CLAYTON, NC – It’s been a busy summer for the Clayton Rugby Football Club. Coming off of their first playoff appearance in club history, the club jumped into a busy summer that included the ongoing development of the Johnston County Rugby Park, the CottonTown 7s Rugby Festival, and taking over hosting of the Blackbeard Beach Rugby Tournament. Not overlooked during that spell was the fact that Simon Potter, the club’s first Club Captain, stepped down from his Captain duties at the end of the spring season. Since taking over as Club Captain in the fall of 2014, Potter Captained the club 26 times on the pitch while serving as a vital bridge between the playing members and the club’s Board of Directors.
Potter led the Bootleggers in their short transformation from a brand new social club into playoff side. He plans to remain in a playing and leadership role with the club, but has turned over the reigns on the Club Captaincy.
“We can’t thank Simon enough for his time and effort as our Club Captain,” said Club President Ted Hardy. “He stuck it out during our lean early years and believed in what we were trying to accomplish as a club. We’re sad to have to replace him, but excited about the prospect of handing things over to a player that stands to play a large role in the future of our club.”
With Potter stepping away, the Clayton RFC’s Board of Directors has named Gareth Davies as the new Club Captain. Davies has been with the club since it’s inception, participating in the very first practice, and in the club’s first-ever match. Despite missing a chunk of two seasons while playing at ECU, Davies has appeared in 38 matches for the Bootleggers scoring a club high 30 tries.
“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to fulfill the duty as captain,” said Davies. “This club means the world to me and I’m excited for the bright future that lies ahead. We have come a long way in these short few years and continue to make more and more progress each season.
Davies has big shoes to fill replacing Potter, but the exiting Captain has high hopes for him.
“I’m delighted Gareth has been named Club Captain for the upcoming season,” said Potter. “Gareth understands the underlying core values our club represents, and has been a leader within our group of players from the beginning. He deservedly now has the opportunity to step up and take a more prominent role as the club moves forward. If Gareth can match his leadership skills with his outstanding playing ability, I’m confident our club will continue along the right track!”
Davies was bullish about the upcoming season and the future of the Clayton RFC.
“As long as we continue to get players to buy into the process and maintain a strong work ethic, we will continue to see success on and off the pitch,” added Davies. “Our core values are not only a backbone to our team but also to our community. There is no doubt in my mind that we will continue to grow into a powerhouse club in the near future.”
The Clayton Rugby Football Club is preparing for the start of pre-season training in August and they return to the pitch in late September as they start off their 2018/2019 playing season. The club currently fields two teams with the 1st XV playing in Division 3 of the Carolinas Rugby Union and the 2nd XV playing Division 4. The club is also working on building a U23 side and finding competition for their Old Boys team.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Clayton Rugby Football Club or if you’re interested in playing, please contact the club via email at [email protected]
