For the Senior teams, this year has been a real challenge. We knew from the outset that this league would be one of the toughest yet but through grit and determination, the 1st XV finished mid-table, which was exactly the target we set ourselves.

One of the biggest positives has been the improvement in training numbers something that’s massively stepped up compared to previous seasons. Even more impressively, we managed to get a Second XV out for 10 games, both home and away something that hasn’t been done in years.

One of my personal highlights was seeing two senior teams travel away to North Walsham a feat we hadn’t achieved since pre-season 2019.

We also saw the introduction of strength & conditioning training thanks to Matt at Asylum Gym in Soham a big step forward for the club, and something new that really added value to our development.

Looking across to age group rugby, it’s been amazing to see so many young players involved and enjoying the game. While I couldn’t get up there as often as I would’ve liked, it was always a pleasure to get involved in coaching sessions and to see the excitement and joy in the faces of the next generation of Tigers.

Rugby really is a special sport and being part of Ely Tigers has only reinforced that for me.

However, I also have to share some difficult news.

At the end of this season, I’ll be stepping away from my role as Director of Rugby and Head Coach. This hasn’t been an easy decision. But with a full-time job, running my own business and the demands of life outside the club, I simply can’t give the time and commitment that Ely Tigers deserves.

I want to say thank you to everyone who’s supported me, coached with me, played under me, or cheered from the sidelines. I’ve loved my time with this club. It’s full of brilliant people, and I’ll always be proud to have been a part of it.

You never know you might see me back in black and yellow one day.

#ELYTIGERS

With Thanks

Des Lloyd