A string of players have committed themselves to playing for Bournville next season.
Although Bourns will be competing in Regional One Midlands next season, the core of experienced players in the squad will be available to help the club try to regain National League status.
• Nick Murphy and George Jewell are the latest forwards to commit.
Experienced lock Murphy has become something of a cult figure at Avery Fields since he arrived from Newport in the summer of 2023 having had previous National Leagues experience with Stourbridge and Coventry.
Jewell, who can play in the back five of the pack, is a more recent recruit having joined from Cheltenham-based Old Patesians in mid-season following a stint with Birkenhead Park two years ago.
Jewell made three first team off the bench in trips to the South West at Camborne, Old Redcliffians and Devonport Services and also played a key role in helping the Blues win promotion from Counties Three Midland West (South).
They are part of new Head Coach Alex Grove’s retention programme as Bourns prepare for their Regional One Midlands campaign.
“Murph came into a rich vein of form towards the end of the season and he scored four tries in his last five games,” Grove said.
“He’s got a few miles on the clock but there’s plenty more left in him.
“He seems to be really enjoying his rugby and his time at the club so we’re delighted he’s staying on for another year.
“George joined halfway through the season and he has really bought into the club.
“He played a number of Blues’ games and was instrumental in their victory over Woodrush in their final match of the season which saw them secure promotion. His performance against Woodrush earned him a place in the first team squad for the win at Devonport Services.
“George is a dynamic back-row forward who is very capable of playing in the second-row.”
- Malta international Louis Mifsud has also committed to the club for next season. Mifsud has just completed his second campaign with Bourns following his arrival from Stourbridge in the summer of 2023.
He is just the second player to win full international honours while with Bournville and he now his three caps for Malta – for whom he qualifies through his paternal grandparents – the most recent against Israel last month.
Mifsud played his formative rugby at Old Swinford Hospital School in Stourbridge where he played in a pack that also included Ben Meakin. The pair then graduated through the ranks and made the switch to Bournville at the same time.
Captain Meakin has also signed up for another season and Grove is delighted that Mifsud has followed suit.
“Louis is a strong ball carrier who provides the team with front foot ball,” Grove said.
“In the first-half against Devonport Services in our final match of the season, he was our best carrier and the inroads he made in the midfield created a lot of space out wide for our outside backs to score.
“I’m pleased he’s had the experiences with Malta and he seems to be really enjoying his rugby at the moment.”
• Wales Sevens international Joe Jenkins has also committed to Bournville.
The much-travelled Jenkins arrived at Avery Fields 12 months ago after academic studies brought him to the University of Birmingham with ability to play across the backline adding value to the squad.
Jenkins was born and raised in Australia but has played international sevens rugby for Wales, having qualified through his Welsh father, on a rugby journey that has taken him from Brisbane, Massachusetts, Swansea and Edinburgh.
Jenkins played top-flight club rugby in Brisbane for the University of Queensland before spending a semester in the United States where he also played rugby for Massachusetts University.
He then moved to the land of his father where he played Welsh Premiership rugby for Swansea and trained with Ospreys before he moved to Scotland when he began studying for a Masters degree at Napier University in Edinburgh.
Jenkins combined his academic studies with playing for Boroughmuir in the Scottish Premiership and for Southern Knights, the Melrose-based semi-professional side in the Super Six competition.
“Joe is an experienced player and a real asset,” said Grove,
“He’s the fittest member of the squad and someone who does the simple skills well under pressure.
“We saw his versatility last season with his ability to play across the backline and we are delighted that he will be with us again next season.”
• Scrum-halves Reiss Price and George Ayliffe have also signed up.
Price arrived from Luctonians in mid-season and quickly became a regular in the number nine shirt having impressed initially playing for the Blues, including a hat-trick on debut against Worcester IIs. He added more tries for the first team in an encouraging first season at Avery Fields.
Ayliffe previously played for Northumberland club Morpeth and although he has yet to make his senior debut for Bourns, he was a key figure in helping them win promotion in their first season in the RFU league structure.
Grove, who also played for the Blues, saw at close quarters the potential that Ayliffe has and, having committed to stay at Avery Fields, expects him to be challenging for a first team place next season.
“Reiss joined halfway through last season and quickly made an impact,” he said.
“He puts pace onto the ball from scrum-half and scored a number of tries for us last season.
“Having a run of games really brought on his game and confidence and it’s something I hope that he can build on.”
“George made a big impact for the Blues last season. He’s got good service and a strong kicking game.
“He has the potential to step up and make the same impact for the first XV and I really want him to challenge for that number nine shirt next season.”
• Fly-half Jacob Fewtrell has signed up for a third consecutive season.
The former Leicester Tigers Academy prospect arrived at Avery Fields from National One side Birmingham Moseley in the summer of 2023 having previously played for Exeter University.
In his first two seasons with Bournville Fewtrell has scored 185 points, all but five of them off the tee, and he has also shown versatility by playing the centre when required.
“Fewts finished last season strongly and he added a layer to his game with an improved kicking game,” said Grove.
“He is a key member of the squad and someone who we need to have a big impact next season.”
