Award puts Teddington on the rugby map (From Elmbridge Guardian)

Award puts Teddington on the rugby map

3:02pm Wednesday 26th May 2010 in Sport By Stuart Amos

Teddington Rugby Club Gareth Cross reckons being named Rugby World Magazine’s British and European Team of the Year has finally put the club on the map.

Head coach Giselle Mather’s men last week added the National Junior Vase to the Surrey One league title they secured in April as they completed a 30-match campaign unbeaten.

The award, to be officially unveiled next week, is for teams below the Guinness Premiership, Magners League and French Top 14 and Cross, 46, believes it is an honour his club fully deserves.

“It was a huge honour for our little club to be nominated and then short listed, but to win it is amazing,” he said.

“It certainly is a wonderful reward for all the hard work that Giselle Mather our coach, captain Pete Whyte and all the players have put in over the last gruelling two years.

“The mid winter training sessions and long trips away all seem worthwhile now.

“This award certainly tops off what has been an extraordinary season for us, and puts us on the rugby map in west and south west London and we hope a bit further afield to.”

Teddington will move into the London Division Three South West next season for the first time in their history and are already on the hunt for players to strengthen the club at all levels.