Weston-super-Mare RFC have announced that Gary Carpenter has been appointed Club Captain ahead of their 2024/25 season in the Regional 2 Severn league.

Carpenter, 33, can play across the front row and joined Weston from Taunton Titans in 2021, coming off the bench for his debut in a 21-13 win over Brixham in the Southern Premier League.

He went on to be named the club’s ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ for the 2022/23 season, his first full season with the club, and has made a total of 55 first-team appearances since his debut, scoring 12 tries in the process.

After the announcement Carpenter said: “I truly feel privileged and honoured to be asked to captain Weston-super-Mare RFC this coming season and add my name to the illustrious list of great captains that have served before me, so thank you.

"Taking over from our previous captain Tom Sugg will be a big task, but one I meet with open arms. I look forward to adding my stamp to his legacy.”

Weston-super-Mare head coach Dave Burge added to Carpenter’s comments. He said: "Gary is a much-loved member of the squad and has raised his standards recently, encouraging others to follow.

“Gary will set the tone, on and off the field, for how we want to move forward this coming season."

At the end of the 2023/24 season, Weston-super-Mare’s 1st XV and Weston United (2nd XV) were relegated to the Regional 2 Severn and Counties 3 Somerset South respectively, whilst Weston Athletic (3rd XV) retained their place in the Counties 4 Somerset South.

Carpenter was realistic upon reflection of his club’s somewhat disappointing campaign but was optimistic that the club had the players and staff to bounce back for a much more successful 2024/25 season.

He said: "Last season wasn't our finest, to say the least.

"However, in parts, we showed what great rugby we can play, especially towards the latter stages. In truth, we were still some distance from what I believe we are capable of.

"This coming season, I look forward to working closely with Burgey, (Dan) Lomax and everyone else at the Club to drive the great bunch of players we have towards what I feel will be a fantastic year.

"I see no reason why we can't finish this season back where we should be.

“It will take a lot of hard work and commitment from all involved to make it a successful year, but I do not doubt that when called upon, everyone will do what is asked of them and more to make this a reality.

"We have a great group of players, staff and volunteers that make Weston RFC the amazing club both on and off the field, and I'm looking forward to having a good pre-season and getting back in action with the rest of the lads on the field.

"Those involved at the Club have been working hard to recruit some great new players, retain the fantastic lads we already have and give the clubhouse a nice makeover.”

Weston-super-Mare will start their Regional 2 Tribute Severn campaign facing Old Centralians on September 7th at the Saintbridge Sports Centre while Weston United host Castle Cary and Weston Athletic welcome Burnham-on-Sea 2nd XV.

If you are interested in joining or want to know more, please get in touch with Dave Burge via 07759 239 027 or headcoach@westonrugby.co.uk.