Taunton Loan Tanner From Bath

User Rating:  / 4

Bath Academy hooker Will Tanner has joined Taunton on loan for the rest of the 2011-12 season to add more strength to the Titans front row.

Will played in the Aviva Premiership as recently as December, where he was in the Bath starting line up against Sale. He has also gained international honours for England at U16 and U18 level. Bath Academy Coach Frank Butler said, "Will is an exciting player on the cusp of the England Under 20 squad. He’s a very bright prospect who will do well in the game."

Taunton are reported to be recruiting former Army 1st XV and Sevens team manager Ed Cullen to the Titans cause. Ed and coach Jason Luff have been instrumental in brokering the loan deal with Bath for Tanner.

Coach Luff added, "We’re making significant progress in developing solid working relationships with a number of senior clubs throughout the south of England. It augurs well for the future.

"The players are in good spirits, and looking forward to returning to national league action away to Southend on Saturday. The coach trip will once again be very lengthy, but we’re certainly good enough to win this one. Southend lost 30-10 away at Launceston recently after previously defeating Hertford 29-12 in their last home game."

Taunton Officials Meet Sponsors

News that Lee Waddon has parted company with the Hyde Park club follows shortly after a meeting of club officers and a number of sponsors last weekend.

Stepping up to hold an interim Presidential role, the highly respected Jack Matthews anchored the meeting at Hyde Park last Saturday. Mr Matthews gave sponsors an update regarding the developing position with Director of Rugby Lee Waddon, and went on to introduce 1st XV coach Jason Luff who gave further details of the ‘Dare to Dream’ initiative.

Mr Matthews confirmed that he was returning to front line duties with the club following the resignation of Keith Cooling. Jack has served Taunton Rugby Club for some 54 years, starting as Colts Captain and working his way to 1st XV Captain in a long and distinguished playing career.

In recent years Jack has been a prime mover in heading up many of the clubs duties. In addition to performing a key role in the 2001 move to Hyde Park Jack served as club President for over a decade before taking over as sponsorship co-ordinator, generating upwards of £300,000 of investment into the club.