Tigers Trio Depart

Scrum-half Jamie and winger Tom Albinson have decided to seek pastures new, with Jamie being snapped up by National Division One Doncaster while Tom has joined Merseysiders, Waterloo.

However, coming the other way is Swatkins, who has been on Guinness Premiership Gloucester’s books while attending Hartpury College.

“We have been on the lookout for a seriously pacy winger and Peter came into the frame,” said Tigers’ team manager, Geoff Roberts.

“He played alongside Glen Townson and Matt Riley for England Under 18s and they both said how talented and quick he is. We’ve managed to broker a deal with Sale so he’ll be training full-time with the Sharks also. While with Gloucester he played ‘A’ team rugby as well as sevens, spending most of his playing time with Hartpury, who he helped to retain the BUSA championship this year.

“As for Jamie and Tom they both had their reasons for moving on. Jamie wants to play full-time and we could not give him that, but once it was known he was looking to move Doncaster quickly agreed terms with him.

“Tom only had limited opportunities with the first team and played most of the season for the seconds. He wants first team football and so he has dropped a level to get that at Waterloo.”

Also missing next season will be skipper Jimmy Ponton.

“’Ponts’ lives in Newcastle and the travelling was not only getting time consuming but also expensive. He will be sorely missed, having captained the side for the whole of his four year stint with us and I’d like to thank him publicly for everything he has done for the club. He has been a gentleman and a superb player and leader.”

Indeed, the club is now concentrating on attracting players who live as close to Park Lane as possible.

“We’re having to work with a smaller budget so realistically we’d prefer players to live no more than say 60-90 minutes away from the club,” added Roberts.