Weston-super-Mare RFC continue to strengthen their senior squad ahead of the start of the 2025.26 season in September with the signing of fly-half Dan Beer, back rows Matt James, and 21-year-old Robson Bird.
For Beer and James, both 22, it is a return to the club where they previously progressed through the junior ranks. Meanwhile, Bird had a similar journey with neighbours, the Hornets, before making his debut for their 2ndXV in the 2023/24 season.
“Our recruitment has also been a mix of experience and young talent,” said Weston’s director of rugby, Mark Matthews. “We have reestablished our U18s team for the coming season to ensure that aspiring players can see a clear pathway into senior rugby.
“We have some more signings which we will be announcing in the coming weeks because it is essential that we have a big squad so that players are competing to wear the Weston shirt as we field three senior teams most weekends during the season.”
Beer, who can also play in the centre, had games last season with Newton Abbott and Devonport Services 2ndXV while completing his Sports Coaching and PE at Plymouth Marjon University.
He was also part of the University’s BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) squad that came second to Hartpury in the BUCS Western League and had lost by the closest margin in four years, after a late try, to Plymouth University in the 2025 Varsity match.
Beer, now a resident teaching assistant, started his mini rugby with Gordano Sharks before joining Weston’s U15s and represented Somerset at U16s level. He made his senior debut for Weston in the 2021/22 season in a County Cup tie.
“Pre-season training has been tough, but the lads are pulling together to help create a big buy-in to make sure we are as ready as we can be for the start of the league season in September,” said Beer.
Graduate Civil Engineer James, who can also play in the centre, is returning to the Weston club having completed his studies at the University of Bristol, where he was a member of their BUCS rugby squad.
He said: “It is great being back at the Weston club and I hope to be pushing for a place in the first team as quickly as my ability takes me. It would be great to see the three senior teams gaining promotion from their respective leagues.”
Bird, who made 25 appearances for Hornets’ second and third teams over the past three seasons, says that he is looking forward to the fresh challenge at Weston and the opportunity to develop as a player.
“Hopefully, I will be able to contribute to a successful season for the whole Weston Club as it continues to grow overall,” said the plumber who is soon to become a heating and gas engineer.
“Pre-season training is ramping up, and I like that fitness has been a big thing so far and that all players are training together from the new Under 18s squad through to those who have been at the Club many years.”
Weston-super-Mare’s first pre-season game is at home to Burnham-on-Sea on Thursday, August 14, kick-off 7.30 pm. The senior players also have warm-up games against Nailsea & Backwell, Avonmouth Old Boys and Bridgwater & Albion.
July 21, 2025
