Rugby Club Magazine issue 94

Welcome to our last edition of 2022!

As a magazine we speak to grassroots rugby club members day in and day out, from Lands’ End to John O`Groats and beyond. You may not be surprised to hear that there are many differences between Rugby Clubs but many many

more similarities. Among the unsung heroes are the mini, junior and senior coaches who help encourage our players, and in particular water the imagination and passion for this great sport within our youngest of members. Then there are the tireless workers, committee members, supporters, parents, sponsors and players that all contribute in their own way.

The biggest similarity is the friendships, unity, respect and sportsmanship and all the other adjoining values which if not completely unique to rugby are very much concentrated at a high level in our sport and throughout the world! The differences are just the position we play or use to play. Arguments and disagreements are always left on the pitch and if they happen in our club they are more often than not amicably resolved in the great spirit of rugby!

A good friend who played rugby all over the globe once said to me: If you play Rugby anywhere in the world you will find 14 pals! Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year from all of us at Rugby Club Mag!

CONTENTS 74

Harpenden Rugby Football Club

Harpenden’s Mixed Ability team was established in 2017/2018 season in partnership with Saracens Sports Foundation’s Project Rugby.

Leicester Forest Rugby Football Club

The club’s priority is to create a social environment for the members and supporters in which everyone feels welcome and included.

Lydney Rugby Football Club

For a town with a population which has only recently exceeded 10,000, Lydney has more than held its own against clubs from bigger towns.

Saltash Rugby Football Club

The Saltash Rugby Club was formed in 1969. The town was expanding following the construction of the Tamar bridge in 1962 while rugby was becoming popular.

Wisbech

Rugby Football Club

Wisbech RUFC has been part of the rugby education of several players that have gone to play in the National Leagues.

Stafford Rugby Football Club

Stafford Rugby Club is like a huge family and it’s an important part of life.

Oxford Harlequins

Rugby Football Club

The ambition is to be the most successful amateur community club in the region.

Bream Rugby Football

Club

There are some very exciting times at Bream and are in the process of getting a brand-new energy efficient clubhouse.

Didsbury

Toc H

Rugby Football Club

TOC H was the way the signallers pronounced the letters T H, the initials for Talbot House.

Gordon League Rugby Club

Gordon League is a great club to be part of. This is mainly due to the friendly welcome everyone gets when they join the club.

Vipers

Rugby Football

Club

This club is a great place to meet and make lifelong friends.

Stroud Rugby Football Club

`One Club` On and off the field!

Wimborne Rugby Club

Exciting times are afoot for the club as they are in the process of securing a new facility,

Blackheath Rugby Club

Blackheath Rugby is built on people doing great things, full of passion and determination, but with a keen eye for the future.

Camborne Rugby Football Club

The feel-good factor has cascaded through all sections of the club!

88 92

Eastbourne Rugby Football Club

A great family club.

Stone Rugby Football Club

Changing lives for the better.

Harpenden RFC

As President of Harpenden Rugby Football Club (HRFC) I am proud to extol the ethos behind our club and to have been part of an organisation that has grown beyond recognition since it was founded in 1920, both on and off the pitch.

I played my 1st game for the 1st team at 17 years of age in 1979 and went on to play an excess of 500 first team games, I was Captain over several years, Chairman, Director of Rugby etc. and now President. In my 43 years at HRFC, I have seen us win notably the U17’S national cup in 2008 and the National Junior NPI Cup at Twickenham in 1997 and many more accolades throughout each section of the club over many seasons.

We have several players from the junior/mini section who have gone on to play for the British Lions and their country namely Owen Farrell, George Ford, Maro Itoje, Jack Singleton, Ralph Adams-Hale

and Max Eke looks to be following in their footsteps having recently Captained Saracens Academy and played for England U18’s. Harpenden are especially proud of Sarah McKenna who played for England at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, they all personify what we all say about playing rugby at Harpenden, it is ‘the field of dreams’

Our First XV, who play in Regional 1 South East (level 5), have a deep sense of pride that we are CASC registered (community amateur sports club) which means we don’t pay players and as a very proud main sponsor for more than 30 years, I know how important it is that sponsors know that the money is invested, in whole, into the development of facilities/1st class coaching and player development programmes etc. The players have a sense of pride and want to be part of a club that is all inclusive and cares about its community and the traditional values of our great

game which is unique in sport throughout the world!

Our junior boy’s and girls section have teams for every year group and we have a successful senior ladies section with the recent introduction of a disability section that makes HRFC a truly all-inclusive rugby club.

Harpenden have a wealth of quality coaches and volunteers throughout all sections such as Joe Worsley, Charlie Hodgson, and Matt Davies, to mention a few, who put so much time, effort, and dedication into the club and demonstrate that rugby is ‘not only a game but a way of life’.

Off the pitch we hold a Fireworks Event every year which is one of the largest in Hertfordshire attracting over 4,000 people where local schools also benefit financially. Aditionally we have the only “National Pub 7’s” tournament every year now into its 53 year and still as popular as ever. In 2019 we were awarded an England Rugby AGP and are now able to host regular training sessions for Saracen’s, and many other organisations such as Hertfordshire Referees and the inter-service games between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

You can see why, as President of Harpenden Rugby Football Club, I feel somewhat humbled that I head up a club with such a rich history and strong ethical values, that contributes so much to the game that we all love, and that Harpenden RFC is a real “Community Rugby Club!”

100 YEARS OF CLUB HISTORY

THE EARLY YEARS!

In the wake of the First World War in 1919 a group of enterprising enthusiasts got together in Bunty’s Cafe on the High Street and formed an embryonic club under the name of “Harpenden Old Public School Boys”.

Following a number of away games mainly against school sides over the coming years the club finally decided to find itself a home ground and thus the club Harpenden Rugby Football Club was formed on 2nd March 1921 with the official colours of fawn (brown) and white and a pitch on Rothamsted Park with a changing room behind the Cock Inn.

The stay at Rothamsted didn’t last long as the Lady of Manor brought an end to ‘rugger’ matches as they were thought to attract ‘rough loiterers’ (Plus ça change!)

Forced to find a new ground the club then rented a field in Townsend Lane and used a barn to the rear of the Cross Keys Inn as changing facilities. The distance between the two was so large a motor coach was hired to transport the players to and fro.

The itinerant nature of the club continued as the members looked to find a more permanent home. In 1925 A 2 ½ acre plot was found behind the Waterworks for a princely fixed rent of £45 per annum. The ground was rolled and changing rooms were constructed - a home for HRFC.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS

Decades before the advent of league rugby it was local reputation and a keen Fixture Secretary that would bring about a competitive calendar for a club’s sides. The first few seasons were roundly considered a success with significantly more wins than losses and a fixture list that included Old Albanians, Barnet, Harrow and West Herts.

As time went on the club grew in membership with a 3rd XV being introduced in 1928. The coffers also expanded allowing continual

improvement of facilities including enlarging the pitch, installing a second playing surface and extending the pavilion, all projects fulfilled by volunteers as willingly in the 1920s as they are today.

By 1936 the club was attracting quite some interest from local people and facilities for spectators were rudimentary to say the least, consisting of only duckboards on top of the boggy turf. It was then decided that funds should be raised for the construction of a grandstand. This was opened ahead of a match against Old Georgians by former England captain Sir Wavell Wakefield, MP and Jack Manchester who was captaining the All Blacks on their tour of Britain.

On opening the grandstand, Wavell Wakefield addressed the crowd with following words:

“The backbone of Rugby football can be found in hundreds of clubs up and down the country which, with a few friends to support them, turn out Saturday after Saturday to play the game for the love of it, because it is the finest game in the word”

It was also in 1936 that the club also adopted the ‘cock’ as its logo taken from the sign of its social headquarters and spiritual home - The Cock Inn.

SOCIALS, THE TRINITY TANKARD AND TOURING

The Cock Inn was the venue where players, members and supporters enjoyed a post match sausage and mash supper along with plenty of refreshment.

The bar was so full of rugger enthusiasts on Saturday nights that none others penetrated there. John Jenner and his wife, ‘Auntie’ Jenner maintained a genial but firm control from behind the bar. Attempts to break into song were promptly suppressed, but high spirits and laughter were not.

The club became famous with visitors for its levels of merriment, most memorable were nights when the Trinity Tankard had been retained, a three handled pewter mug

played for on a ‘holder and challenger’ basis between Barnet, West Herts and Harpenden.

In 1936 the club embarked on its first tour alongside Hertfordshire friends and rivals Barnet and West Herts. The tour took in a significant chunk of the South coast with matches against Bournemouth, Dorchester and Sidmouth a round trip of over 400 miles, not an insignificant undertaking in those days!

In the following seasons the touring parties visited East Anglia and Kent before life and rugby took an abrupt seven year interruption as members of the club were fully engaged in the war effort both at home and abroad.

