Buffaloes back up and running for start of new county campaign

The fans-owned club, established following the demise of the old Bramley professional outfit in 1999, will compete in Yorkshire Men’s League Division Five. Buffaloes withdrew from the Men’s League last year, just months after winning their competition’s Grand Final, due to a lack of players and coaching staff.

Now former Hunslet player Steve Langton, whose brother Barry played professionally for Bramley and son Tom featured for Buffaloes in the fourth tier, has been appointed coach for the 2016 campaign, which begins against Nevison Knights at Bramley Phoenix on April 30.

Langton said: “I’m incredibly excited by the challenge ahead. We are, in effect, starting off from scratch having missed out on last season, but I’ve already begun the recruitment process.

“We are interested in any talented rugby players in west Leeds looking to make their mark.

“I’m keen to keep it local and it will be a good opportunity for young players to represent Bramley and perform in front of arguably the biggest crowds outside of the professional game.

“I’ve been involved as a player and coach with Bramley Rugby Union for a number of years. It’s a union club with strong links to the 13-a-side code and I’ll be hoping to build on that in the months ahead.”

Buffaloes chairman Martyn Cheney described Langton as a “natural appointment”.