Devon Sharks
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Devon Sharks RUGBY LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUB
Devon Sharks RLFC was founded in 2006 after an RFL initiative to spread the game away from its traditional heartlands . They took the bold decision to move away from the South West Men ’ s League for 2017 as they look to develop further . Rugby Club Magazine was keen to find out more and recently caught up with Club Representatives Lee Kirkman and Peter Jones to find out more .
RC : How long have you been involved and what first attracted you to the club ?
LK : “ I was a co-founder , so I have been here since 2006 ( Though I had a good , and successful spell at Exeter Centurions too ). My motivation has always been to win the trophies that would grow the clubs image , not just across Devon , but across British rugby league . If the name is strong and the foundations strong then the rest will follow .
We now need to look at bringing in junior teams , and women ’ s teams so that we can become truly enshrined in our community . Obviously , it is a slow process , but many clubs grow too fast and eventually they fail . We don ’ t want that at Sharks , so that is why we are growing at a pace we can cope with .”
PJ : “ I joined at the beginning of 2015 when I moved down to the South . I was welcomed by the previous management of Barry Whittle and Joseph Bramley ( now the management of Teignbridge
Trojans ).
I have personally played on and off since I was 12 including tag , touch and wheelchair rugby league . A side of my loose playing career , I have worked with Halifax RLFC which included social media , TV presenting and match day announcing .”
RC : What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your role ?
PJ : “ Balancing the day job , family and developing the club . I never wanted to ‘ step up ’ into a committee role as I have done it all before , however I am very
26 Issue 73