THE POST WAR YEARS

Ensuring that the club remained a viable entity as a rugby club after years of unparalleled conflict, struggle and loss through the war was the priority for those who had not been absorbed into the forces. This was made possible by letting out the club’s field to firms who had been evacuated from London and by penning innumerable letters to the authorities to explain why the club were unable to pay income tax or rates on its assets.

However, the war itself had a heavy toll on the playing membership. Out of the 65 registered players, 12 paid the ultimate price. Their names below, are still displayed in memorium in the clubhouse.

• J. E.Vine

• R. G. Ferguson

• K.MwLockhart

• R. P. Nelson

• M. L. Doble

• K. M. H. Bond

• P. C. Nangle

• A.F Struthers

• J. Sargent

• A. E.Taylor

• G. Stokcen

• W. G. Lane

In many ways the club was fortunate when thoughts returned to the resumption of rugby that the home ground still remained. Many clubs up and down the nation had seen their pitches requisitioned or ploughed up to aid the war effort.

The club re-equipped itself and refinanced itself through the good fortune of inheriting £100 from each of K.M Lockhart and R.P Nelson who had tragically lost their lives in the war. Many post war issues presented themselves such as rationing of clothing for kit, petrol and food. However, by 1946 the club had assembled two XVs with great enthusiasm for the future.

The rugby itself very much picked up from where it left off prior to the war, Harpenden recording a healthy level of victories compared to defeats.

However, difficulties with transport meant that clubs south of the Thames no longer featured on the fixture list.

More local clubs were added to the list, Letchworth, Mill Hill, Chiltern, Aylesbury, Ealing, Osterley, Old Gaytonians, Old Hertfordians and Old Elizabethans were all taken on with some very even matches.

The tradition of touring continued from the start of the 1950s with the club joining a number of ‘rugger festivals’ over the early part of the decade to Bournemouth, Yarmouth, Tonbridge and the Isle of Man. The club even hosted visiting touring teams with particular highlights being games against French club L’Iris Club de Lambarsat from Lille in 1950 and a Spanish touring side in 1953.

Sevens rugby was also reinvigorated with the club contributing multiple players to the Old Georgians side that won the Hertfordshire 7-a-side competition in 1947 and 1955.

Ever was it thus on the question of whether there was sufficient playing members to sustain a 4th XV. 80 registered was no guarantee of 60 effectives on a given Saturday afternoon. But, with an ex 1st XV captain in J.R Tulloch handed the captaincy and the side given the moniker of ‘The Vikings’ the 4th XV was born. Rugby was secured for players of all abilities at HRFC as remains the case to this day.

THE OFF FIELD REBUILD

The only change to the club’s ground during war years was a part of the clubs land being turned into a grass tennis court. These were converted back to playing fields appropriately enough by two German prisoners of war.

Naturally, following 6 years of next to no use the clubs facilities were in need of a facelift. With minimal finances available an ex army hut was acquired to house the newly comissioned war memorial plaque and served a double purpose as tea room and the ‘Dalkieth Club’ which was a licensed bar that the club were able to serve drinks from following matches and before the players would inevitably move on to The Cock Inn.

Continual improvements to the ground and facilities were the order of the day

Firstly the Academy at Harpenden is set up to keep our U17’s and U18’s playing rugby. Its designed to be an aspirational set up that provides a brilliant season for all players (no matter what their ability) to learn and grow in a fantastic and safe environment. The academy provides a pathway into senior rugby either at our amazing club or onto university. Our goal is to keep them playing rugby wherever they may end up.

We try where appropriate for the individual players to train with the senior squads through the season and manage very carefully their first few senior games, making sure its safe and the level is appropriate to their skill level while also making it a safe and welcoming experience.

Last season was a benchmark year. We had 13 academy players who played senior rugby, three of which played in our promotiongaining 1st XV. The Academy also made last 16 of the National Cup. One player has now formally signed with Saracens Academy. We also had a further 3 players represent Herts U18s.

In terms of retaining these players once they move on to university, we also arranged 3 returning students games, via our Old Boys network.

Like most clubs, player retention is a key concern at this age group with multiple distractions for players. Each season we survey formally and informally the players, and sometimes the parents, so we understand each player’s motivations and can best support everyone on their rugby journey.

with the playing surfaces being improved from the usual mid season bog thanks to investment in drainage on the first team pitch. The installation of electricity and a 40ft flagpole resplendent with a brown flag with a white cockerel further enhanced the status of the club as premier sports club in the area.

THE EVENTS THAT SHAPED US

Following on from the continual development and growth of the club in the post war period there were several key changes and improvements that shaped the club into the inclusive, all year round rugby environment that it is today.

The aging facilities of Overstone Road were becoming increasingly inadequate for a club of Harpenden’s size and the hunt started for a new ground in the 1950s. It wasn’t until 1964 that the club sold it’s existing ground for development to build a new, at that time, state of the art clubhouse on Redbourn Lane on the outskirts of town. The new clubhouse opened in the 1964/5 season with 3 pitches, a brand new 5,000 sq ft clubhouse and a grandstand; a far cry from two muddy pitches and two huts.

Two more pitches, a

training area and a car park were added over the next few years. Two squash courts were completed in 1968 with a third added in 1974 and additional accommodation added in 1979. The provision of squash courts allowed the Harpenden Squash Club, previously without a home in the town, to have a base.

Another key event in this period was the establishment of a mini and junior section. It is difficult to imagine our club without this thriving and lively section these days. However, outside of schools, not a great deal of rugby was played.

Over the decades intrepid parents and volunteers have shared their enthusiasm for the sport with the youngsters of Harpenden. The club now bursting at the seams on Sunday mornings and weekday evenings with all age groups. This section has gone on to provide enjoyment for thousands of young people and has nurtured talent that has gone on to represent the club’s senior sides, Hertfordshire County, the London and SE region, England, The Barbarians and The British and Irish Lions. The legacy of which can be seen adorned on the clubhouse walls with great pride.

The modern era of league rugby and the advent of

professionalism beckoned for the club and with it came great opportunity.

Our Junior section has produced a number of homegrown players to go on to play Premiership rugby, with Ralph Adams-Hale (Saracens), Elizabeth Shermer (Worcester Warriors) and Izzy Winters (Loughborough Lightning) still playing this season.

The 2019 World Cup was especially good for HRFC as four former juniors were in the England World Cup squad. England Captain, Owen Farrell; Maro Itoji; George Ford and Jack Singleton, who had been with the club all through minis and juniors. The club was heaving for every World Cup match, with over 600 supporters cheering on the boys in the final, requiring an additional cinema-size screen on the AGP.

Continuing with the International theme, Sarah McKenna, another junior, is part of the Red Roses World Cup 2022 squad, having made her debut in 2011

As recent as last year, Jevaughn Warren and Max Eke played for England U20s and U18s, respectively.

Finally, Anthony Woodthorpe, who played in the same junior team as Maro Itoji, has been a Premiership referee since 2019. He also refereed his first International - Russia vs Georgia - in 2018.

The women and girls section looks to kick off the 20222023 campaign with new changes in girls ages bands and the senior women entering into a new league. The start of the season is a perfect time to reflect on the past, present and future of the women and girls sections at Harpenden RFC.

In 2016 the original founding women’s team was established. Self named the ‘Harpenden Bad Habits’ the team entered as total novices into their very first merit league. Those founding members began the team that would go onto rise up through the leagues to the position they are now, a competitive team in the RFU Women’s NC2 South East (North) League. After a successful season which saw Harpenden Women secure 2nd place in the league the highest the team has ever achieved the team are going into the new season with a renewed fire and more determination than ever!

The new girls’ age bands, the RFU have newly introduced this season,

now means there are an U12, U14, U16 and U18 age groups. Due to the changes in age bands, we unfortunately have been unable to sustain the U18s girls team in 22/23 due to no players qualifying to progress onto the U18s age group this season and existing players leaving for university. A number of players have made the decision to remain with the club until they are old enough to be eligible to play seniors whilst our university players have promised to come back and play during the holiday period.

The new age banding with girls’ rugby now has the addition on an U12s girls’ team. With the Womens’ Rugby World Cup recently being played, all our focus has been on raising the profile of the sport and recruiting new players both junior and senior to the club. Recruitment flyers have been shared with local schools and we continue to build on the success of last season. The 2022/2023 will see all Harpenden Girls’ squad competing in the Bucks Invitational League, which promises to provide lots of competition and fun.

Harpenden’s Mixed Ability team was established in 2017/2018 season in partnership with Saracens Sports Foundation’s Project Rugby. The idea behind the initiative is to encourage adults with learning difficulties to participate in tag rugby and experience the numerous benefits that rugby brings to health, social well-being and selfconfidence.

Over the last couple of years, we have trained weekly in all weathers and have been lucky enough to train with some great players such as Jack Singleton, Owen Farrell and Alex Lozowski.

We have attended regular tournaments competing against other Mixed Ability teams from local rugby clubs, such as Hertford, Welwyn and Fullerians. These tournaments were hosted by the local clubs, and we also played several tournaments at the Stone-X stadium, these tournaments are the highlight of our season, we love to come together, meet old and new friends and to

test our skills in competitive but fun matches.

