Signings are key, says Schmid (From Surrey Comet)

Signings are key, says Schmid

10:03am Tuesday 27th July 2010 in

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Mike Schmid believes his 12 summer signings can turn Esher into a Championship force next season.

Director of rugby Schmid has strengthened his National One champions with a sprinkling of big names as the Surrey side target a top-eight place in the second tier of English rugby.

Schmid has beefed up his pack with former Harlequins stars Ricky Nebbett and Karl Rudzki plus Newcastle hooker Alex Walker while Exeter scrum-half Clive Stuart-Smith, Rotherham fly-half Mike Whitehead and Canada centre Phil Mackenzie will add huge experience to the backs.

Esher have also signed former Esher back row James Waterhouse, flanker Darren Clayton and utility back Geoff Griffiths, front rowers Chris Rowland and Darren O'Reilly plus centre Arran Cruickshanks.

Former Rotherham and Canada star Schmid, who has been in charge at Molesey Road for five years, has also signed up four Harlequins players on dual registration while star centre Seb Jewell is on a dual arrangement with Wasps.

Schmid insists his side are now ready for the challenge of Championship rugby with their opening clash at Moseley looming on August 28.

Schmid, who has also re-signed 25 of the National One title-winning squad, said: "My priority was to retain most of the squad from last year and I'm delighted that we have been able to do that.

"But it was also important to add more strength in depth across the paddock with players who would buy into our ethos and culture.

"I'm exceptionally happy with the guys we have brought in and they will add real competitiveness to our squad.

"We're all pretty excited at the moment. There is an energy around the place and real optimism going into the new season.

"We are now trying to up the intensity and make sure we are ready for the Championship, which we recognise will be a big step up from National One.

"But the new boys are integrating well into the side. There were three main things we wanted when we looked at players.

"Firstly, their rugby experience and maturity. Second, their work ethic and thirdly, whether they would fit into the team culture.

"I'm pleased to say that the new guys have bedded in well and the signs are very positive.

"We know it's going to be a tough season and very competitive with 12 teams trying to get into the top eight positions but that has to be our target.

"It's an ambitious target for a new team going into a higher league but we feel it is realistic."

Schmid has confirmed that rising Quins stars Sam Smith, Chris Yorke and Ross Chisholm will again be available to Esher next season alongside 18-year-old back rower Luke Wallace.

The Esher boss added: "We're delighted to have the three back again because they are all high-quality, talented players.

"We also have Luke Wallace, who will be taking his first step into men's rugby but who comes very highly recommended by Quins, who already feel he can be a regular Championship player.

"We also have Seb Jewell back on a dual arrangement with Wasps and it is possible there may be one or two other players available from Wasps nearer the season.

"I'm exceptionally pleased with the squad and we feel we have the strength in depth to compete."

‘Esher Rugby also have a thriving Minis and Juniors Section from Under 7 to Under 18 and are always happy to welcome new players at any time. The junior sides play in the Surrey leagues and train from 12-2pm on Sundays and the Mini Sides train from 10-12 on Sundays. If you are interested then please contact Mark Jones (mark.jones@sky.com) on 07914 360186 or Rob Sanders (robsanders@msn.com) on 07590 506266.’ Aug 15: Saracens (a) friendly; Aug 21: Lille (h) open day friendly; Aug 28: Moseley (a); Sep 4: Bristol (h); Sep 11: Bedford Blues (a); Sep 18: Worcester Warriors (h); Sep 24: Nottingham (a); Oct 1: London Welsh (h); Oct 10: Birmingham & Solihull (a); Oct 16: Plymouth Albion (h); Oct 23: Rotherham Titans (a); Oct 31: Cornish Pirates (a); Nov 7: Doncaster Knights (h); Nov 14: Bristol (a): Nov 20: Bedford Blues (h); Nov 27: Worcester Warriors (a); Dec 4: Nottingham (h); Dec 11: Llanelli (h) B&I Cup; Dec 18: Melrose (a) B&I Cup; Dec 27: London Welsh (a); Jan 1: Birmingham & Solihull (h); Jan 8: Plymouth Albion (a); Jan 14: Bristol (h) B&I Cup; Jan 21: Munster (a) B&I Cup; Jan 29: Rotherham Titans (h); Feb 5: Cornish Pirates (h); Feb 12: Doncaster Knights (a); Feb 19: Moseley (h); Feb 26: Nottingham (h) B&I Cup.