Shelford Rugby Club announce co-captains for new season

Mike Gillick gives duo shared responsibility

Matt Gregerson and Josh Simmons will be co-captains of Shelford Rugby Club this season.

Head coach Mike Gillick has placed the duo in tandem to start a new era at the Davey Field, with Teddy Hepworth to be the vice-captain, ahead of the start of the London & SE Premier campaign this Saturday.

Prop Gregerson is one of Shelford’s longest-serving players, and is back to full fitness having missed a large chunk of the end of last season through a fractured cheekbone.

Fly-half Simmons is entering his third season at Shelford, having originally moved to the club when coming to the city to study at Anglia Ruskin University.

The idea to appoint co-captains was to develop leadership across the squad.

“Matt stands out as he has been at the club for years, leads by example and isn’t frightened to call a spade a spade,” said Gillick, who explained that Gregerson works on a two-week rota so he may not be available for selection at times.

“People look up to him as he has been at the club a long time and done it all. When he crosses the white line, it’s infectious for the other boys.

“Josh will be there every week and likely to be the starting No 10. He is a young lad, but will be the player setting our shape. He will work alongside Matt.”

Gillick added: “They contrast each other nicely and I think they will work well with each other.”