FIVE key players are set to stay with Nuneaton RFC next season - but team captain Huw Thomas could quit as he is considering a move abroad.
Director of rugby Mike Umaga told News Sport he expects the experienced pair of club skipper Tim Douglas and number eight Matt Aston to be back.
Three other regulars - prop Jamie Taylor, centre Kieron Collins and lock Llyr Griffiths - have also given their word on a return.
Umaga said:"Everyone is relaxing after a hard season at the moment. I’d already had informal chats with guys like Tim Douglas, Matt Aston, Jamie Taylor, Kieron Collins and Llyr Griffiths before the summer started.
"Once it came out I was staying as director of rugby I got the text messages from those guys saying they’ll be back for pre-season so that’s great. We’ve got to get that core in place.
"They are among the more experienced players and they are essential to us."
However, the future of scrum-half Thomas is far less certain. Umaga revealed the England Counties international is thinking of plying his trade on foreign shores next season.
Umaga will sit down with the Welshman once he has finished playing for Warwickshire in the County Championship.
"Huw is still playing county rugby. I’ll talk to him in the next couple of weeks.
"He’s thinking about playing overseas for a season and I’m fine with that if decides to do it.
"I wouldn’t stop anyone experiencing new cultures," he said.
Prop Tim Pickard has already joined National League Two side Stourbridge, while twins Lucas and Nathan Roy-Smith are coming under pressure to sign for Hartpury College.
Umaga is not too worried about potential departures, saying that anyone who leaves will be replaced by good players.
"If players go then they’ll be replaced. I’ve had countless CVs sent in from players keen to come here.
"They are taking some sifting through but there is quality there.
"The twins are getting pressure from Hartpury to play for their Saturday team. They are good young players and we don’t want to lose them."
NUNEATON are running a half-term sports camp next Tuesday and Wednesday.
The course is open to boys and girls aged between six and 15. Tuesday’s session will focus on developing rugby skills in a fun way.
The following day will be a multi-sports day including football, cricket and rounders. The camp will be led by qualified sports coaches.
Each day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 3.30pm. It costs £20 per day or £35 for both. An application form can be downloaded at www.nuneatonrugby.co.uk or can be picked up from the club house at Liberty Way.
