Verulamians new head coach Tom Ross has been tasked with winning promotion after taking over from Sam Townsend who has left after three years to join Old Albanians.

Ross will inherit the bulk of the squad which challenged for promotion from the Herts/Middx League One last year, but came up just short, and he has already made some new additions to it.

Off the pitch things are also looking up. The club has spent £15,000 on a new drainage system for the first team pitch and made other improvements thanks to an RFU grant and sponsorship.

The club is also hoping to be able to launch a regular third team next season with members of the club’s successful U17 side ready to step up to senior level.

Meanwhile, the club’s 250-strong Sunday mini and junior section is also looking to expand and will be holding a registration day on Sunday, September 6, between 10am and noon.