BRAINTREE Rugby Club have issued a “come and join us” call to Essex-based players as they prepare to do battle on three fronts in the forthcoming 2018/19 season.

The resurgent black and ambers narrowly missed out on a play-off spot at the end of their last campaign in the RFU London & South East Division’s inaugural London 3 Essex league.

Having finished in a creditable third place, Braintree are determined to kick on, having consolidated over the last two seasons following a tricky period which saw them drop into the Eastern 1.

That has led to changes in the coaching set-up, with club stalwart Brian Joslin standing down as head honcho to make way for Jamie Clarke.

Clarke coached the under-14s last season as well as being involved with the seniors and will continue to mentor his young charges as they move up to under-15 level.

There is also a change of captain, with evergreen number eight John Smillie handing over the armband to influential fly-half Joss Adams for the 18/19 campaign.

But despite having a decent squad of players to choose from the black and ambers are keen to add strength in depth at every level of the club and have appealed for reinforcements to join them.

Braintree Chair of Selectors said: “We’re looking to build on last year’s strong showing in London 3 Essex and we’re actively looking to recruit new members for the first XV.

“It’s going to be even tougher this time round with four sides having dropped down from the tier above and we want to make sure we’ve got enough firepower all over the pitch.

“We’re also looking for new recruits for our second XV, who will be competing in Eastern Counties 2 for the forthcoming season, as well as players of all abilities and experience for our third XV social side.

“Every rugby club loses a few players year on year as the younger lads go off to further education and we’re no different but we’re looking to attract some of those boys who are moving into Essex to study.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re an established senior player who’s new to the area, someone who’s fed up with life at their own club or a relative novice, we want to see you in black and amber next season.”

Braintree’s senior side kick-off the new season away to Millwall on September 8, with the second string starting away at Stowmarket IIs on September 22.

Before that, they warm up with a pre-season friendly at home to neighbours Halstead Templars on August 25.

Gilder added that the benefits of joining the Robbs Wood outfit included low monthly membership fees, no match fees and access to match day physios and free midweek treatment for injuries.

The club also supplied its own kit, had its own weights room and provided free access to match day video recordings for senior players, as well as having superb bar facilities.

Anyone interested in joining BRUFC for the 2018/19 campaign should call Corinne Winwood on 01376 323296.