And he said: “The progress is down to outstanding leadership from the very top, with (Chairman) Andy (Lynch) and (CEO) Gary Reynolds and the whole board of directors, everyone involved off the pitch who help facilitate things.

“There’s been a prioritisation of key things like player development and outstanding coaching, the development of the whole club, rather than bringing in one or two ex-Premiership players.

“What shouldn’t be overlooked is you’ve got key people in key positions who are driving things with real expertise and leadership qualities, and they have made it an outstanding place to be over the last 10 years.

“When you tie it in with the quality of players we have, it comes together to be a positive place.”

He continued: “It would be remiss of anybody to not look back at where the club has come from in the last 20 years – it’s come a huge way and that’s not been by accident, it’s been a real journey and I feel genuinely privileged to have been a part of that and continue to be so with (Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds) and the other coaches.

But you also have to recognise the guys before, (Mike) Tewkesbury (former DoR), Spike (Henderson), Dave Cox, who still helps with the analysis, it’s been years of hard work and strategic planning.

“It’s not just on-the-field, but the new lights, the stand, the infrastructure, it keeps pushing us on.”

Rams enjoyed a brilliant debut season in National One, recording a runners-up finish with the powerful pack helping score an impressive 11 penalty tries.

That success was recognised with Ollie Taylor, Tom Vooght and Robbie Stapley all named in The Rugby Paper’s Team of the Season.

And Owen explained the success, commenting: “I think we keep it very, very simple with some fundamental philosophies – and it’s packed with some outstanding talent, some real technical ability and a real ethic whoever’s playing from the starting eight and the replacements.

“With no disrespect at all to the guys who made it, I think there were definitely some others who were overlooked. I genuinely believe we’re spoilt with the talent we have across the park, but specifically for me in the forwards.

“Any coach might say this, but I honestly could have seen any of our boys in that team.”
Having been involved at the club for more than a decade, Owen recalled his playing days and the quality of some of his teammates.

He beamed: “I absolutely loved playing with a lot of guys. I remember Robbie Stapley at the start – I could never work him out, because he looked so slight but he was wrecking everybody.

“I was lucky to play with Seb and a real cohort of guys who’d come through, club legends like Spike Chandler and Jez Fynn, and then guys like James Baker, Chris Rumble, Ben Henderson, Craig Nightingale and Stevie Bryant and some of the other guys still here – I was the poor stop-gap in the middle!

“The way they’ve accelerated and continued the journey is awesome to see.”

Rams are set to return to action in the New Year, albeit with adapted rules which mean no scrums or mauls will be allowed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

And while his side used those weapons superbly last season, Owen revealed: “It’s really exciting. Change can be something which makes you anxious, but it also demands the best from you and as coaches and players it will demand us to think outside the box to be creative and look at what we can do within the parameters that have been set out.

“We’re grateful to the RFU who have allowed us to get back and play some rugby, the boys are up for it and as coaches and everyone involved with the club, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop and we need to make sure we do – it maybe an opportunity to find things which we can take into our next campaign.”

With the draw pitting Rams in a group with Henley, Chinnor, Rosslyn Park, Barnes and Esher, there are some terrific games on the cards.

And Owen concluded: “It will be fantastic. It’s exciting enough to get some rugby, even though it’s not the same, but when you add into that the possibility of playing Henley, Chinnor, derbies renewed, it’s great.

“To hopefully get the chance to have a hit out against these guys is really exciting – but I’m sure they’re equally excited and that will make for a positive, which is something in these times we probably need.

“But also for the Minis and juniors and the Sirens and the other senior teams, it’s brilliant.”

Rest of the calendar

1 - Jez Flynn
2 - Andy Lynch
3 - Josh Collis
4 - Joe Bell
5 - Rodney Hutson
6 - Seb Reynolds
7 - Jamie Guttridge
8 - Robbie Stapley
9 - Gary Reynolds
10 - Alex Seers