Read’s relishing Scarborough Pirates resurgence

Read had been heavily involved with the training sessions that took place before the most recent lockdown, and has one eye on the future to ensure that his side are prepared for season.

“It’s a really frustrating time for everyone and we were just starting to get things together,” he told The Scarborough News.

“We’ve seen quite a few of the old lads coming back and some of the younger players who are now able to play.

“It’s been about getting the admin side of things done and then make sure that we are all fit and ready to go when we get the green light.”

Long standing player Read, who also plays rugby union at Scarborough RUFC, admits the growth of the club has filled him with pride and hopes they can push on together in the coming months.

He added: “For me, I’ve been with the Pirates for so long and to see 20-30 lads keen to play rugby makes me feel extremely proud.

“Lads have stepped away from the side for their own personal reasons and are beginning to come back and it’s really nice to see.

“I think we’ve seen about 40 people turn up across the sessions which is really positive.”

The town is now on the horizon of having both male and female sides in rugby union and league and Read insists that the ‘possibilities are endless’ for the new Pirates side.

He added: “The standard in the side hasn’t dropped and the skills are still very high.

“It’ll take some time for the squad to get together but I’m sure once we do it’ll be a great side to be a part of.

“We’re a family club and it would be great to get more players involved.

“We want to grow that sense of community at the club and hopefully, as we expand, we’ll continue to grow.”

The pandemic has left many businesses in a difficult position but a chance to sponsor the Pirates could lead to greater exposure.

“As a side we are always looking for sponsorship and we’d love to promote the local businesses in the area and hopefully bring more money to the town,” Read added.