Fortey takes Hartpury RFC captaincy

Former Gloucester and Worcester lock Chris Fortey says he is looking forward to the new season after being announced as Hartpury RFC’s new skipper for the upcoming season.

Hartpury’s Director of Rugby, Alan Martinovic, convinced the veteran to join the National League Two South club earlier this year after he became a member of staff at the college. 

Fortley amassed over 200 appearances during his stints at Gloucester and Worcester, and the veteran says it’s “an honour to be asked to be captain” and one that “he’ll take very seriously”.

The decision was revealed to the players in a meeting before the team took part in an early morning training session in wet conditions.

The ex-Cherry and Whites star added that “the boys have worked extremely hard and hopefully that will reap benefits for the season. We just want to try and build on the momentum that Hartpury College had last season”.

“we are looking to get as much success as possible, but also playing a brand of rugby and a style of rugby where we’re going to be attractive to watch”.

Fortey faces a tough test this weekend as Hartpury play host to one of last year's stand out performers in National League One. Ealing Trailfinders, who finished runners up to Jersey, visit this Saturday for Hartpury's first pre-season friendly.

After winning ten of their first eleven games in National League Two South last season, Hartpury RFC finally finished 4th on 107 points with 21 wins from 30 games. 

Click here to view next season's RFC fixtures.