Team Profiles

East Grinstead

Colours: Navy and White Hoops

Current holders of the Rydon Plate

East Grinstead have put together a strong team of homegrown talent. The team will be led by 6ft 8 Matt Templeman, ably supported by first team full back Simon Hawkins. The teams leading try scorer from last year, Tom Sandys, will be returning from university to hopefully show the opposition a clean pair of heals again. Current first team scrum half Pete Spencer will be putting on an East Grinstead shirt this time around after playing for his own team last year. Pete will be looking to create things in the middle of the park with current university students James Ohlson and Anthony Leather, who will be returning especially for the tournament. The ball winner of the team will be first team open-side Dan Arnold, whose deceptive pace could be crucial in those tight exchanges. Former first team full back Jack Thompson will be travelling up from Bristol to join us again and is hoping to play more than last year after breaking his foot in the first game. Please also look out for a couple of young colts who might spring a few surprises.

The squad is hoping to give the local support plenty to cheer about and are looking forward to playing the Army in the first round.