NEWMARKET Rugby Club have secured their future following the appointment of a new director of rugby and honorary club treasurer at the NSDA Pavilion.

Last month, honorary secretary Robert Voss revealed in the EADT that the club could be forced to fold if replacements for Caroline Hillary (treasurer) and Dave Sayer (director of rugby) were not found.

However, first-team manager Gareth Godfrey has stepped up to the plate and will now take on the role as director of rugby, adding to his current responsibilities at the club.

The role of honorary treasurer meanwhile, has been filled by long-serving member James Paxton, who has fulfilled a number of roles at the club over the years.

As a result of the call for help, a number of volunteers have also joined the club ahead of the new Eastern Counties 1 campaign.

Voss explained how the appointments will work at the club.

“Gareth’s role as manager is to make sure everything in terms of the first team is organised,” said Voss.

“As director of rugby his responsibility extends to the whole club, ensuring coaching is in place and making sure the club complies with the new RFU regulations that have been introduced.

“He is a bright guy and maybe his input is the kind the club needs.

“James is a long-serving member of the club who is now retired.

“We thought he might like to enjoy his retirement but after six months he has decided to take on the treasurer’s role!”

Meanwhile Voss re-emphasised the role of volunteers at the club following a good response to his call for new members.

“The point we made was that a club like ours can’t afford to employ people and relies of the efficiency and commitment of ouor volunteers,” said Voss.

“People do not realise the amount of jobs that have to be done when you break them all down.

Newmarket begin their new season at West Norfolk in Eastern Counties 1 today (KO 3pm).