As the men’s senior playing squad enters its fourth week of pre-season training, we are delighted to announce the men’s leadership group for the 2024/25 season. Jonny Ellis will remain as the 1st XV Captain, Jasper King joins him in a new role as Co-Captain, whilst Henry Anscombe continues as Vice-Captain. Additionally, Henry Smith has been appointed as the Club Captain.
Men’s Leadership Group 2024/25 Season
1st XV Captain: Jonny Ellis
1st XV Co-Captain: Jasper King
1st XV Vice-Captain: Henry Anscombe
Club Captain: Henry Smith
Jonny Ellis, who has been with the club since 2003 and made his 1st XV debut in 2013, will continue his role as 1st XV Captain. Reflecting on the past season and his outlook for the upcoming season, Jonny shared:
“The 2023/24 season was a really positive one for the 1st XV. We kept driving the standards of how we played and as usual with Dorking sides, the desire to work hard for each other got us through some tough games. Some key games didn't go our way and finishing in 3rd for a second season in a row, has left us striving for greater things. A special mention to last season's 1st XV captain, Fred Dalton. His leadership inspired and motivated the team through some tough games over the last 3 seasons. I hope that we can continue the legacy he built upon with the team and are so grateful for all he gave to the club as a player and captain.
Pre-season is going well, with the high standard of coaching driving the boys to new levels in preparation for the 2024/25 season. The new faces are training hard and have bought into playing the Dorking way. Looking forward to next season, I'm really excited to see the squad take shape and go into our first league game away to TJs.
Personally I'm greatly honoured to go into the season as 1st XV Captain. The club was my first Rugby club back in 2003, I then made my 1st XV debut 10 years later and I'm immensely proud of where the club is right now on and off the pitch. The credit goes towards all those who are involved particularly the coaching and physio teams, thank you.
Lastly, the support we get from the DRFC crowds, home and away are simply the best! At times, we will need that famous Dorking support next season. We hope to play exciting and winning rugby that leads to success, that the whole club can be proud of.
#WACOMB”
Jasper King steps into the role of Co-Captain after an outstanding 2023/24 season, for which he was awarded Player’s Player of the Season, Player of the Season and Forward of the Season. Jasper, who has also been at the club since a young age, expressed his excitement for the new role:
“Being named Co-Captain of the 1st XV is a tremendous honor, both personally and for my family. It's a proud moment to slowly follow in my father’s footsteps.
I am eager to see where we can go this season. It truly feels like this could be our season, and I know the boys feel the same.
#WACOMB”
As Vice-Captain, Henry Anscombe will continue in the same role he held last year, providing valuable support to the other leaders. Henry, who joined Dorking in 2022, has become an instrumental part of the team both in the number 12 shirt on Saturdays and in his social and leadership roles, continuously driving standards and attention to detail during training. Looking forward to the new season and his role as Vice-Captain, Henry stated the following:
“I'm thrilled to be chosen as vice-captain again this season and I am looking forward to supporting both Jonny and Jasper in their roles.
Pre-season training has been going well, the team is really shaping up well, with a lot of competition for places and a lot of hard work being put in. I am very excited to see how the new recruits in the backline will get on – this should be another great season!"
Henry Smith, more commonly known as “Smithy” is another who has been at the club since a very young age. Whilst Fraser Mosley and Fred Dalton, who both went through the youth age grades with him, retired at the closing of the 2023/24 season, Henry has now deservedly been appointed as Club Captain. Describing his new role at the club, Henry shared the following:
"Having been at the club for over 20 years, starting at 5 years old, it's an incredible honour for Armand and Jonny to ask me to take on the club captaincy this year.
To me, the club captaincy role is about ensuring all of the senior playing group are looked after, and have an avenue for their voice to be heard. I want to make sure all the players are supported in their goals for rugby. Whether playing socially on a Saturday with mates or pushing performance to become the very best player possible, I want to make sure that Dorking can cater to both.
I am looking for the club atmosphere to continue going strong, as it has done recently, and if that happens then I know Dorking will go from strength to strength both on and off the pitch!
#WACOMB"
Delighted with the new leadership group structure Armand Roux, Director of Rugby, shared his thoughts on the changes and an outlook on how this will impact the senior playing squad:
"We have a tremendous group of senior men's players at the club, some of whom have been with Dorking since their mini rugby days, and others who have recently joined the family. We pride ourselves on being as inclusive as possible, especially when it comes to leadership discussions. I am over the moon that we have such a good group of players who are willing and capable of taking up these various leadership positions.
They are all supported by those around them, and we strive to carry ourselves in a manner that is respectful to each other, while also inspiring and driving one another.
A key change this year is that Jonny will be closely supported by Jasper as Co-Captain. Jonny is a great player and leader, and the mutual agreement to include Jasper was a no-brainer for both him and I, highlighting Jonny's forward-thinking nature.
Jasper has certainly come into his own over the last three seasons, delivering some inspirational performances that earned him a spot in the National 2 Team of the Year last season alongside multiple end of season club awards. I’m sure Jasper will have plenty of opportunities to work with both Jonny and Anscombe as we keep moving forward.
I was also delighted when Henry Smith agreed to take on the role of Club Captain. The Club Captain is one of the most important roles in the senior men's section, supporting club and social engagements, listening to player feedback, and helping to drive senior players to give back. Smithy embodies the Dorking Way, working hard, playing hard, and making the club an enjoyable and fun environment. (His spreadsheet and admin skills deserve a mention as the master of fines across the sections!)
Congratulations to all four players. I know they will work hard and ensure they keep driving standards. With the immense support they have internally, I’m certain we will have a fantastic year with them at the helm."
