THORNBURY have appointed Mike Sander as club captain for the coming season. Sander, the first team hooker, succeeds Wayne Underwood who has stepped down after three seasons in charge.

Twenty-six-year-old Sander has played for Thornbury through the junior and senior sections since the age of seven until studies at Plymouth University took him away for a few years during which time he played for the famous Devonport Services club. However, once University ended he returned to Thornbury and made his first team debut at Crediton in February 2004.

Popular with players and supporters alike, he has been instrumental in bringing players to Thornbury.

Ever vocal, he has the will to succeed and will lead his players into the 2009/10 season with a determination to see greater consistency and league success.

Although working in Chippenham and living in Bristol, Thornbury is Mike Sander’s club, and he is very proud to be its new captain.

At the same time as Sander’s appointment Jon Pullin was elected Second XV captain, succeeding Steve Allington, and Adam Weaver takes over from Richard Willson leading the Third XV.