READING Abbey have named half back Will Bevan as captain for the 2017/18 season following the departure of former skipper Sam Hallett to Maidenhead.

Bevan has been a regular in the 1st XV for several years and while he excels at scrum half, he is equally comfortable at fly half. The club believes his experience will be hugely valuable to the young players coming into the squad from last year’s colts squad.

Head coach Fungai Mutepfa said: “Will is a clubman through and through, and I know all of the squad are ready to get behind him. I’m certainly looking forward to working with Will next season.

“Will Woodward will lead the forwards and I’m sure everyone in the club will get behind these two guys and the rest of the squad as we prepare for what promises to be one of our toughest campaigns so far.”

Mutepfa also revealed that stalwarts Tim Brain and Frank Long have been forced to retire through injury, while Pat McSweeney is taking a year’s sabbatical from the game.

On the coaching side, Luke Harding joins the team to look after the backs.

Pre-season at Rose Hill starts on Tuesday (July 4), and continues every Tuesday and Thursday from 7.15pm until the start of the season. Players of any ability are welcome.