We also had the opportunity to play a demonstration match at Twickenham, during halftime of the Premiership Final in May 2022. Few rugby players get to play on the hallowed turf at HQ and we consider ourselves very lucky to have had that opportunity.

Earlier this year we sent a congratulations card to the Queen for her Platinum Jubilee and were thrilled to receive a reply from HMQ together with a photo, something we will treasure forever.

Our team is run by volunteers and our Head Coach who helped set up the team in 2017 has been lucky enough to receive some awards on behalf of the team, the latest being a Valued Volunteer award as part of the RFU Volunteer Recognition Programme.

The team were also winners of the St. Albans City and District Sports Awards, Contribution to Disability Sport in 2019. We have 10-15 regular players and are recruiting more. All new players welcome - no experience required. Training is on Thursday evening 7.008.00. Come and give it a try!

rate A greatconversion

Our local community means the world to us – and we’re honoured to be lending our support to HRFC this season.

Proud sponsors of Harpenden Rugby Football Club.

Living locally in Flamstead – and being a huge rugby fan – I couldn’t help but notice Harpenden RFC whilst driving home one day. It had already been on my mind to get in touch as our company, Savills, is always keen to develop opportunities and connections through sport within our local communities.

I wasn’t disappointed and the relationship with Harpenden Rugby Club has developed exponentially over time. As well as the various levels of rugby the club embraces, I have also had the privilege of watching some excellent rugby too. One of the first XVs end of season games I attended earlier this year was not only dramatic, but as exciting a match as any I have watched over the years, finishing with a nail biting penalty kick. My wife Hannah and I are huge Saracens fans –many Harpenden players having gone on to play for Saracens – and we regularly take our son Alexander and daughter Zuri along to their fixtures. Alexander has also been down to Harpenden too. With our third child soon to appear, there will be five of us going down to

the Stone X Stadium in the not too distant future!

Earlier this year we were delighted to partner with the club for their inaugural Charity Golf Day, which raised a significant amount for two amazing charities. Harpenden Rugby Club is unquestionably a great institution and an absolute pleasure to be part of. Myself and all our staff at Savills would like thank everyone at the club for their continued commitment – and we look forward to the club continuing to develop and grow in the same manner. We wish everyone associated with Harpenden RFC all the very best for the remainder of the 2022/2023 campaign!

Harpenden Under 17s lift National Cup Sixways Stadium

May 4th 2008

Final Score: Harpenden 21-Tarleton 8. (Report from: The Herts Advertiser 13th May 2008 )

Both teams fully played their part in ensuring that the match was a great spectacle and a fitting final for this prestigious competition. The large crowd, formed of travelling supporters for both teams, was vocal throughout as they were treated to a game of great intensity. Neither team was allowed to feel comfortable until the final minutes.

Harpenden took an early 7-0 lead when Louis Gabriel scored the game’s first try close to the posts after 11 minutes. Jack Cook added two points with a successful conversion. Tarleton edged into the lead when they finally breached the impressive Harpenden defence with a penalty and an unconverted try. At this time Harpenden were unfortunately down to 14 players following the games only yellow card.

Harpenden then showed both the individual brilliance and excellent team work which has taken them so far this season. John Collins scored a quite breath-taking individual try, as he ran the ball back from 50 meters to score under the posts after 55 minutes and he was also on hand to finish off a quite superb team effort after 65 minutes. Both tries were

successfully converted by Jack Cook. Harpenden’s forwards then effectively closed the game down for the remaining minutes to ensure the 21-8 win.

After the game, played on Sunday, May 4, Harpenden coach, Robin Longden, said: “This is a great result for the whole squad and really reflects the dedication to the team they have shown as individuals over the years. What a way for them to finish their junior rugby careers.

As a club we are very proud of them all and personally it has been a privilege to coach them.” Harpenden: Jimmy Speirs (captain), David Arbuthnott, Tom Baker, George Barnes, Joe Beale, Andrew Brown, John Collins, Jack Cook, Courtney Dodds, Tris Francis, Louis Gabriel , Rory Grant, Adam Hills, Luke Johnson ,Zac Kent, Sean Longden, Ali Mills, Dougie Norris, Tom Rhodes, Michael Singleton, Toby Turk, Gus Williams.

Note*: The majority of The National Cup winners U`17s went on to play for Harpenden’s senior sides and at least 5 still do including the Captain Jimmy Spears who is still playing in the clubs 1st XV.

HARPENDEN were confirmed as the best Under 17s rugby team in the country after winning the RFU National Cup, they beat Lancashire champions Tarleton in the final played at Sixways Stadium, home of Guinness Premiership side Worcester.

"Harpenden RugbyClubis unquestionablya greatinstitution and an absolute pleasureto bepartof!

"

BOYDEN

Having played rugby at what can most flatteringly be described as an amateur level for the last forty years, I first got involved at Harpenden Rugby Club when I moved to the area in 2014. Harpenden RFC is the epitome of a true family club. Like many other parents, I take the field in the 3rd XV whilst my children play in the minis on Sundays.

At Harpenden, you immediately notice how meaningful the club is to its players, members, and the wider community. From having one of the largest cohorts of ‘minis’ in the UK to producing an extraordinary output of talent from the academy, who now regularly go on to play at premiership level. It’s hard not to admire the levels of attainment across the entire club given its amateur status.

After making it through the pandemic, at a time when sports clubs up and down the country were struggling to stay afloat, it’s been fantastic to see Harpenden rebound and continue to grow. The 1st XV team have thrived under new direction, building a winning team mindset

alongside one that offers leadership and fosters talent across the rest of the club.

Boyden – an executive search, interim management and leadership consulting firm who have been building high performing teams since 1945 – is a proud sponsor of Harpenden Rugby Club and looks forward to further building our relationship on and off the pitch, and contributing to a fantastic community hub that is fostering the next generation of leaders.

"AtHarpenden,you immediatelynotice howmeaningful the club is to its players,members, and the wider community.

"

CONSTRUCTION

I have always been aware of Harpenden RFC but even more so since it upgraded their facilities with a new Artificial pitch which has allowed the club to attract a wider audience. It is great for our community especially on the youth training side as this allows all year round play and pretty much 24/7. I play football there on Monday night, just with a group of friends, but I know there is a Vets football league that plays after which also seems really popular.

As a company we carried out some repairs on the drainage at the club and got introduced to Sean and Maxine who both do a fantastic job. I thought it would be a good idea to help support the club and

being a fairly new local business, it made sense for us to become a sponsor.

The Club has a fantastic set up all the way from youth to the first XV that relies on a lot of willing volunteers to work and keep everything moving in the right direction; I take my hat off to them all.

Harpenden have an annual Fireworks Display which is top drawer which I have had the pleasure in attending. They also have an annual Pub 7s tournament which draws in a big crowd.

I would just like to encourage all the people at Harpenden Rugby Club to keep up the good work, I think that with the many able people they have at the club, and their recent facility upgrades, the club is really going to get stronger and stronger and I wish them all the best for the future!

A GREAT DAY OUT!

The 3rd May 1997, the same day that Katrina and The Waves were victorious in the Eurovision Song Contest will forever be etched into the memories of not just those who love the kitsch continental singing contest but also to all of the rugby supporters of Harpenden and the surrounding area. As the club brought home the NPI Junior Cup following a victory at Twickenham over Cheshire club Crewe and Nantwich by 34 points to 31 after extra time in front of over 2,000 spectators. This enormous achievement was no flash in the pan, it came on the back of number of seasons of sustained success. After dropping in Herts League 1 in the mid 90s, the club began to climb back through the tables. Winning that same

league in the 1995/1996 season, followed by Herts Middlesex 1 in 1996/1997, that national cup win and culminated in securing top spot in London 3NW in 1997/98.

These were truly the halcyon days of HRFC. Going back to that momentous season that concluded at HQ in May 1997, the team had cruised through the early rounds including a 130-3 first round romping over Royal Hospitals. This was followed by numerous and wide ranging further rounds with victories over Hitchin (585), London Cornish(45-11), Feltham (37-5), Felixstowe (66-5), Folkestone (30-6) and Tonbridge (29-14).

Before the final kicked off, Harpenden were dealt a blow with talismanic captain Chris Wright breaking his foot in the final moment of the last game of the league campaign that had seen the club secure the championship, which rendered him unfit to play.

The final itself was a contrast of two styles with Crewe and Nantwich adamant on employing their bigger pack to their advantage. Whereas the Harps tactics

were very much centred around the running game that had seen them record such convincing score-lines on their way to the big event.

Despite going down early by 13-3 Harpenden were able to push forward with their superior fitness and unrelenting desire to run the ball paying dividends after an incredibly tight game had gone to extra time.

the club and the county in the process.

Last season the club laid on a 25 year reunion lunch, prior to the 1st XV game Amersham and Chiltern on 11 Sep 2021. All but one of the victorious squad were present.

