Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
His rugby first team will be competing in Northern BUCS division 2B after finishing third in the same division last year. The first team also reached the quarter-final of the BUSA Plate so it could be called a solid season. The Yorker caught up with Callis to see what he thought about the coming season.
The Yorker: Has the first team been hit by third year departures? And how about the club as a whole?
Mike Callis: We've lost all our pace and four tremendous players, but the core of the squad remains and with a couple of good freshers we could comfortably become a better team than we were last season. The seconds haven't lost many players and hopefully the continuity will really benefit them this season.
The Yorker: What would you class as having a good season?
MC: We have to accept that with Hull and Sheffield coming down to our league it will be tougher this year and therefore we'll have to be a better team just to equal last season's achievements. I'd love to get promoted and win Roses, but that would be better than good. Unrealistic too, especially given we have so little time to gel as a team due to our late start.
I'd love to get promoted and win roses, but that would be better than good. Unrealistic too, especially given we have so little time to gel as a team due to our late start.
The Yorker: As a big Hull fan, are you looking to follow in their footsteps and upset a few teams after gaining promotion?
MC: All I need to do is put on a King Kev voice and tell URY that "I would love it if we beat Loughborough firsts!" (Thank god we don't play them!) I'll look a right pillock if I answer that and we get paggered. We'll be trying our best to win every time we play, but sometimes we'll lose and that's life 'innit?
The Yorker: Are you hoping for further development from the second team this year?
MC: The seconds will have it tough this year in their league. If they avoid relegation and play to their capability at Roses again then they'll have a lot to be proud of. We're trying to sort them out a coach so that they can build on what they've got, but that isn't anywhere near a done deal, so if it doesn't happen then we wont let it affect us.
The Yorker: Any message for rugby playing freshers?
MC: Don't believe the hype. We want you in your droves, so come along to training. For details visit our website at uyrufc.co.uk.
The Yorker: Where will you be going on a Wednesday night? Ziggy's or Salvation?
MC: I couldn't care less. I don't share the general rugby club affection for Ziggy's: as long as we've played well on Wednesday then I could have it large in the Beeswing. In all seriousness, I'm glad we're known for our Wednesday night antics, but I want to build on last season and make sure that we're primarily known for being good at playing rugby.
The Yorker: Have you been impressed by Alex Lacy thus far?
MC: It’s too early too say, but I'm not being sarcastic when I say that he'll have done well if he's as good as Jo Carter was. Our AU is a bit of a joke - 'York Sport' and other gimmicky rebranding probably won’t change that. If the AU spent as much time making sure our early fixtures were rearranged properly (we may have to forfeit a game scheduled for before term starts) as it has on trying to sell Salvation to campus sports teams, then I would be more inclined to speak positively of it and its kingpin.
Rugby trials for all men’s teams take place this Sunday, 2-4pm on 22 Acres.
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