CHARD Rugby Club has again invested in its three pitches during the close season, with the main pitch getting a lot of attention.

The work is already paying off with the Essex Close pitch looking in good shape.

With three senior teams playing league rugby and the veterans team always looking for fixtures, the club is keen to add to its playing numbers.

Players of all abilities will be made very welcome and they can contact director of rugby Luke Aplin (aplin_33@hotmail.com), or any of the club officials via the club website.

Aplin is particularly keen to hear from players who are already playing at 1st XV level, and those who want to prove their 1st XV credentials.

The Chard RFC AGM was held in the clubhouse recently and was well attended, with the following appointments made for the new season:

Head coach - Ben Thomas; director of rugby - Luke Aplin; asst. 1st XV coaches - Jon Hendy, Matt Ayres; 1st XV captain - Matt Tinley; 2nd XV captain - Joel Nicholls; 2nd XV coach - Tim Morris, assisted by Larry Watkins and Will Hopkinson; 3rd XV captain - Kev George; Veterans captain - Wayne Lewis; Ladies captain - Mel Banfield; president - Robert Morgan; chairman - John Williams; secretary - Bernard Critchley; treasurer - Nigel Tinley; fixture secretary/referees liaison - Mark Wesemann; web manager - Gavin Smillie; grounds manager - Ian Fielder