Harpenden Rugby Club has always been about community and provides a great focal point for live Saturday entertainment, free to the public (both parking and ground entry) and a real family involvement on Sundays, with both mums and dads coming to support their children, but also socialise.

During the season we run club lunches, particularly popular with our older social members, and are always keen to support charities. One of the best supported events is the annual Breast Cancer awareness Ladies Lunch in October. The event is organised by Suzanne Francey and Bev Peck, and with many of these

charities’ events has a ‘pink’ theme. Every year, demand for this event outstrips the club capacity of 120, and it regularly raises £4,000

Our busiest event of the year is the annual HRFC fireworks display. Whilst there are a couple of local junior school displays on the Saturday, Harpenden doesn’t have it’s own display, and this has been adopted by the town.

The rugby club provides a free shuttle bus service from the town centre to the club, running from early afternoon until an hour after the event. We also support the local schools, providing family tickets for them to sell, with 50% of the ticket proceeds given back to the schools.

Over the years this has gone from strengthto-strength, and has many other attractions to entertain families. It is compered by the local radio station. A funfair, set up within the car park, keeps the younger children happy until the display, with a large group of teenagers and young adults still enjoying themselves after the display has completed.

With BBQ, a hog roast and multiple bars serving, amongst other things, mulled wine, everyone is catered for. The display is spectacular, with choreographed music. The event takes some organising with Steve Johnson, the club volunteer Coordinator, needing 100 people over the weekend and Monday to set up, run, and dismantle this event.

Our link with the local schools is key to the development of junior rugby with many of our Junior coaches also performing voluntary coaching roles at the schools during the weekday and Saturday matches.

I really became associated with the club through my son Tristan. Tristan attends St Georges School and I felt that playing club rugby would be a good idea for him as the standard of rugby at his school was also good. I am happy to say that he has really enjoyed the connection with Harpenden as I have myself. I decided to sponsor the club too as I was very impressed by their openness to people throughout our local community and their commitment to developing rugby in the region. Best wishes to everyone at the club for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign and for many more seasons to come!

"This enormous achievement was noflashinthepan, it came on the back of number of seasons of sustained success. "

HOW DO YOU AND THE CLUB FEEL ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF THE 2022/2023 SEASON?

On the playing front, ensuring we have three senior mens teams going out every week is key to the health of our senior section. We’re now playing at RFU level 5, the highest level attained by the club, and this now presents challenges.

We are a registered Community Athletic Sports Club (CASC) and therefore don’t pay our players. Many clubs in this league do pay players, and so we have to provide an environment and coaching process that rewards players in other ways. Whilst work ethic and attention to detail are in abundance at training, the club also

recognises that some players are looking for a social and physical release at the weekend. There is a great social aspect to the club with regular themed evenings to get all members of the section together. When the 1stXV are playing at home, and the 2nd and/or 3rd XVs are at home, we look to early

kick-offs so that players can support each other.

Our next challenges, or indeed opportunities off the pitch are around our facilities. We own our 22 acre site, with its five pitches. We are currently looking at some options to make better use of the facilities to ultimately support our growing rugby sections.

Mini rugby Starts at Under 5 level on a Saturday morning. This successful introduction year sees 30-40 boys and girls getting a first taste of rugby before being integrated into the mini age groups. This would be run on a Sunday but the clubs five full size pitches and two additional mini rugby playing fields are bursting from 8.30am long into the afternoon.

Sunday’s see over 700 players across 17 mini and junior age groups from mixed boys and girls under 6 to under 12, under 12, 14, 16 and 18 girls, and u13, 14, 15, 16 and U17/18 Academy boys.

As if Sunday wasn’t enough, the clubs two floodlit training pitches are bustling with midweek training for many of the mini and junior sides honing their skills and getting some fresh air with mates.

Every age group is run by a tireless group of parent-coaches, first aiders, administrators, parking assistants and more. We even have a number of exInternational and British Lions parent-coaches involved; Charlie Hodgson; Joe Worsley; Darragh O’Mahoney and Nick Lloyd within our Junior section.

Coaches are supported with a range of RFU courses which are supplemented by the senior coaching group and playing squad. Just last Sunday saw a number of senior players turning out to work with the parent coaches lending their knowledge and bridging the gap between the senior and mini/junior Almost every age group sees a retired or current 1st team

player, now parent coach giving back to the club on a Sunday morning, many of whom began their own rugby journeys as mini rugby players. The club has had continual success in bringing players through the mini/ junior set up who continue into the Senior men section. Each week over half the players in the three senior sides are home grown

Touring is also a great tradition at the club with over 300 parents and players regularly heading off on the annual mini rugby tour and many of the junior sides engaging in seasonal trips both locally and overseas.

Mini and junior rugby is at the heart of the club and has been a huge building block from which the mens and womens senior sides have grown.

1966 was a great year for English sport, whatever else happened that year it is remembered for being the first year of the National Pub 7s at Harpenden RFC.

Back in 1966 there were no leagues in Rugby Union and the professional era was still over 20 years away. Rugby clubs would arrange matches with other clubs against whom they had enjoyed playing year on year and with whom they had enjoyed many an after match beer in the club house. On a normal Saturday, the 1st and 3rd XVs (no substitutes allowed in those days) would travel away one week (often by coach as cars were few and far between for young rugby players) whilst the 2nd and 4th XVs would travel away the following week. A try was worth three points only, the same as a penalty but kicking a penalty from anywhere not in front of the posts or beyond the 25 yard line was no easy matter with a very heavy slippery leather rugby ball. Rugby Union, like many other activities at the time, was heavily regulated with the RFU forbidding clubs from playing rugby on a Sunday or before the end of September/ beginning of October.

It was under these conditions that a few young men decided that they wanted something to do on a Sunday just before the start of the rugby season and so they decided to start a seven-aside competition for players of Harpenden Rugby Club and a few friends from other clubs in the locality. With the active encouragement and support of Reg Johnson, the

landlord of the Cross Keys, a Harpenden hostelry well frequented by players from Harpenden Rugby Club and the sporting fraternity generally, a fun 7-a-side completion was started with competing teams adopting the names of public houses (so as not to offend the RFU).

The first event took place on 17th September 1966 (the third Sunday of the month so as not to interfere with the upcoming rugby season) and attracted six teams. Word soon spread that the competition provided everything that a rugby player could wish forgreat sport, great competition, great fun and a great social event. Over the next few years the competition grew and grew as players of every shape, size and ability were attracted to the tournament where players at the lower levels of the game could mix, play and compete against the game’s stars.

Throughout the 70s and 80s the competition continued to thrive and often attracted 60

to 80 teams. It continued to embrace social players and international players alike and for a time attracted a higher standard of player than the Middlesex 7s. Players such as Andy Ripley, Peter Winterbottom and Ian Bishop used the Harpenden National Pub 7s as a pre-season warm up and an opportunity to enjoy the fun and friendship of rugby. The competition attracted teams from all over England and from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Holland, the Middle East, Nigeria and, on one occasion, the United States of America.

The coming of the professional era in the 1990s had many radical effects on the game of rugby. One effect was that the most senior players, being bound by contracts to their own clubs, are no longer masters of their own destinies as their contracts often (if not “usually”) prohibit them from taking part in competitions such as the National Pub 7s. However, Andy Gommersall was widely quoted in the

national press in 2007 as having regained his love of rugby after having been “dumped by Worcester” by playing for the White Hart Marauders in the 2006 competition - scoring the winning try in the final in extra time undoubtedly helped! Only a year later he was playing for England in the Rugby World Cup Final in Paris.

In recent years, although the number of teams entering the competition may have fallen to around 40, the National Pub 7s is still a major event in the rugby calendar. Top 7s teams, such as the Assassins, Apache, Samurai, the White Hart Marauders, the Sun Inn, the Orange Tree, the British Army and RAF. Once 7s was announced as an Olympic sport for Rio 2016, we would get regular participation for the German and Italian national teams as they developed towards potential qualification. In 2010, as part of their warm-up programme for the Commonwealth games in Delhi, the England national 7s side, entered and won the competition.

In line with the development of Women 7s, a ‘Hens’ tournament was added to the programme and has been well supported with a number of teams camping at the club over the weekend.

2023 will see the 8th Hen Sevens (and 57th National Pub Sevens) details at www.nationalpubsevens.com

The underlying ethos of the National Pub 7s is never forgotten in this truly amateur area of the game; that is foreveryone to have fun in taking part, whether as a player, official, volunteer or supporter.

WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE CLUB MANAGER

Maxine Gillings joined the club as a parent supporting her youngest daughter in the U6s. Her first role was as a volunteer team first aider. By the time U10s came around Max was persuaded to become Mini / Junior membership secretary, leading to many hours at the clubhouse. Whilst there, she found herself helping out around the club. Seven years ago, when Darren took over as Chairman he realised that to move the club forward we needed to formalise a full-time role, and the obvious choice was Max.

