Hartlepool rugby hope to increase squad numbers for International event

The town team, the brainchild of leading Hartlepool entrepreneur, Alby Pattison from Hart Innovations, has clinched a sponsorship deal with Seymour Civil Engineering.

Hartlepool just out to Thailand next month for the prestigious championship on November 11-12.

The united town side consists of players from five Hartlepool & District RFU clubs, plus two guests from Hong Kong.

Team manager, John Bickerstaff, told SportMail that Hartlepool hope to announce two new players early next week.

“We’re hopeful of increasing our playing numbers,” said Bickerstaff.

“We’ve been boosted by a sponsorship injection from Seymours.

“Seymours are one of the town’s major companies and it’s fantastic they are backing us.

“We’re happy with the players we have in our squad already but we’re looking to add a couple of lads who will enhance our squad still further.

“This is a ground-breaking moment for Hartlepool rugby to go and take part in an international event.

“We’d like to go out there and compete and we’re close to putting the finishing touches our squad.”

The squad includes Jack McCallum, from Horden, West back row men Liam Bailey and Lee Maddison, Seaton back Cameron Lithgo, BBOB utility back Peter Howe and Rovers winger, Adam Smith.

And Bickerstaff says the players are excited to be taking part.

“The players have had one training session, which went well under Aaron Myers,” said Bickerstaff. “The confidence in the camp is quite high and the great thing is that the lads are looking forward to going out there to represent Hartlepool rugby.

“This is a big deal for the town.

“At the minute we have Graeme Storm playing in the WGC world golf event in China and Savannah marshall is on her way to hopefully a world title.

“Hartlepool is competing on a world level and to be going to Thailand for the Bangkok International Sevens is great for town rugby.”