Josh came to us last year and was instantly an important part the the ARFC 1st XV with his drive and commitment to the cause immediately visible. After a number of inspirational performances and his clear leadership skills on show, Josh was offered the vacated vice captaincy role to the 1st XV for the second half of last season.

After showing a clear drive for improving himself and his team mates he was the clear and obvious candidate for the club captaincy role for this season when the role was vacated for this season.

Josh has this to say following his appointment:

'My main goal for this season is to build on the way we ended the season with a strong, aggressive standard of rugby. I think the difference between the first and second halves of the season was all down to both rugby knowledge, with a lot of fresh faces in the 1st XV, and a desire to win. Players started believing that we could win and that improved our game massively.

A difference I'd like this season compared to last, is not making too many changes week in week out by having a core squad of around 25 players. I don't think we had the same starting 15 two weeks in a row all season, and that's important for team synergy.

I genuinely think we've got a good chance of competing in the league this year. There are a few unknown teams, but for the others, we were competitive in spells throughout both home and away games so I see a massive improvement on last seasons table finish on the cards.

I think the club is in a great place at the minute with enthusiasm across the board, especially with the newer players coming through. If everyone buys into what's being done behind the scenes, as a club we will grow exponentially.

We need to set clear team and individual goals before the season starts, but this will be done in the in coming weeks during pre season. I can't wait for the year ahead! Up the boys and up the A’s! ❤️'

Inspiring words from an inspiring leader. We all look forward to where Josh can take us this year.

We would also like to pass on our thanks to last years captain Lea Ross who had the unenviable job of trying to lead our team through difficult circumstances that have not troubled any previous captains before him, including the first season after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lea gave his all to the role and we look forward to having his leadership skills on show on the pitch for the 22/23 season.