“Monday is a day for admin. I place all the food and beverage orders and review the premises getting together a to-do-list for House officer, Steve Tutt.” The week can be split into sections:

Mornings

Preparation and cleaning, and taking in and sorting out the myriad of deliveries. “On Tuesday mornings, due to our central location and proximity to the M1/M25/A1(m) we have a national company using the clubhouse for their safety-critical meetings. From 7am I’m in providing 50 breakfast baps and welcoming hot beverages for their employees!” Saracens occasionally use the AGP for some of their core squad training. “It’s amazing to see the whole process, with drones, technical teams on laptops and a large group of kit men bringing down all their kit and equipment. I’m always there supplying whatever they need. With so many players and staff living locally, weekday you’ll often see the players utilising the pitch for personal training, indeed before the Covid lockdown, Owen Farrell was up here regularly practising his brilliant kicking!”

Afternoons

There are a number of school bookings for training and matches, with the club pitches also used for school tournaments. “With so many young men using the changing rooms and lavatories, the cleaning of these is paramount.”

Late Afternoon /Early Evening:

HRFC Junior section training, one slot per week, together with other local clubs utilising the AGP or floodlit training pitch. Bar always open for parents.

Evenings

Like all RFU AGPs, Monday evening is reserved for 5-a-side football, where the club sees around 150 players during the evening. Tuesday to Thursday, the AGP is fully booked by Senior Men, Senior Women and Girls, Mixed Ability and Academy Boys from HRFC, together with other rugby club and touch rugby teams.

“The bar is open and fully utilised by parents and players, and we also do supper on Thursdays for the Senior mens squad. Whilst the training takes place, the clubhouse is used for regular club and external committee meetings, a very busy period for us.

Wednesday is becoming a very popular evening. Recently, we’ve had a request from an Infantry regiment looking to play it’s home games against other armed forces teams at the club. Another group that has become a regular on Thursdays is the Herts society referees, who train together, then enjoy a drink together.”

Friday nights under lights!

Over the last few years, Friday has become popular for local school senior matches, other local clubs and Herts

County. The match between local schools St. George’s and Roundwood Park had a crowd of over 500 parents, school children and club members

Saturday is Match day! Saturday morning is used by local schools for matches, and then HRFC Senior Mens teams have matches during the afternoon. “This is an early start for the team, with many staff required to ensure a smooth and seamless day. On 1st XV home games we have our club lunches, so whilst a lot of preparation is done on the Friday, our chef and catering team is in from 9am.

We typically serve a three course lunch for up to 120. We then have many other supporters looking for refreshments, and finally player’s meals, and with the potential for 3 home matches, that may mean 150 hungry and thirsty players.” This is often followed by a great

social gathering, sometimes finishing midnight, with Max here a further hour after that!

The club’s busiest day of the week, Sunday!

Sunday is run like a largescale programme at the club with Minis from 8:30am; Juniors from 11am; Academy boys 11:30am and Women and Girls from 1pm to 4pm. Logistics around car parking, pitch allocation and preparation, referee coordinating, club shop and first aid organising is the responsibility of a specific mgt team. Maxine and her team have to ensure that all players, parents, visiting teams and supporters, and referees are looked after.

“Again, the catering team, working both the clubhouse and refreshments kiosk are preparing from 8am. On a busy day this may mean providing 300 minis hotdogs, 350 junior and womens/

girls player meals, together with 250 breakfast baps and 60kg of potatoes, chipped and cooked. The bar is constantly in use and has a lovely feel with multiple ages all mingling. By the time I get home, I’m ready for a rest!”

Club Chairman, Sean McLoughlin commented

“Max is invaluable to the club. With nineteen different age-groups, teams across HRFC, visiting parents and players; social members; and, club suppliers she has an uncanny knack of being loved and known to so many. A true mother-hen to so many.

Farrell inspires Harp to cup win

(Report from: St Albans and Harpenden Review, 9th April 2008)

Harpenden won the London and South East final of the National Under 17 Cup on Sunday to qualify for the national semi-finals.

Harpenden defeated London Irish Amateurs Under17s 32-29 at Old Albanians RFC in St Albans with four tries scored by backs Dougie Norris, Courtney Dodds, Louis Gabriel and Tom Rhodes.

Owen Farrell added 12 points from three conversions, a penalty goal and a dropped goal.

Farrell - fresh from captaining England Under 16 in the Four Nations Tournament in France - is in his third season with Harpenden, and his second playing a year above his age group.

He was watched in the London and South East final by his father, Andy, who earlier the same day had played and injured a shoulder for Saracens in their Heineken Cup quarter-

final win over Ospreys.

“There was a contrast in styles as London Irish had a large, well-disciplined pack and ours was slightly smaller and more mobile,” said Robin Longden, Harpenden’s U17 coach.

“We were in front from the first five minutes and it was nip-and-tuck from then on.”

Harpenden can now look forward to a semi-final against the representatives of the South West at Henley RFC on April 20.

Leicester Forest RFC

teams we have ever had: from Forest Micros, U7 – U16’s.

The continued growth of our girls’ teams is also providing a real buzz around the club!

Challenges for 22-23 season will be to ensure that we are able to support parents and their kids through the Cost-of-Living issues the country is presently facing…

I would hope the club can be in a position where it is able to look after players who may not be in the best position to not miss out on the chance to play for the club they so enjoy coming too. We need to be able to support the future players of this club! On a positive note – one challenge I do see, is to ensure we have enough training space within the club to meet the challenge of all these players.

I’ve Been associated with Leicester Forest Rugby Club for 16 years now and first became involved when I brought my son along, aged 6, to try out the game of rugby. Subsequently I moved into coaching for several years before finally being drawn into the administration of the club as Mini & Junior Secretary for a number of years and then became Chairman of the club some 5 years ago a position I still hold to this day.

The main challenges in moving our club forward were mostly to ensure that club members, players, supporters and local community were engaged and embraced the club’s new direction and development for the future.

As Chairman my ambition

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND ALUMNI

Leicester Forest RFC was promoted to Midlands 2 East (South) in the 2018/2019 season, along with a strong run in the National Cup, ending with defeat to Northallerton RFC in Middlesbrough. The county bowl was won the year prior.

Leicester Forest RFC have a strong mini and junior set up, seeing each age grade compete strongly in the county and national competitions. Leicester Forest RFC’s Under 17 side won the National Plate in 2016.

In May 2008 the Classic All Blacks trained at Leicester Forest prior to an exhibition game against Leicester Tigers.

for the club remains as strong today as it did when I first became Chairman: for our committee and club to be happy, successful, and sustainable at the heart of the community and to play at the highest level we can achieve across all age grades, types, and genders of the game, within our means; we are ‘One Club’

OFF THE PITCH

We have a simple business model for the Club. To generate as much money as we can from commercial activity and hospitality, and to invest that money back into our rugby teams, and in developing our site and facilities. What we generate in capital is placed in reserves to invest back into the Club for the benefit of

The obvious place to start with our player connections is with Emily Scarratt, (World Player of the Year 2019) who came through our mini and junior section. She moved on after the under 12s as at that time we did not have the senior girls infrastructure we do today.

the membership and local community.

The club’s priority is always to create a social environment for our members and supporters in which everyone feels welcome and included as part of the `Leicester Forest Rugby Football Club family. `

This year we have agreed to invest in several areas of the club.

At the last AGM I said that we were pursuing a plan to extend the club house, but we have changed the priority of this investment.

The investment plans this year, as agreed by the Board is the following:

• Sort approval and planning of a lift in the club.

• Complete the refurbishment and facilities of the club house.

• To Build the new Pitch side bar.

• Sort approval of revised clubhouse extension balcony and a low-level Gym.

My aim is to continue the club`s rise in the Midlands and to be known as one of the best family clubs in the region whilst working with the continued development of our senior, junior and girls’ sections. Also, to improve on our ground with new club house facilities and pitch side bar for members and supporters so that we can all be proud of being part of this fantastic club we know as–LEICESTER FOREST RUGBY FC.

The mood at the club at present is one of excitement, from the senior side and their success as promotion champions, playing in the highest league the club has played in to having two full Colts side and the highest number of Mini & Juniors

Finally, I repeat that the core value of Leicester Forest Rugby Football Club has always been the community and the understanding of a family club. We have always been there to help any member, player -past or present- who needs support. We always welcome new players, parents and supporters who just wish to play or enjoy the great game of rugby!

Whether its support to take that first step back to training, walk through into the club for a beer or just a chat, LFRFC will be there for you!!

AARON PIKE HEAD COACH

My coaching philosophy is simple; create a senior squad where players want to be part of and aspire to join us; where players not only want to learn, develop, and succeed but challenge themselves and those around them to continually improve.

The 2021/22 season was one of the best. We set out a simple target, winning the league. Coming back from a prolonged break due to COVID provided challenges that I am sure all clubs experienced. However, we came back stronger, and even closer as a squad. This ultimately led to players driving their own standards in training and matches, as a coach this was brilliant as it created an open and honest environment where players challenged each other and could provide that much needed constructive criticism.

