championship and joining us at The Rock is back-rower Jack Digby. Having previously played for Doncaster Knights and Ealing Trailfinders, the London-born Sydney Grammar School old boy also has experience in Australia’s Shute Shield competition. Another welcome addition to the back row is Oxford University graduate Jack Glover. Jack is the brother of Will Glover, and the pair played their junior rugby at Park. The Oxford Blues captain can fit in across the back row. Will Trimmer, twin brother of our skills coach George Trimmer, has also joined the Rosslyn Park community. The 27-year-old back rower arrives after an impressive season with our neighbours, Wimbledon RFC. Competition in the forward pack will be high with such strong candidates in the squad.
Moving on to the halfbacks and Charlie Mulchrone, who joins us in a player-coach role. Mulchrone retired from professional rugby in 2019 and began a coaching role with Quins until 2022. Most recently, he was an extra in Mission Impossible 8 and Sonic The Hedgehog 3 – pretty unique! The meticulous scrum-half returns for one last roll of the dice and the experience and energy he brings on board will be unmatched. Another new addition, Will Cook, a Newcastle University graduate and ex-Bath rugby academy player, provides even more spark in the backline.
Ewan Fenley re-signed after an outstanding season last year, and a special mention goes to the hardworking Owen Davies, who spent last season sidelined after undergoing ACL reconstruction. We are delighted he is staying at the club and can’t wait to see him in action.
The talented fly-half, Steffan James, joins us from Championship side Cambridge. A product of Whitland RFC, he gained promotion with Cambridge in the 22/23 season and will bring an abundance of National League One experience. Another gifted fly-half, Edward Morgan, joins us from friends at Wimbledon RFC. The Twickenham Rugby Club junior was a part of the London Irish AASE program before studying at Nottingham Trent and mixing it up at Nottingham RFC. A flashy fly-half, this young man will bring plenty of flair alongside an accurate right boot. Luc Smith, Joshua Bragman and Max Craven have also re-signed, ensuring a complex selection process for the coaching staff.
Into the midfield and beyond, supporters will be happy to hear Matt Gordon is sticking around. The abrasive inside centre is a fan favourite and a defender’s worst nightmare. Tom Stanton and Theo Manihera have both re-signed and will offer a slightly different dynamic in the midfield.
The Rosslyn Park wing prospects are headlined by a man who knows the try line better than most, Charlie Walker. Alongside Charlie is the highball specialist Benji Marfo, who featured prolifically last season. New signing James Cordy-Redden joins us from Ealing Trailfinders, where last season, he was awarded the try of the season for the West London men after topping the table in the Championship. Cardiff University graduate Elliott Haydon comes from London Scottish, bringing even more experience to The Rock. A solid addition who fits the mould of playmaker and utility is GB7’s contracted back Sunni Jardine. He arrives following a short stint with Park last year. With previous experience from Wasps and Bordeaux, he will fit nicely into the squad.
The ever-present Joe Luca Smith is sticking around to ensure no grass can be found for the opposition’s kicking game. Josh Addams, Max Trimble and Will Glover will all no doubt be competing hard in pre-season to get more game time in the 24/25 National League One season.
The team will be led by Steve Neville, who is joined by Assistant Coach Tony Paul and Skills Coach George Trimmer. Charlie Mulchrone and Gregor Gillanders make up the coaching team as player-coaches. Dan Mays, who joined us midway through last season, continues as Head of Performance, with Leigh Groombridge working alongside him. Fergus Farrell will be the team manager for the season and will be assisted by Diego Cost, who will also cover GPS analysis, with Dan Flux working on the match analysis. Pippa Rollitt heads up the medical team, joined by Head Physio Lorraine Allen and her team.
Managing and Sporting Director, Kieran Power…
“I am pleased to share our playing squad for the upcoming season. It’s been exciting to bring the squad together over the last few months and welcome the new additions to The Rock. We have a young squad and will be building on the momentum from last season, which has been helped by retaining key personnel and recruiting quality players who have added strength in depth across all positions. The players have been working hard all pre-season in preparation for September and we look forward to seeing you at The Rock over the coming weeks.”
The 2024/25 campaign begins away to the newly promoted Rotherham Titans on Saturday, 7 September. Our first home game is against local rivals Richmond on Saturday, 14 September. Tickets are on sale here.
A reminder to book your place at the pre-season BBQ taking place between 1PM-5PM at the game against Leicester Lions this Saturday (KO 3PM). RSVP with your numbers to cori.poole@rosslynpark.co.uk by 5PM today.
Rosslyn Park Squad 2024/25
Forwards
Ali Wade (Gardiner and Theobold), Archie Hosking, Arthur Ellis (The Redferns), Austin Hay, Charlie Piper, Conrad Cade, Craig Stevenson, Gregor Gillanders, Harry Ledger, Henry Spencer (Howard and Dee), Isaac Miller, Jack Digby, Jack Glover, Jacob Wrafter, Jake Buckingham, Jake Cleet, Jasper Cameron, Jordan Martin (Mermaid Gin), Josh Pieterse, Matt Bolwell, Matt Woodward, Rhys Charalambous, Will Burton, Will Trimmer
Backs
Benji Marfo (BlytheRay), Charlie Mulchrone, Charlie Walker (Stephen and Mike), Edward Morgan, Elliot Haydon, Ewan Fenley (The Ghibaut Family), James Cordy-Redden, Joe Luca Smith, Josh Addams, Joshua Bragman (The Western Terrace), Luc Smith (Rugby Against Cancer), Matt Gordon (Bad Boys Hill), Max Craven, Max Trimble (Halbro), Owen Davies, Paddy Kelly, Sam Kennaugh, Steffan James (Warrener Stewart), Sunni Jardine, Theo Manihera, Tom Stanton (BlytheRay), Will Cook, Will Glover
Player Sponsorship
Player Sponsorship is a great opportunity to be linked with a Rosslyn Park player and to follow his progress throughout the season. It is also an important source of funding for our 1st XV Squad and the club would greatly appreciate your support
The package for 2024/25, which costs £450 + VAT includes:
- Company logo/name against player profile on the match-day scoreboard, programme and website
- Company logo/name on social media when player scores
- PA Announcement when your player scores
- 10 x 1st XV Home Game General Admission tickets throughout the season
- Six General Admission tickets to the London Floodlit 7s 2025
- Invitation to Player Family & Sponsors Drinks on Saturday 19 October (Rosslyn Park vs Dings Crusaders)
If you would like to sponsor a player this season, please contact izzy.lovell@rosslynpark.co.uk