Robbie Stapley, Rams latest recruit, is convinced that his new teammates will avoid relegation after their display at Chinnor last Saturday.
Stapley, who returned to the Old Bath Road after a three year spell at National One neighbours Henley, praised their performance in the club’s first ever league success at the Oxon club.
He said after the match: “I was pleased to score a try on my first game back and if the lads play like they did today I feel sure we’ll stay up.”
“I thought we defended well but perhaps we have to be a bit more clinical in our approach.”
“However it’s a different team from when I was last here. There are only a few players remaining – like Andy Amor, James Baker and Joe Duffelen.”
Stapley, now 26, was introduced to Rams – his first senior club – by former coach Alun Rise after being a junior at Camberley and a London Welsh Colt.
He began his first spell with Rams as a teenager in 2008, but a hand injury limited his appearances in that first season.
Subsequently he made up for it with some powerful performances at No 8 and in all scored 51 tries over four years with his aggressive, attacking play.
In his last season, his haul of 27 touchdowns eclipsed the club record by nine.
He said: “I enjoyed it at Henley. It’s a good club and I learned a lot. But it’s also great to be back in the Reading area where I feel I still have a lot of friends.”
Rams CEO Gary Reynolds commented: “Our gain is obviously a big loss to Henley but his departure was on good terms.”
“I’m sure Robbie will be remembered there in high esteem after his contribution to two promotion campaigns.”
“He was encouraged to move on in 2012. But he is not the first of our more able players to go Henley to develop their game and return eventually to what he regards as his home club.”