Gaiger returns to boost Saddlebacks (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Gaiger returns to boost Saddlebacks

9:27am Thursday 14th May 2009

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Chippenham Rugby Club captain James Gaiger has dropped down two divisions to return to his roots at Devizes.

The number eight, who moved to Chippenham three years ago, is returning to the Saddlebacks due to family commitments.

This season Devizes were runaway champions of the Dorset and Wilts One North Division after being relegated the previous year.

The 33-year-old said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the club.

“Devizes did brilliantly last year coming straight back up to Southern Counties South.

“They never should have got relegated in the first place to be honest.

“It’s nice to be going back to my home town club, it’s where my roots are.

“I started playing for Devizes when I was seven and it’s where I work and socialise.”

Gaiger admits part of him will be sad to leave behind the higher level of competition. He said: “I’ve had three great years at Chippenham, and I’ve been captain for two of them.

“They play in a very good league and I’ve made some good friends there.”

But Gaiger has decided his family comes first and he can no longer commit to the long distance travelling from his Devizes home.

He said: “I have two young children and the issue is the travelling to training and on match days.

“Something had to give and I couldn’t justify spending so much time away from my family.

“But I’m looking forward to starting the season with Devizes.”

Chippenham manager Andy Fielding is sad to see Gaiger go and said: “I admire him for coming across to us in the first place to play at the higher level. He did very well for us.”

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