Pre-season training has started and we have just completed week 3. We have seen some exciting recruits at Barnes this year and have retained the vast majority of the squad.

Earlier in the summer, we heard that Alex Crimmens was leaving these shores to work in Baku, Azerbaijan. He is now settled there and enjoying himself.

Sadly for Barnes we also have to wish 2 more players farewell as their jobs take them overseas and 1 succumbs to father time!

Tim Foister, is a Barnes stalwart and infamously self-appointed “Social Sec”, he will be missed both on and off the field. He was last season’s 1st choice loose head and has been at Barnes for a number of years. He has accepted a position in Singapore and while we are sad to see him leave Barnes RFC, we are delighted for him as this career opportunity is an exciting one. Good Luck Foister and thanks for all your years of service to Barnes and the good times.

Toby Henry, joined Barnes in 2012 from Richmond and quickly became a vital member of the 1st team squad. His ability to play across the backline has been crucial to Barnes over the past two seasons. But arguably, his finest time in a Barnes shirt was during the “Great Escape” last year, where given a run in the 9 shirt, he became a leader on the field and was instrumental in keeping Barnes up. Much like Foister, Toby has been given an exciting career opportunity and will be venturing over to NY. We will miss him, but wish him the very best.

Finally, Iain Moss who has been a Barnes stalwart for a number of years, joining the club in 2007, but a combination of age, girlfriend and moving means that he will be moving to St. Albans and is retiring from rugby. Mossy has played 1st team, 2nd team and 3rd team with equal commitment and has been a first grade servant of the club. We wish him the very best and hope to see him don the Vets shirt, enjoy a drink in the club house and of course attend the City Lunch.

Foister, Toby and Mossy – thank you for your commitment and service to the club, you will all be missed.