A long and eventful summer has brought its challenges, and I appreciate everyone’s patience as we worked through an unprecedented period for the club. Despite the difficulties, we now move forward with renewed purpose, a rebuilt squad, and a coaching group full of energy and ambition.
Summer Review
The enforced relegation from National 2 was a tough blow, and understandably some players chose to remain at that level or higher. Our refusal to be put in National 2 West was a step made only after careful consideration; the financial implications and the impact on player availability placed the club in an extremely difficult position.
However, we now have clarity, direction, and a fresh opportunity. Instead of pushing for promotion from National 2, we will be doing so from the league below—visiting grounds we haven’t seen in some time and embracing the challenge with optimism.
Coaching Structure
I am delighted to confirm the retention of our coaching team:
- Rhys Davies – Head Coach
- Tom Morton – Attack Coach
Rhys leads the team for a 3rd season and his dedication to the role is unmatched. I personally have not worked with many better players than he was and no many better coaches if any. His eye for detail and understanding of the rugby players brain is incredible. In addition Tom Morton is a highly sought after coach who we are privileged to retain. When Tom was forced to retire 2 years ago through injury I really was on the fence about whether coaching would be for him, but he has taken to it like a duck to water and he commands a tremendous reputation in the rugby community.
This year we have strengthened the coaching pathway further by appointing:
- Elliot Alston – Skills Coach
- Louis Singleton – Skills Coach
Both bring enthusiasm, insight, and huge potential. Pre‑season has already shown how effectively this group works together—planning, delivering, and refining sessions with real cohesion and purpose.
Outgoing 2nd XV Coach Russ Tomlinson slides over to the Women’s XV to be Head Coach as he looks to develop his coaching journey and help take the Women’s team to the next level.
Squad Building
Player retention and recruitment have been demanding, but we are extremely proud of the squad we have rebuilt. More additions are expected as we continue to strengthen going into the season.
I am especially pleased to retain:
- Harry Blackwell – Captain
- Ben Blackburn – Vice‑Captain
Their loyalty, leadership, and commitment to the club are invaluable.
New Signings
- Lewis Richardson – Tight‑Head Prop (Matlock)
- Joe Bunting – Back Row (Matlock)
- Jayden Suffel – Back Row (Loan – Sale Sharks)
- Henry Harper – Centre (Birmingham Moseley)
- Will Davies – 10/12/15 (Sale FC, former Macc)
- Sam Parry – Wing (Returning from Australia; previously Harrogate & former Macc)
- Matt Morgan – Back Row
- Ciaran Connolly – Wing (Bowdon) former Sale FC
- James Thomas – Back Row (Christ College, Brecon)
- Dylan Husbands – Scrum‑Half (Sandbach; dual‑registered with MMU)
- Will Hardwick – Scrum‑Half (Burnage)
- Jack Jameson – Hooker (Stoke)
- Tom Farrell – Fly‑Half (Dronfield; former Macc)
- Tom Brierley – Prop (Sandbach; former Macc M&J)
- Courtney De Jongh – Back Row (From South Africa)
- Ollie Platt – Prop/Back Row (Newcastle Staffordshire)
- Harry Reay – Centre/Wing (Lymm)
Promising Young Talent
Our pathway continues to thrive, and several young players have stood out:
- Eddie Thraves – Second Row; last year’s Harper Trophy winner and developing rapidly.
- Henry Shaw – Back Row; grandson of club stalwart Pete Ord, joining from Hampshire U20s while at Leeds Beckett.
- Zac Ransom – Back Row; physically transformed and mentally tough.
- Brad Gleave – Back Row; talented, energetic, and entering his second year at university.
We have also retained a strong core of senior players who will take on greater responsibility and leadership this season.
Additionally, several exciting Colts have signed academy contracts—news to follow shortly on social media.
Pre‑Season Progress
The delayed start to the season has been a mixed blessing. While we were fully prepared for a 12 September kick‑off, the disruption caused by the NCA and RFU was not unexpected given our summer. The squad has adapted well.
Our match against Huddersfield proved extremely valuable, giving opportunities to new signings, young prospects, and players eager to step into roles vacated over the summer.
We now look ahead to joint sessions with Manchester—two already completed—and upcoming fixtures:
- 10 September – Evening fixture vs Manchester
- 19 September – Return fixture vs Manchester
- 26 September – First league match vs Dronfield (Home)
We intend to make Dronfield’s visit as challenging as possible and start the season strongly. With a packed pre‑Christmas schedule, every point will matter.
Looking Ahead
Rebuilding a squad is never easy, but it has been genuinely exciting. The positivity from Rhys Davies, Steve Burnage, and the unwavering support of Chief executive Bob Cooke and Club President Pete Harper has been a huge boost.
To our supporters and sponsors: thank you. It has been a confusing summer at times, especially with player turnover, but I am confident this team will deliver a brand of rugby you can be proud of—committed, entertaining, and unmistakably Macclesfield.
Let us not forget that we have a number of sections in this club that are the lifeblood of the organization. I look forward to seeing the Women go again in their league as they must be aiming for promotion after last years stirling effort in a new league, our 2nd XV will be developing players and fighting hard in a league involving a lot of big sides with big squads and will do us proud, and the 3rd XV led by the evergreen James Keep will be in action flying the flag for the club as they field a mixed demographic of player whose ultimate aim is to enjoy their rugby.
Please stay with us. Together, we remain a strong club with deep roots and a great deal to offer the people of Macclesfield.
Thank you
Matt Coleridge
DoR
