THE new coaching team at Launceston Rugby Club are delighted to have re-signed three experienced club players.

Lloyd Duke, Richard Friend and Jamie Tripcony have all signed for another year with the Cornish All Blacks.

Lloyd, 24 from Launceston, has the Launceston club in his blood — his dad, Graham and brother Jordan have both played for the club.

Lloyd has been with the club since he played in the U16s, and this will be the back row’s fifth season with the 1st XV.

He said: "Regardless of what goes on off the field, you’re a Launceston boy and you just want to play for the first team. There’s a good feel around training but there’s still a few weeks left. It’s coming together."

Richard, also 24 from Northlew, will also start his fifth season for the All Blacks.

The scrum half said: "I’m looking forward to the season. Mike’s a good coach, he knows what he’s on about. He did a good job last season with the forwards and hopefully he can do it this season with the whole squad."

The club is also pleased to see the return of Jamie, who was out for the most part of last season with medical issues.

The 26-year-old second/back row began at the club in the Mini Junior section, before playing for the 2nd XV then the 1st XV.

"I didn’t play as much as I’d have liked last year, I missed a lot and I missed the atmosphere.

“It’s great playing for Launceston, I’m very proud. We’re building the squad down here now. Things haven’t gone quite according to plan but we can’t worry about that, we’ve just got to worry about what we can control. We’re going to carry on training and give it 100%"

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.