This led us to being crowned champions and finishing top of the table. A testament to the hard work and commitment of not only the players, but the club as a whole. There is certainly

a bright future ahead for our club, achieving two promotions in three seasons is remarkable, however, I strongly feel we’ve only just started on our journey.

Ensuring that younger players enjoy a smooth transition into the senior game was a big drive for me when I was first appointed as Senior Head Coach, and so I was quick to appoint a HC for our colts’ section who I continue to work closely with to ensure we run, not exactly the same, but have very similar patterns and plays. This creates that almost seamless transition for players into our senior section.

We do also run sessions together over the summer and into the season, where we do simple games like touch rugby, this enables the colts to get to know our senior players so when the time comes it is a lot less daunting for them.

A special thanks to our sponsors at Leicester Forest FC who are invaluable to us. The support they show to the whole club enables us to do what we do. I firmly believe, that without them we would not be where we are todaythankyou!

In 1997, after the amalgamation between West Leicester and Old Bosworthians, Leicester Forest housed themselves on land bought by Old Bosworthians in 1980 between Kirby Muxloe and Leicester Forest East, off of the Hinckley Road.

Our coaching philosophy is based around having fun, and playing with your friends, be it senior or junior rugby. The mini and junior age groups all have level 2 (ERCA) coaches leading them, some age groups have multiple Level 2 Qualified coaches. We also encourage and pay for all coaches to attend RFU courses, be it coaching or refereeing, to widen their knowledge base.

At U16s we move the training night to the same time as the colts and seniors so they can see what is coming in future years. We enter a team in the u17s cup annually which gives interaction between u17s and U16s which then makes their transition to colts smoother. Once in colts, we have a dedicated colts coach, who has been specifically brought in to break `the parent is the coach` arrangement,

The clubhouse consisted of several portacabins with showers and changing rooms, a bar and social area.

Shortly after, on March 23rd 2003, a new, two-story clubhouse was built and opened by British and Irish Lion, England and Leicester Tigers player, who was currently coaching the Leicester Tigers, Dean Richards MBE. The president at the time was West Leicester RFC founding member, Colin Burbage.

The clubhouse, in its original form, included 6 changing rooms with shower facilities, a referee’s changing room, toilets, multiple storage rooms and a bar cellar on the ground floor. Above, on the first floor, there were toilets, including disabled facilities, a kitchen, a bar (and dance floor) and a balcony overlooking the then first team pitch.

Since its original construction, the club has had multiple makeovers and extensions. A club shop was created out of one of the storage rooms. Most notably a grant from the RFU and local councils saw a new changing room built on the north-eastern side of the building. This included the extension and conversion of one of the existing changing rooms into a gym, and new disabled toilets, toilets and showers were added. The development meant that a section of the downstairs clubhouse could be accessed independently, blocking off the rest of the downstairs area. This was to enable more female games

although parents do help out. This gives a fresh set of eyes and more importantly a different voice. The colts will do some warmups, and certain drills together to start the integration.

In the past 15 years the mini and juniors have grown considerably, we believe this is because we have invested in the people that develop the game. They put into practice the outlines the RFU has given us, and 9 times out of 10 take them to the next level (water pistols to teach parachute fall).

Leicester Forest RFC ensures that the players understand TREDS (or TERDS they prefer this one) The big one being enjoyment, sport should be fun, especially on a cold Sunday morning, we think the children who come to us, then tell their friends, is because they are enjoying themselves and are having fun. We hope this continues and that we see even more mini and junior players progress to our senior teams!

to be played at the club, with the recent creation of a Leicester Forest RFC girls’ team - a co-venture with Coalville ladies. Above the new changing room sat an extension to the existing balcony and a grand ‘President’s Room’ which is used to house committee meetings and other social gatherings. The kitchen area was also extended to provide more space on match days to kitchen staff and increase the club’s ability to host functions.

The clubhouse contains an array of trophies and memorabilia from players past and present, including shirts from England representatives and county representative caps. Many plaques from other touring clubs can be found above the bar.

PLAYING SURFACES

On Friday 23rd February Leicestershire Rugby Union welcomed members of the community to the opening of an artificial playing surface at Leicester Forest RFC. The whole weekend saw minis, juniors, colts and vets’ rugby showcased.

The Rugby 365 initiative was set forward with a £50 million investment from the RFU with over 100 AGP’s planned.

At a cost to the RFU of just under £1 million, the pitch offers year-round consistent ground conditions to host multiple sports. It is rented out regularly to local sports teams, schools and colleges, including training for some of the age grades of the local junior football team, Kirby Muxloe FC. The AGP’s construction included floodlights enabling nighttime training and matches.

The AGP is located on the north-westerly side

CAPTAIN(S)

1997-1998 - Michael Beason

1998-1999 - Michael Beason

1999-2000 - Gary Davies

2000-2001 - Craig Nightingale

2001-2002 - Paul Tebbatt

2002-2003 - Jon Saunders

2003-2004 - Steve Piggot

2004-2005 - Deane Mooney

2005-2006 - Deane Mooney

2006-2007 - Deane Mooney

2007-2008 - Tom Vesty

2008-2009 - Deane Mooney 2009-2010 - Gareth Jenkins

2010-2011 - Glyn Johnson

2011-2012 - Liam Warren

2012-2013 - Liam Warren

2013-2014 - James Coulthurst

2014-2015 - James Coulthurst

2015-2016 - James Coulthurst

2016-2017 - Kieran Shuter

2017-2018 - Kieran Shuter

2018-2019 - Ben Husthwaite

2019-2020 - Kieron Stone

2020-2021 - Kieron Stone (Covid)

2021-2022 - Kieron Stone 2022-2023 – Kieron Stone

of the ground. Previously occupying this space was a floodlit playing area, notorious for flooding due to years of drainage issues. The AGP is currently used as the first team’s priority pitch, taking the accolade from the pitch located to the northeast of the clubhouse. Planning permission could not be attained to position the pitch on this part of the ground due to the bright light pollution of the floodlights. The two northeasterly pitches still stand. High winds in June 2020 saw one of the posts fall down. The AGP was voted for by members of the club. The construction of the pitch was halted briefly when bats

Whether it’s a family day out with bouncy castles or marquees for special celebrations

can help you create the perfect day.

If your company is planning on a business or marketing event or simply a staff day out please get in touch!

For the past 7 years, we have been operating from the Ivanhoe Cricket Club next door and have had the pleasure of growing our business using their facilities. We are extremely grateful for their support over the years, but to align with our business growth, the time has come for us to move on and continue building for the future.

I approached Paul Tebbatt and explained our desire to continue our journey by staying local and investing in the community. After a successful conversation, we realised that Clubszone and Leicester Forest RFC shared the same values and passion for creating opportunities for children and young children whilst sustaining local businesses.

‘Be the energy that you want to attract’ is one of our key values here.

An example of this happened in 2022 when we accommodated 2 families from Verona, Italy to fulfil their dream. They wanted their children to experience an English-speaking summer camp, learning the language by enjoying different games and activities. They made contact after finding us online and we wanted to make

this a reality for them. The experience went so well, we discussed the opportunity of delivering our camps in Italy for 2023! It turned out that one of the family members is a manager at a school in Verona and had the authority to make this happen. Our international journey has been unexpected and not part of our initial plans, but good things happen when you’re around ambitious people!

Back in 2015, we got a call from Cristina who lives here in Leicester; she wanted an opportunity for her nephews from Madrid to volunteer at the club. We have built strong relationships with Alvaro and Javier over the years, and

they have been travelling to work and grow the camps in the UK. This connection has now allowed us to set up a camp in Madrid!

Our plan for 2023/24 consists of creating a bridge between the UK and Madrid, allowing children to travel and stay with families, experiencing another culture. We are excited to see if we can make this happen to create further opportunities for children, families, and staff to work internationally.

‘It is amazing how much people can create and bring value to the world if they do not worry about who gets the credit’

This mindset has helped the team expand in 2022 into areas such as Nottingham, Derbyshire, Chesterfield, Northampton, Warwickshire, and Oxford.

I wanted to bring to life my vision back in 2012 with an idea I am passionate about. Providing opportunities for children and young people in a fun, safe environment with no pressure to be an elite member of the group. Finding your inner confidence, building selfesteem, becoming self-aware and being comfortable with your own character is vital to grow in many different pathways in this world. We have found Clubszone has created these environments not only through children but with our staff members too. We have helped people gain experience and confidence to secure teaching roles, work overseas, or become a junior leader to start their careers. Bringing value to people’s lives and helping each other along the way is the aim of the game to reach all our life goals.

‘Never be afraid to fail and be judged for trying. Follow your passion and strengths and go all in, you will be amazed at what you can achieve and create along the way’

We plan for a long-term relationship with Leicester Forest Rugby Club!

were found to be nesting nearby to the planned site. This delayed construction for approximately two months before the pitch was eventually moved in a south-westerly direction by approximately 25 meters.

