Jersey RFC's Forwards and Defence coach, Steve
Boden, now in his second year with the Club having retired through
injury last term to take on the coaching reins, is billing the
coming season to be the club's most exciting yet and can't wait for
the action to get underway.
The former Leeds, Hull Ionians and Doncaster
Knights' hooker recently extended his contract with Jersey for
another season and has no intentions of moving on as he attempts to
build on the impressive forward unit established last season.
Boden is working alongside Director of Rugby
Ben Harvey, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jake Aliker
and Head Physiotherapist Julie Snow in a bid to have the
team in the best possible shape for the beginning of the 2013/14
Greene King IPA Championship campaign.
Yorkshireman Boden said: "It's about settling
in, bonding as a unit, learning the plans and most of all hard
work. It's a job at the end of the day and I think we've got a
group that realises when they can have a laugh and a joke, but when
we step on the pitch or in the gym they're there to work.
"I've been really impressed with both the lads
here last year and the new lads coming in, there is a far greater
experience around and that certainly helps when it comes to
professionalism, commitment and time on the paddock."
The first test for both the players and
coaches arrives this Saturday in the shape of Aviva Premiership
Champions Leicester Tigers. Although the match is billed as a
pre-season friendly Boden insists as soon as you cross that white
line it's a game of rugby with more than just pride on the
line.
"It's a huge game for the
Club; by the sounds of it Tigers' will have their first choice
fifteen out and will be going out to destroy us. But mark my words
we will be doing exactly the same. Last year was amazing, there's
going to be a massive crowd and the atmosphere will be electric up
here.
"Last year we were beaten 35-21 so it was far
from being a mauling. Hopefully at the weekend we can do even
better."
Written by
Emma Glendening
