There will obviously be some new signings and these will be announced over the coming weeks. They will include players that we had agreed contracts with prior to our relegation from the Zurich Premiership.

This is also a time to thank those players that have been released by NEC Harlequins, such as Roy Winters, Andy Dunne, Jon Dawson, Dafydd James and Andy Reay. They have all in their own way contributed hugely to the playing side at the club over the last five years and I would like to take this opportunity to wish them all every success at their new clubs for next season.

Also leaving from the playing department are Paul Turner, Paul Pook and Richard Bamford. Again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their efforts and wish them every success in their future roles.

You will all also be aware that Dean Richards has been appointed as our new Director of Rugby on a three year contract, and there is a good chance that we will be in a position to announce a new coach to work alongside him and John Kingston in the very near future.

Over the last few weeks, Dean has been racking up the air miles flying between Lyon and London. I am sure that he is looking forward to the challenge ahead and getting stuck into his new role. Dean has a very impressive track record and I know that all the players and back room staff are looking forward to working with him when we return to pre-season training on 20th June at our new site in Roehampton.

The last two weeks have been very painful but the future of this great club is hugely positive. To quote Mr Richards, 'the sleeping giant' is about to be woken.