HISTORY

AMALGAMATION

Leicester Forest RFC was formed in 1997 after the amalgamation of two historic clubs in Leicester; Old Bosworthians RFC and West Leicester RFC. A subsequent tour took place to New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, to celebrate the future club.

OLD BOSWORTHIANS RFC

Dixie Old Bosworthians, also known as Dixie Old Boys, was founded in 1955 by Bradford Northern (Bradford Bulls), Castleford (Castleford Tigers)

PARKING

The club has decent parking facilities, furthered by the recent development of the AGP, where extra parking was created in addition to the pitch itself.

and England Loose Forward Frank Mugglestone and then Leicester Tigers players Bob Beason and Reginald Dickinson; subsequently known as Old Bosworthians RFC. Due to playing Rugby League, Mugglestone had a lifetime ban from Rugby Union, therefore he played under the pseudonym Frank Stone in order to keep his identity hidden. Mugglestone later moved to the USA, and finally resided in New Brunswick, Canada, where he died in 2019 aged 94. Beason and Dickinson can still be found regularly making an appearance at Leicester Forest RFC.

In 1969, after the Market Bosworth school was closed down, then called Dixie Old Boys decided to change their name back to include ‘Bosworthians’ in the title. In the same year, Old Bosworthians found their first, albeit temporary clubhouse - The Red Lion, Desford. Other locations used include the current site of Bosworth Academy.

Old Bosworthians purchased the current site of Leicester Forest RFC in 1980. The land cost £12,000. Access to the Hinckley road set back another £6,000. An article published by the Leicester Mercury on the 19th

March 1980 noted this was an ending to Leicestershire’s “last remaining nomadic club”.

Old Bosworthians RFC played in a navy and light blue hooped strip. The crest consisted of a snow leopard which can be found also as the crest of the Dixie Grammar School. It is noted on the Dixie Grammar School Association that the snow leopard crest dates back as far as the 6th Century CE, citing one of the semi-nomadic, Euroasian, Bulgar Tribes, the Barsil as a probable starting point.

WEST LEICESTER RFC

Leicester RFC themselves were formed from the amalgamation of Old Ricardians RFC, founded in 1955 and Highfields Medway RFC who began playing in the 1920s. Their home games were played at Western Park. Founding members were G Fox, D Townsend, J Dee, B Bell, D Hackett, C Burbidge, G Bosworth, J Impey and PJ (Chunky) Clayton.

West Leicester RFC was founded in the 1962-1963 season playing out of the Westcotes Hotel initially. The home of Old Richardians RFC at Western Park was used as a home ground. The club, at the time, had five pounds in

I have known many of the club members at Leicester Forest Rugby Club for a lot of years, as friends and business associates, and although I hung my own boots up early on in my career due to work and family commitments, all 3 of my sons continue to carry the baton and still play. Samuel aged 22 plays No.7 and Benjamin aged 20 is a No.12, and both play for Leicester Forest when available.

Jacob my youngest, aged 17, fits in anywhere in the backs and is currently down at the Wasps Academy; although I’m sure we will see him in the Leicester Forest

colours at some point! Samuel and Ben have been busy helping me with my business Vale Scaffolding over the past few weekends which has kept them away from playing but they will be back soon.

Aaron Pike is a very good coach and very passionate about his team. As the squad continues to come together and develop their talent and togetherness, demonstrated in full force last season, I believe they can look forward to a decent outcome in the league! It’s great to hear Leicester Forest Rugby Club are being recognised for their contribution to rugby this year and I would urge everyone to keep building on what they have already achieved!

“Delighted to be associated with Leicester Forest Rugby Club”

the bank, four balls and three sets of shirts.

Three senior teams and a colts XV made up the club for their inaugural season, however, it is noted that only a few games were played this season due to a harsh winter. In 1969 the club moved to The Haunch of Venison (Now The (Orange) Tree) on High Street. The Colts team ceased to exist this year.

In 1973 the club acquired its own premises on Granby Street, which can now be found as R Bar. PJ (Chunky) Clayton moved in as club steward, taking all duties regarding the running of the premises on Granby Street. Chunky still works on the bar at Leicester Forest RFC. A fourth team was established.

In 1976, West Leicester went on their first tour to Morpeth in Northumberland. Amsterdam and South Wales were also toured, as well as a sixty-two strong group touring to the Isle of Man in 1981.

West Leicester wore a red shirt with white shorts for most of their history, however blue; green and white striped; and white with dark inverted chevron kits were also worn.

The primary emblem used consisted of a black boar with a banner below containing the Latin phrase ‘In Medias Res’, translating roughly to ‘In The Middle Of Things’; a link to Leicester’s central location within England. Below the banner, ‘West Leicester RFC’ is displayed.

Another rarer, emblem used consisted of a coat of arms, centred by a Tudor Rose on a heater shield. Wings flank the shield and above

PRESIDENT(S)

1997-1998 - Graham SpendloveMason

1998-1999 - Ray Bramley

1999-2000 - Ray Bramley

2000-2001 - Phil Vesty

2001-2002 - Colin Burbage

2002-2003 - Colin Burbage

2003-2004 - Jim Trotter

2004-2005 - Jim Trotter

2005-2006 - Michael Higgins

2006-2007 - Michael Higgins

2007-2008 - Darryl Farthing 2008-2009 - Darryl Farthing

2009-2010 - Derek Clarke

2010-2011 - Derek Clarke

2011-2012 - A (Lib) Wanstall

2012-2013 - A (Lib) Wanstall

2013-2014 - A (Lib) Wanstall

2014-2015 - A (Lib) Wanstall

2015-2016 - A (Lib) Wanstall

2016-2017 - A (Lib) Wanstall

2017-2018 - Mick Pike

2018-2019 - Mick Pike

2019-2020 - Paul Tebbatt

2020-2021 - Paul Tebbatt (Covid)

2021-2022 - Paul Tebbatt 2022-2023 – John Roux

appears a displayed eagle, sitting atop a side portrait of a medieval armet helmet. On a banner below ‘West Leicester RFC’ is displayed.

In 1997, prior to the formation of Leicester Forest RFC, West Leicester embarked on a ‘final tour’ to Bridlington. In their final season, West Leicester’s president was Andy Wain, coached by Paul Clayton and captained by Paul Tebbattthe latter being the ‘18-’19 president of Leicester Forest RFC.

OLD RICHARDIANS RFC

The black boar of West Leicester’s emblem is a homage to Old Ricardians emblem which consisted of a heater shield, centred by a statant boar, surrounded by a trio of York Roses. Below the shield a banner displays ‘O-R-R-F-C’.

Old Richardians RFC was founded in August 1955 by Mr Edward Harper, a teacher at King Richard III School. Former pupils came together, alongside advertisements that ran in the Leicester Mercury, generated a playing base. Two pitches on Western Park were initially used, however, moves to Aylestone Park, the University playing fields, Welford Road, Wigston Fields and then back to Western Park are noted. Public houses, in order of use for post-match entertainments, include; The Mitre and Keys on Applegate Street; The Blue Boar Inn on Southgate Street; The Western Hotel on Western Road; The Braunstone Hotel on Narborough Road; The Richard III on Highcross Street; and The Westcotes Hotel on Latimer Street.

After seven years of life, Old Richardians RFC joined forces with Highfields Medway RFC to form West Leicester RFC.

CLUB CREST AND COLOURS

Leicester Forest RFC’s club crest stems from the statant Hog and Snow Leopard of West Leicester and Old Bosworthians respectively. Accompanying them on the heater shield is a tree, to represent the new clubLeicester Forest RFC.

Leicester Forest RFC currently play in a strip similar to that of the Old Bosworthians. A hooped dark and light blue shirt is worn with blue shorts and hooped dark and light blue socks. Leicester Forest RFC have worn strips donning traditionally Rugby League esque patterns, along with alternative strips with varying colours including red, pink, black and white. Leicester Forest RFC’s current strip is a homage to the original kit produced in 1997.

OTHER NOTABLE CONNECTIONS

Sam Vesty

Leicester Tigers, Bath and England.

Ollie Smith

Leicester Tigers, Montpellier, Harlequins and England.

Taylor Gough Leicester Tigers.

Oliver Bee England Counties U18.

Dominic Groom England Counties U18.

Harry Clayton England Counties U18, England student honours

Rob Tebbutt

Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints.

Bob Beason

Leicester Tigers and England.

Reginald Dickinson Leicester Tigers.

Frank Mugglestone Castleford, Bradford and England.

Tom Butler England Schools U18.

Richard Beason England Schools U19.

“CHUNKY” CLAYTON

Every club has that one person that lives long in the memory. Ours is no different. Chunky has been our long-standing Bar Man going back to his time with West Leicester. His memory is outstanding and is the obvious `go to` if we need a song or little ditty. He is a true character and a true part of the fixtures and fittings at Leicester Forest FC! He is currently experiencing some health challenges but his humour remains strong.

