Thornbury RFC have announced new captains for the new 2020/21 season with Sam Poustie taking the reins for the First XV.

Outside half Poustie succeeds last season’s captain Sam Evans, who will continue to play for the club, whilst the Second XV also have a new captain in hooker Richard Jones.

His team enter the RFU leagues for the first time with Gloucestershire now allowing reserve sides into the league structure. They will play in the new Gloucester One South.

Thornbury Third XV remain in the GRFU Reserve Leagues and continue to be led by Stuart Adams. Laura Panting took over as captain of the Ladies XV during last season and continues in that role as the Thornbees look to build again having endured a difficult season last time out.

All senior and junior players will benefit from use of the new self-contained changing rooms being built during the late summer and as part of Thornbury’s focus on player welfare a new medical facility will provide outstanding medical and physiotherapy treatment for the whole club.

For the First XV, there are hopes that the side, which finished second in the abbreviated 2019/20 season, will continue to improve as the young side matures.

They have been strengthened with the return of 2018/19 player of the year Jake Wood, who missed last season.