By Sarah Tunney
August 7 2005

Andy Le Chevalier has turned down a lucrative move to National One newcomers Newbury to stay loyal to the Bees and prove sceptics wrong about the Bees chances this season.

Former Wasps and Grenoble prop Andy Le Chevalier, who joined the Bees during the middle of last season, has turned down a contract with National Division One newcomers Newbury.

The Berkshire club were keep to sign the prop, offering to significantly improve the part time contract, but was turned down by Le Chevalier who wanted to stay loyal to the Bees and prove sceptics who think we will struggle this season wrong.

"Newbury were keen on signing me and they did offer a good contract," he told local press.

"But I felt that I owed the Bees some loyalty. They gave me the chance to get back into English rugby last season after I had taken time out of the game following the death of my father.

"I also enjoyed my time with the club and enjoyed the spirit within the team. That is something quite special and it's not something that you find at every club.

Commenting on the thoughts that the Bees are going to struggle this season he added "I have friends who play for other clubs in National One and the word coming back is that the Bees are being tipped as bottom two material.

"It seems that people think that our time in this league is up but, from what I have seen in pre-season training and with the players we have signed, I think that we might surprise a lot of people."

Director of Rugby, Phil Maynard, commented on the news by saying

"It's easy to become cynical about professional rugby but Andrew Le Chevalier's honesty has come as a breath of fresh air,"

"He made no secret about the fact that Newbury were after him and also that he had turned down what was a better contract than the one I have been able to offer him so far because he felt an affinity with the club.

Le Chevalier has experienced top level rugby in both England and France, and now combines working as a personal fitness instructor in London with travelling up to the Midlands two nights a week for training and match days.