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Halifax RUFC: Henry keen for new era to start
HALIFAX RUFC coach John Henry is confident that his re-modelled side will be ready for the challenge of Yorkshire Six rugby.
Henry, who masterminded Halifax Vikings' hugely-successful Merit League campaign last time out, has been charged with the responsibility of leading the Ovenden Park club into a new era on the field.
And he has wasted little time in recruiting a number of new faces to meet the challenge that starts with a trip to South Yorkshire side Rawmarsh on September 12.
Before that Henry has pencilled Halifax in for a number of pre-season warm-up matches including an appearance at the Roundhegians 10s on August 15 and a home meeting with the Halifax Vandals first team on August 22
True to the club's new amateur status the players are almost exclusively from the local area - some with a background in rugby league where Henry also cut his coaching teeth.
And the fact that Halifax have returned to grass roots rugby is something that the coach feels passionate about
"We started pre-season training on May 5 and we have been getting 25-32 players there every week," said Henry.
"It has been going really well and the pleasing thing is that we have 12 new players - all local lads and all keen to play for the club.
"I am so chuffed that we are an amateur club again. It means that when players come to Halifax they want to play for the badge.
"It is about pride and that is something I strongly believe in.
"It also means that everybody is on an equal footing. The teams I put out work for the club and work for each other. "There is no criticism from players about teammates. I drill it into them that we have to have respect for each other."
Halifax effectively dismantled their first team after deciding to pull out of the National League set-up and Henry admitted to feeling "privileged" to be given the task of leading the new order.
He is also excited by the challenge that lies ahead and insists that Yorkshire Six will be a tougher division than many people expect.
"It is a privilege to be involved at Halifax and there is definitely a buzz about the place," added Henry. "We have spent time tidying the ground and clubhouse and now we are all just chomping at the bit to get started.
"Make no mistake Yorkshire Six is going to be a very competitive league. A lot of clubs in the league have re-grouped and we are looking forward to the challenge.
"Rawmarsh away will be a great test for our first game. They beat the Vikings at their place last season but we beat them comfortably at Ovenden Park.
"The whole league will be a real dogfight. It will be cracking."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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