Flying back Mark Harrison commits for next two years

[Communications Team]

Mark Harrison becomes the latest player to sign a two year deal with the club.

Mark will start his second term at the club having joined from National 1 trailblazers Hartpury College at the start of last season.

Hartpury are renowned for producing fast paced backs and Mark is no exception. He has experience from Gloucester Academy and has turned out in the Aviva Premiership A League.

He was brought to the club on the back of his try scoring record of 7 tries in 14 appearances last season at Hartpury. He has maintained that record with Birmingham Moseley scoring 6 tries so far this season.

Richard Protherough, Director of Rugby from next season said,  “I am delighted that I have been able to sign Mark for next season, the club have secured him employment in the area which will allow him to combine his career with his rugby ambitions. Our time in National 1 has shown that fast attacking play is key to winning matches. Mark brings that extra pace needed to take on players and his try scoring record speaks for itself."

[andyj]

This is great news.

[andyj]

I think it is clear that we do need to strengthen in a number of areas for next season. We are leaking too many tries. Physicality is now a major feature of rugby and in particular in Nat Division One. We generally hold our own amongst the forwards but we do need to up our game in the backs.

[kingsheathlad]

I think yesterday's game was an exception with Plymouth having a back row over 6" and 18st playing in the centre. They also had another forward in their back line.

[professor]

Just a few observations:

Our front row doesn't appear that 'big' or mobile in my mind. Powerful yes, but lacking some size and mobility. Also, I think I counted at least 3 lost lineouts on our own throw in the Plymouth 22.

Behind that, the 2nd and backrow looks good when fit. We missed Le Roux on Saturday - Wilson looks small to carry and compete at the breakdown. Crofts must be the find of the year?

I love Dave Brazier - but he looks tired and I thought the Plymouth 9 bossed the show on Saturday (as well as kicking his goals). I would love to see a big tall 9 who really riles the opponents up - a la Mike Phillips. We miss that.

James Williams a close second for find of the season - let's hope he re-signs. Ditto Ed Sheldon, Drew Cheshire. We seem to be blighted by injuries in the Centres. This showed on Saturday - no surprise Plymouth ran a Number 8 down the channel. Hopefully with Tim on the coaching staff we can recruit in that area - we cannot rely on Dual/loan players at this level.

And finally, where has Elliott Bale gone? Not on squad list and no announcement he has left?

[kingsheathlad]

I think it is mentioned on another part of the forum that Elliot Bale asked for his contract to be terminated.