Cockermouth head coach Chris Wright is hoping a talk from former England legend Dean Richards might kickstart his team’s season.
Richards is in Cockermouth on Saturday, October 30 to headline a sportsman’s evening at the club after the first team have hosted De La Salle in North Two West.
Cockermouth are currently bottom with just a point following their promotion from the Cumbria League, and last week were beaten 45-6 by local rivals St. Benedict’s.
Wright has had to contend with a stack of injuries that have seriously affected their plans to stay at the higher level.
He said: “It’s very tough at the moment and we have had to cancel second team games so that we can use the players in the first team.
“It has meant that we have been unable to put out a consistent team and as a result, our rugby isn’t at the standard needed.
“The team we had prior to lockdown would have taken the step-up in their stride and would have been competing well against all the teams we have played so far, so it’s very frustrating.
“It’s been worrying the amount of serious injuries we have picked up and I’m just hoping their bodies can get back to being ready for rugby again.”
Their dinner guest Dean Richards might not be able to do anything about the injuries, but he might find some inspirational words for the ones who are still able to play.
Richards, now 58, was a one-club man with 15 years at Leicester Tigers for whom he played 314 times and scored over 400 points.
He was capped 48 times for England and over ten years and represented the British Lions six times.
In 2012 he was appointed director of rugby at Newcastle Falcons, who have a strong link with Cumbria, and still holds that position.
For tickets, use the club’s Facebook page or contact Jeff Peet 07944 657374