New Player Partner Chanbury’s Woodfired Pizza for recent signing Craig Lewis

We are delighted to announce Chanbury’s Woodfired Pizza as a Player Partner for recent signing Craig Lewis (Lewy).

Lewy was a late starter to the game compared to most, only taking up the sport at age 16.

After a couple of years in Maidenhead colts, he joined the Army, where he captained The Household Cavalry’s first VX and Royal Armoured Corp teams, respectively, leading the latter to the finals of the Army Cup in 2012. Whilst on weekend leave from the Army, he played for our previous league opponents, Bracknell RFC.

Upon leaving the forces, Lewy played around the country for Coventry-based side Berkswell & Balsall and later Birmingham side Woodrush RFC before returning to his then home of Maidenhead and playing for the Nat 3 club for his last 3 seasons before he stopped playing in 2020.

Lewy adds, “I gave my all at Maids, but it just didn’t click. I lost heart in the game, hung up my boots and focused my attention on my second passion – powerlifting”.

Upon relocating to the area in November 2021, Lewy started to coach the U7s (now U8s), where his son plays. It was during this time he was introduced to his fellow front row, Lloyd Radford.

When asked to reflect on this time, he said: “If I’m honest, I never thought I’d play again but always said if a really special club presented itself and the ethos and structure were right, I’d be open to a conversation. After a few discussions with Lloyd and DOR Mike Saxton, I begrudgingly went to pre-season, and from the very first night, I was hooked on this club. The Club has an incredible number of lads, and I knew I’d play here”.

When Lewy was asked what he looking forward to most, he said, “I have a steep learning curve to get back to the level I was before is stopped playing, but it a challenge I’m excited to take on with the support of the boys and coaching structure around me. This squad has some incredible talent, and I can’t wait to see what we can take to teams up and down this league”.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome them both to the Newton Abbot Rugby Club family.

To learn more about Chanbury’s and grab the best pizza in town visit here👇

Chanburys Woodfired Pizza

Interested in becoming a Partner? Find out what’s available here 👇

Partnership Opportunities