New Signing: Will Castleton

A Bit about Will

Will had a rugby ball in his hands as soon as he could walk. When Will was old enough to join a Rugby Team his Dad, Gary Castleton, our legendary commentator took him to Paignton u7’s, where he enjoyed playing until he was 17 years old. Will’s natural ability at rugby led him to Exeter College Rugby Academy from 16-18. From here his talents were noticed by the coaching staff at NARFC which led to him playing senior rugby for the mighty All Whites making his first-team debut at 17. Will loved his previous spell at NARFC and says, “I warmed to Newton Abbot Rugby Club straight away and loved the people and it’s where I gained lots of mates who are still my mates to this day.”  After two and a half seasons with Newton Abbot in what was national 3 level, he went to hone his rugby skills in New Zealand and join former NARFC players Will Cole and Chris Courtier, where they played for 2 seasons together. After 2 years of gaining that experience, Will returned back to England and back to the All Whites for a further 2 seasons before he suffered a knee injury in the following pre-season which put him out up until the Covid lockdown. Will admits “During Covid rugby was completely at the back of my mind and I completely fell out of love with the game and I even (poorly) took up football for a few games.”

However, last season a couple of Will’s workmates and also ex-NARFC players, who now play for Crediton, dragged Will to training with them where he fell back in love with the game. Will loved his stint as a Crediton and went on to say, “what a class club Crediton is” and what pulled him away was seeing the Newton Abbot win the Devon Intermediate Cup and gaining promotion. When Will was asked what he looking forward to most he said “I love what Sacko (Mike Saxton) has done with the backs and the structure he has put into the team. I am really looking forward to being coached and led by him and cant wait to further better my skills.

Mike Saxton DOR

I am very excited that Will is coming back, His kicking ability and the way he reads a game will take the pressure off the team which is something that will be of huge importance next season. He also has high basic skills standards and drives the level expected from players on and off the field. I expect Will to come in as a senior player and lead the team. He will also have an important role to bring the new colts up to speed and he’ll be working particularly close with Jamie Barnes who has a fantastic skill set and with Will’s, experience will be a regular in the First tea, this season.