DEVIZES Rugby Club chairman Charles Lucas says the club is as strong as it has ever been.

Mr Lucas, who was re-elected at the annual general meeting on Friday, drew particular attention to the significant investment the club was making to improve the quality of pitches.

He also mentioned improvements in coaching and player development facilitated by grants from the RFU, Kennet District Council, Wilts County Council and Awards for All and thanked club secretary Nick Dark for his efforts in this connection.

Of particular importance is the introduction of the Rugby Academy concept for junior players which may lead to Devizes Rugby Club becoming a centre of excellence.

Free academy coaching sessions for 13 to 17-year-olds kick off on July 4 from 10.30am. The sessions will continue weekly throughout the summer.

Coaches, who will be RFU accredited, will concentrate on individual and unit skills, necessary for youngsters to progress.

There will also be a number of sports science seminars concerned, for example, with sports psychology and nutrition. The first session will be followed by a barbecue to which all families are invited.

Contact John Thompson on 07802 94O8I4 or Gareth Jones on 07780 666558 to register.

The club has had a very active year regularly running three senior teams and junior age group teams from seven to 17 years old.

The season culminated with junior tours to France and Cornwall, and a ground breaking senior tour to Estonia. It is intended to run a veterans' team next season, captained by Paul Dyton.

After three years of dedicated service club captain James Gaiger has stepped down to be replaced by Tom Reid.

Rod Brown, a former player was elected president in place of Dan Gaiger who was thanked for his contribution over the last two years.

Local sponsorship, the responsibility of Mark Hill and his sub committee, has increased the number of perimeter advertising boards and enabled investment in equipment, a regular match programme and weekly playing awards.

The club relies on a large number of volunteers to carry out a whole range of activities. Anyone wishing to help should contact Ray Taylor on (01793) 723537.

Training for senior players starts this week and will continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm.

Closer to next season there will be warm up games against Salisbury, Swindon and Westbury.

New players can turn up at the Sports Club or contact Gareth Jones on 07780 666558.