CHINNOR have re-signed five players after their contracts expired at the end of last season.

Conor Brockschmidt is the highest-profile returnee after racking up 27 appearances in 2021/22 – more than anyone in the squad.

The Thame-based club have also re-signed forwards Keston Lines and Charley Robinson, while backs George Grose and Jack Walsh have been retained, too.

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Director of rugby Richard Thorpe was thrilled to hang on to some key figures who helped Chinnor finish seventh in National League 1 last season.

He said: “All five players were invaluable members of last season's team, particularly Conor who pulled on the black and white shirt more times than any other player in the senior squad.

“With some new recruits to be announced later in the summer, these re-signings demonstrate our commitment to retaining our top talent and I am excited to see these lads in action again next season.”

Chinnor have also announced the departures of 13 players, who exit Kingsey Road for different reasons.

Oscar Heath, Tom Ranaboldo and Seb Scott have left after long spells in Thame, the latter first joining the club as an Under 13.

Meanwhile, player-coaches Ben Glynn and Soane Tonga’uiha depart and Thorpe paid tribute to both.

"Ben Glynn has taken the tough decision to step away due to his burdensome travelling from Bristol three days per week for training and games,” he explained.

“I would like to thank Ben for his services both as a player and lineout coach.

“He was a fantastic performer on and off the pitch, and on behalf of the whole club I would like to wish him the best of luck for the future.”

On Tonga’uiha, Thorpe added: “He has been a huge part of everything we have done for the past two years.

“Not only did the squad and club benefit from his coaching and wisdom following more than two decades playing at the highest level, we also benefited hugely from his performances on-field.”

Ryan Crowley, Charlie Fleckney, Jacob Ham, Alex Hunt, Ollie Smith, Dan Thomas, Max Titchener and Tom Whitehurst also leave the club.

Thorpe said: “Whilst reasons are varied, many of the above have taken the decision to seek regular 1st XV rugby elsewhere.

“Our large, competitive senior squad last season did result in many very talented rugby players not getting the meaningful 1st XV rugby they desired.

“I would like to thank those players for their efforts and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”

Chinnor’s squad, which now consists of 26 players, will return for pre-season next month.