Chris McCarey

Club Captain 2007/2008

 It is with the greatest pleasure that I extend to all visitors, players and spectators a warm welcome to Belfast Harlequins and the fantastic Deramore facilities.

In accepting my role as club captain I am conscious of those who have gone before, the wonderful reputation of the club and the committed group of players that I represent.

Last season was one of great disappointment with our relegation from AIL Division 1. Despite this much was achieved including an unbeaten run in the Ulster Senior League and appearances in both the Ulster and AIL Cup Finals, each player will have learnt a great deal from the 2006/07 experiences and this will stand them in good stead for the battles of the future. We embark on our 2007/08 season with a huge sense of expectation under the continued leadership of our Director of Rugby Andy Ward and Consultant Alan Solomons with support from Maurice Field and D.C. Gillespie. With their guidance we intend moving the club back to the pinnacle of club rugby in Ireland.

Strong recruitment and retention of players means that this year’s 1st XV is going to be an exciting combination of new young players and experience and it augurs well for a most successful season. As always some familiar faces will no longer be with us and we wish them well in the future, namely Jonny Lowe in his retirement and John Andress and Lewis Stevenson as they embark upon professional careers in England. It gives me great pleasure to welcome this season’s new recruits at whatever level they will be playing. I know that they will soon become aware of that unique bond and camaraderie, which makes Belfast Harlequins so special.

The club are delighted and indebted to have the support of our main sponsor Lagan so to them and all of our sponsors we say thank you for your support and look forward to what we know is going to be a successful ongoing partnership. 

Belfast Harlequins RFC is not just about players and I am very mindful of that huge army of volunteers who support through coaching, committee membership, manning the gate and in so many other ways. Without your support the club would not function in the way that it does and thus, we, as players, do not take your hard work lightly and we thank you in advance for all you will undertake this season. 

Chris McCarey

Club Captain