KEIGHLEY RUFC get their Counties One Yorkshire campaign underway this Saturday with a home game against Hullensians, as they eye up promotion after narrowly missing out two years in a row.
And in a show of togetherness, many of the old guard, like Alex Brown, Sean Kelly, Adam Horsfall and Shaun Minikin, are staying put, at least in part, due to their love of the club.
And with additions like former Keighley Cougars ace Ben Stead, as well as experienced Wharfedale prop George Altham, the mood at Rose Cottage is positive ahead of the new campaign.
Director of rugby Dan McGee, effectively joint head-coach too alongside James Cunliffe, told the Keighley News: “The last few years we’ve always been having to plan for certain players to move on or step back.
“But either because of enjoyment, or how successful we’ve been and what we’re pushing towards, these players seem to be getting new leases of life and are wanting to stay.
“Alex is still playing, but he’s also had a rejuvenation coming on to the staff as a backs coach.
“Sean struggled with injury towards the end of last season, but he’s trained since, has been with us throughout pre-season and put his name down to play again, which is really good.
“Adam is a massive player for us and while he’s had a bit of a rest in pre-season, he’s trained towards the end of that and he’ll be influential for us.
“Then you’ve got Shaun, a former captain of ours, who’s upskilled to be a hooker with Dec Hampson leaving us through injury.
“We’ve got a strong core of experienced players who are wanting to be part of Keighley Rugby Club, which is fantastic.
“Even if they don’t make the first team for the odd game, they’re happy to play for our Stags side and support the players there in their development.
“And we’ve got five or six young lads coming through from the Colts who’ve trained with us all pre-season, and who’ll be knocking on the door of first-team rugby very soon.
“If they show they’re good enough as the season develops, then we’ll play them.”
Experienced No.8 Tom Whyte has stepped down as captain to focus more on his individual role in the side, which has led to full back Alfie Seeley being appointed as skipper, with lock Ed Keighley as his right-hand man.
McGee said: “It’s a good balance with the two of them.
“Alfie’s was a natural progression from the vice-captaincy, and he worked well with Tom last year.
“He’s thrived as our new skipper already and brought some really good ideas and leadership to the table.
“Eddie is a very well-respected player in the team and a leader on the field, so he’ll complement Alfie and help with leading the forwards around the field.
“I’m looking forward to seeing them in those roles this season, because so far they’ve grasped this opportunity really well.”
Pre-season saw Keighley take on Morley, Halifax Vandals and Cleckheaton, with McGee delighted at how their preparations have gone.
He said: “It’s been really good and I think overall it’s the best pre-season we’ve had for a few years.
“There are new faces in, good numbers, good attitudes on show and there’s that feel of positivity around the club.
“I think everyone’s now just ready for the season to get started.”
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