Clwb Rygbi Abergele Chairman Dino Jones Davies is keeping busy during the pre season and this week sat down with Club Captain Joe Lavin..
The following interview was first published on the Abergele RFC web-site -
http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/abergelerufc/
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1) Joe, give us a back ground of your own playing career to date.
I've always been an Abergele boy! Played for Emrys ap Iwan, then joined Abergele at the age of 17. Spent 2 years in university in Las Vegas and played rugby in the UNLV rugby club (that was an experience). Whilst playing senior rugby for Abgergele I have also been selected and played for Conwy Sharks (the old county side) and selected and played for the Presidents XV.
2) This is your second stint as club captain, what is your own view on our last season?
Last season in my eyes, ranks as one of our most successful seasons, and every credit must go to all those who stepped in and manned up in what I believe was probably one of the hardest seasons I've been invovled in, since playing for Abergele, especially for the outgoing captain James Needham. In a season that saw us lose our front row, lose our coaches and lose the interest of some of our key players, we still managed to avoid the drop, cemented our place in divison 2 and saw both the 1st's and 2nd's go on terrific cup runs culminating in a final for our 2nd's. Also, the hard work put in by some key individuals also saw a real team spirit spread though the squad which has brought all of those invovled with the Green Army much closer together and going in the direction we need to be for next season. No longer a 1st and 2nd, but a squad, with one aim, to dominate whichever team we play against.
3) The club has appointed new coaches for the new season; what is it you are looking for from them?
With two class coaches on board for next season I expect the same as the rest of the squad, to win things. Good structure, interesting drills, new skills learned and game plans developed. I believe next season looks set to see the biggest step forward in standards that Abergele rugby club has seen, certainly in my time.
4) Realistically, what are your hopes for the " GREEN ARMY" next season?
With the plans for the club house, combined with the enthusiasm of the coaches, I have great hopes for next season and expect nothing less than a top 2 finish. If we, as players, show the same level of commitment to training, and playing as the coaches and officals of this club are showing off the field, in developing a solid foundation for a legacy for Abergele Rugby Club, then Division 1 rugby should be well within our reach. It's time for all those involved with the Green Army to take that next step, welcome all those who want to join our family and put our Club, our Town, our Community on the map, just like Nant Conwy did before us, now we need to show the big boys what pride and brotherhood can do. Here's to next season boys! GREEN ARMY!!
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