Rugby Union: Derby RFC face injury problems even before first match

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DERBY RFC already have injury problems ahead of their Midlands One East season opener this weekend.

Last season’s runners-up travel to Old Northamptonians tomorrow to get their 2014-15 campaign under way.

Player of the year Tom Taylor-Dawes faces a late fitness test as he is struggling with knee and ankle problems.

And they will definitely be without Cyprus international Luke Frixou (hamstring).

There have also been injury blows for two new arrivals.

Winger Joe Teager has returned to the club from Nottingham but snapped his Achilles last weekend.

And prop Paul Heathcote suffered a broken ankle in pre-season.

“We’ve got a stronger squad this season but we’re a bit light on numbers at the moment due to injuries,” said head coach Roxy Fearon.

“The team we put out this weekend won’t be our first- choice side – but if they win and play, it might become our first choice!”

Elsewhere, athlete Judah Simpson has returned to the club but is unavailable this weekend as he is having trials for the Great Britain bobsleigh team.

Also unavailable is Josh Tilford, who can play second row and back row, having rejoined Derby following a spell playing in Belgium.

Derby have lost centre Ollie Fewtrell, who has joined Macclesfield, while forward Charlie Esberger has moved away from the area.

But they have been boosted by the addition of back rower Ben Trembling, scrum half Max Johnson and tighthead prop Josh Tomms.

The three teenagers are Derby Colts who were part of Trent College’s Under-18 NatWest Vase-winning side.

It is a tricky opener for Fearon’s men, away to the side that finished just below them in third spot last term.

“It’s a really tough start for us,” said the coach. “Hopefully, we can go there and give a good account of ourselves.

“I think the league will be a bit tougher this season, as there looks to be more strength in depth.

“For us, this is a season of consolidation and if we get on a roll, we could repeat what we did last year.

“To others, we will probably be one of the favourites but you need a bit of luck with injuries – and we’ve got quite a few already.”

Ceri White has been named the new first-team captain.

DERBY SQUAD: A Brown, S Sharma, L Hancock, B Marlow, S Tebbs, P Robinson, M Johnson, B Coombes, P Wilcox, J Twigg, S Goosey, A Glover, C White, S Hobbs, B Trembling, T Taylor-Dawes, J Reid, O Saffell, J Tomms, C Hughes.

cwatson@derbytelegraph.co.uk

Article source: http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/story/239711.html

Rugby Union: Derby RFC face injury problems even before first match