A new coaching team is in place headed by Nick Stocker, and assisted by forwards coach Barry Hillicks and backs coach Richard Bell. Both Hillicks and Bell are former Horsham 1ST XV captains with impressive playing records. Hillicks spent a couple of seasons playing prop for the London Scottish first team and Bell was a Sussex regular at centre, wing and full back.

Together with Stocker they intend to use their combined experience to develop a professional culture where hard training, commitment and self-development are embodied throughout the squad, and ensure players get the full benefits of intense fitness training as well as developing their skill levels and tactical abilities to the greatest possible extent.

Horsham’s ambitions don’t end with the first team. The Lions secured promotion to the Sussex Intermediate League last season and intend to challenge for back to back promotions, giving opportunities whenever possible to younger players seeking experience of senior rugby. The club also run a 3rd Team and intend to field a Veterans Team to enter the Evergreen Cup. Finally the club offers the opportunity to play mixed touch rugby throughout the season.

Rob Clegg was delighted with his appointment as the new Club Captain: “Everyone in my family including my wife Kath is now playing for Horsham and having first started here twenty three years ago I am now honoured to now be one of its servants and delighted to be putting something back in. We have an awful lot of rugby talent here in Horsham and the club is not only fully focused on giving these players the chance to shine but also to make all the players feel valued and enjoy their rugby whatever level they want to play. If everyone puts in the commitment and hard work they are capable of I’m certain we are on the cusp of a great season.”

All new players will be welcomed by the club and training is from 7.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Horsham Rugby Club, Coolhurst Ground, Hammerpond Road, Horsham RH13 6PJ.