I AM delighted to welcome everyone involved with Rosslyn Park to Old Bath Road for today’s National One clash – what a way to finish the home season!

Our visitors are a very good side and there’s never a dull moment when the two teams play each other.

It was a nailbiter when we faced them at their place in December, and while before that we’d had the better of some dramatic finishes, they’ve mainly gone to the wire.

However, Park are in top form, play great rugby and are a terrifically entertaining side.

They’re well coached and very difficult to beat – our record against them has probably flattered us a little – so it should be another cracker.

Today is Robbie Stapley’s last-ever home game having scored 105 first-team tries in his previous 244 appearances.

The word legend can be overused, but in Robbie’s case it doesn’t do him justice.

Had he not come back to us in December 2015 – entirely of his own volition – we would not have survived relegation.

This gave us the chance to build a foundation around him as a fantastic captain for the next nine years – the club owes him a massive amount.

He’s a close friend who I’ve seen develop from a lively young man who was provocative – he’d storm off from training if he didn’t enjoy it and caused a few problems around the bars of Reading after games – to the most effective captain in National One for a fair few years.

That’s no disrespect to the likes of the Ellis boys, but I think Robbie’s impact means there’ll be a fair few people trying to choke back a tear or two when he runs out.

Another milestone racked up last week was Fraser Honey reaching 50 caps – he is yet to miss a game for us.

It’s a huge achievement for him and in life, if you get the choice of great talent or attitude, you choose the latter because it will get you further than raw talent.

Fraser isn’t short of ability, but he plays at this high level because he looks after himself, takes it seriously and is a model professional.

When I presented his shirt before the Richmond game, I said he’s the most dedicated sportsman I’ve ever met because he’s holding down a full-time job plus commuting from Bude three times a week!

He’s been a joy to have around and is a very charming young man with a wonderful family.
I’m pleased to have Dexter Montague as today’s match sponsor, with Crowe the ball equivalent.

Dexter Montague have been fantastic, and I’ve known Bill and his family for a long time – his son Mark was in my Colts team and was one of the hardest men I’ve ever come across.

I’ve also got a lot of time for Crowe – they’ve done a tremendous job for the club. Their values are shared with ours and they understand the importance of being part of the community.

We’re very lucky to have companies like these, and all our other sponsors, who get behind us – I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ for your continued support.

Finally, our fans have been amazing all season, most recently at Richmond.

Our average attendances are near the top in the league and while other clubs also get good backing – I thought the Rotherham guys were great the other week – the way the Ramily back the guys both home and away is special.

A massive thanks to everyone who has supported and please give a big cheer for Robbie in his last game!

Click here for tickets for this afternoon!