The future starts here for Rotherham Titans

The club's illustrious past includes a rapid rise up the leagues, two years in the Premiership, a cup win at Twickenham, matches in Europe and several years in the Championship. 

The last five years have been one of decline, with relegation to the third tier of the domestic game (National One) followed by a drop to the fourth tier (National Two).

Now, as the club looks forward to its centenary campaign, current head coach Gary Pearce wants it to be the start of a fresh chapter.

He said: “The club has got a lot of history and we know that, but that was yesterday.

“Tomorrow we're in National Two North and we need to make our own history as a club. It's what we do from now which affects everything.

“Of course it would be nice to get back to National One but we have a long way to go."

Titans ended last season with six straight wins to finish fourth, one place lower than in 2021/22.

It was a disappointment for a club with a competitive playing budget and one of the best fan bases in the area.

But the late pick-up in form was also a sign that Pearce, who only took over in January, is getting to grips with things.

The Welshman has won promotions from Titans' current division with both Hull Ionians and Hull RUFC.

“This league is a hard league to get out of,” he said. “It's real tough because all the clubs are nearby and it adds that bit of edge and you're relying on that man in the middle.

“You've got to be good to go all year (unbeaten) and if you lose one or two games you are doing really well.

“You are going to have your ups and downs at one point and injuries will come in but overall momentum is everything and that's what we want next season.”

Titans, bolstered by several new players, begin their National Two North campaign at home to newcomers Billingham on Saturday, September 2.

Their first pre-season warm-up game is a trip to take on Guernsey on Saturday, August 19. The following Friday Pearce’s men welcome Durham University to Clifton Lane. The students are expected to provide a good test.