INTERIORS

I`ve been connected to Leicester Forest RFC for around 10 years now and would frequently attend the club to support my stepson Steve play or just for the great social fun that the club are famously renowned for.

My wife Tracey has had a longer association than me with both her brothers having played for the club and we are both regular visitors although I’m probably the one that spends more of my extra time there. When I first started to frequent the club the one thing that struck me was the friendliness of everyone and I have to say that has not diminished till this day. There are still many great characters around who can tell a yarn or two about the older days which is always great fun.

The amount of work and the overall service that Leicester Forest Rugby Club provide to people throughout the local community can only be described as outstanding! From the success of our 1st XV to the colts, junior rugby and our girl’s section it is easy to see that the club is thriving both on and off the pitch. I would like to congratulate everybody at the club on being recognised for their great contribution to sport this year and wish them all the very best of continued success for the 2022/2023 season and for many more years to come!

Ian Clarke is one of the founding members of Leicester Forest RFC and is still known to put his boots on for a match now and again. He recently told Rugby Club Mag: Usually, a scrum half or centre I ended up playing with the Colts who I have coached since they were 5/6 year’s old for their first senior game this season, and realised I wasn’t quite as quick as I use to be! Jamie Ray has now stepped in as our Colts coach along with Saen Sheerer. The overall camaraderie is so important to any team and in any club, This is visible both on and off the pitch across Forest.

Our senior squad have entered the highest level of playing in our club’s history and are a relatively young group but very friendly and engaging. In their first challenge of the season against Oadby Wigs they had a great 1st half, and you could see they were acclimatising to the play, in fact one of our colts, who usually played on the wing, came on as flanker!

Off the field Leicester Forest RFC are not about one individual but a collective of people who come together and make our club work. We are blessed with a thriving M & J section which was started by great club stalwart Dave Stanley who worked tirelessly at a time where it wasn’t quite as popular as it is today. Dave passed the baton onto Noel Davenport and then to our current M&J

Chair David Callaghan. The important contributions of these individuals cannot be understated.

My daughter Harriet played for the club before moving onto gymnastics aged 12 and my son William plays for the junior colts. My eldest Ethan, a club player, is off at Cardiff Met university at the moment.

I have dropped back to coaching our U7`s and recently they were given the chance to engage in a tournament and blew away those in attendance with their ability, high levels of engagement and communication and demonstrating admirably how they were able to take part. Rugby is very much a sport that teaches life skills and often you will be present to witness the transformation of a player when everything clicks and they just `get it`! Rugby undoubtedly has more to offer any young person, more than just a sport, and I feel we miss out on reaching those who are never given the chance or introduced to rugby and could benefit like many of us have from the connections and friendships we have enjoyed. Having played rugby in Canada, some 25 years back, I still have great lifelong friends I played with from back then including my rugby pals from my school days.

Leicester Rugby Club is a collaborative effort providing an engaging environment of wellbeing and fun for everybody; may the hard work continue and ensure this continues for many more years to come!

Mick

Mag:

I took Aaron, my son, down to the club as a 10-year-old to play for the club’s junior section and the rest is history as they say. Aaron is the clubs head coach now aged just 27, a position he has held for 4 years. As Aaron developed through the club, I became involved in fundraising doing my best to ensure a continued and much needed income continued to come into the club. Two promotions out of three have now taking our 1st XV into new territory, the highest they have ever competed in, and it will naturally take time for such a young squad to come to grips with the calibre of teams they are now facing.

A big thanks must go to the excellent and hardworking committee at Leicester Forest Rugby Club, many individuals who give their time are also dealing with the challenges of their own businesses whilst managing family and the club commitments they have taken on. I would also like to extend a special appreciation and thank you to the many supporter who take the time to follow the teams and who really make a difference to the players on the field!

REM MILLS GIRLS HEAD COACH

Leicester Forest have developed four age grades for the girl’s section, including u12s, u14s, u16s and u18s.

Each age grade has fully qualified coaches and years of experience of coaching girls in rugby. We can boast a fantastic infrastructure for the girls to develop throughout the whole of Leicestershire. With approximately 25 girls selected for the Leicestershire County squads of U15s and U18s during 2021/22. Our U15s girls won the first Tigers

trophy at the annual festival held in Minehead last season!

We can also celebrate the girl’s section being supported and coached by a woman who brings a wealth of experience and relatability surrounding issues that girls and women face within the rugby community. As girls’ rugby is newly blossoming, we at Leicester Forest can begin to build a pathway for new types of players and give opportunities to those who may have never thought rugby was for them.

KIERON STONE, 1ST XV CAPTAIN, TIGHT-HEAD PROP AND CLUB SPONSOR: K STONE DESIGN & CO

I first played for Leicester Forest RFC in their junior section, so I know the club very well. After moving on to play at a higher level, and after returning from university, I decided to reconnect with my old club and re-joined their ranks.

Last season was outstanding for the club! At 31 years old I am the 2nd oldest player in our 1st XV so our squad is relatively young, most having little or no experience at the higher level we are currently competing at, however, this has not phased anyone and we have a very talented and unified group of players who I’m confident will continue to learn, grow and progress as the season continues. There are many unsung hero’s in our coaching team, led by Aaron Pike, who jointly have a great knowledge and fresh perspective of the game coupled with a real passion and enthusiasm for our team to do well.

Leicester Forest RFC are a small community of people with great ambition! I would just urge my teammates to keep doing what they are doing and very importantly continue to play with a smile on their face!

CONSULTING GROUP

Owen is originally from the North East of England, where he played most of his rugby as a winger, including a spell for County Durham, until injury, leading to cartilage removal, put an end to his playing career. He moved to Bradford where he attended university and now lives in Leicester where he runs his own consultancy business Owen Bennett Consulting Group. The business focuses on solving problems for businesses within the manufacturing sector. He recently told Rugby Club Mag:

My son Max is the main reason that I became involved with Leicester Forest RFC, Max had a great love of rugby from the very start when he started attending Rugbytots at just 2-3 years old. Born with massive shoulders he was destined to turn into a big lad and these days he plays loose head for Leicester Forest`s

U15 squad. His own rugby pathway included its own ups and downs at times, having a break from the sport for a few years and moving house and school. When he started playing a bit of rugby in year 8 at school his interest was reignited so it was important that we found him the right club. After taking a look at several local clubs and after meeting Dave Callaghan and a few of the players and parents at Forest, we experienced just how welcoming and engaging the club was, there was no contest about where Max and I wanted him to be. Leicester Forest was the best place for Max; the rest is history as they say.

Since that initial involvement I have come to know many inspiring people at the club and I was so impressed by our similar values and their willingness to help & support each other that I decided to become a sponsor. I would like to wish everybody at Leicester Forest Rugby Club, across all age groups, the very best of success for the 2022/23 campaign; keep up the good work!

MURWALLS

Red Roses captain Sarah Hunter, alongside centre and record point scorer Emily Scarratt, and prop Shaunagh Brown, have had their portraits created in Newcastle, Leicester and South London – all key locations that played a big part in their early rugby careers.

The murals were supported by O2, and created by England Rugby licensee and renowned street artist collective MurWalls.

A mural of England rugby player, Emily Scarratt, commissioned by England Rugby and O2, was unveiled in Leicester ahead of the Red Rose’s match against Australia on Sunday in New Zealand.

Red Roses Vice-Captain, Emily Scarratt, said: “Growing up, it was my dad and brother who I looked up to, but I’m so happy that any girl who plays for Leicester Forest RFC and across the broader area now has a woman to look up to.”

The trio are not the only ones in the spotlight; to further celebrate the individual roots of each squad member currently in New Zealand, England Rugby has launched an out-ofhome campaign honouring each player across 127 sites throughout the country including their hometowns. The campaign will run until the end of November.

CAPITAL FLOORS

I have been a supporter of Leicester Forest Rugby Club since my son Daniel started playing as an 8-year-old. Although he was out with a broken wrist last season Daniel has returned and is now playing for the Colts team under the excellent tutelage of Jamie.

I have to say that since I first visited the club, I could not have been made to feel more welcome and although Daniel had time off through his injury the club have welcomed him back with open arms, a testament to the openness and inclusiveness of Leicester Forest Rugby Club. I feel it’s important that our young people are given the opportunity to play sport these days, amongst many other distractions so I’m also happy that my daughter Phoebe is a keen footballer which is great for her and means she engages with friends and mentors frequently in a healthy community environment!

It’s also great to see that our senior, ladies and junior sections at Leicester Forest RFC are thriving and competing so well! Everyone and I at Capital Floors would like to congratulate the club on being recognised for

their outstanding contribution to sport this year, wishing them all the very best of continued success for the remainder of the 2022/2023 Campaign!

Capital Floors Ltd: We are a Specialist Hardwood and Polyurethane Flooring Contractor operating throughout the United Kingdom. Due to our expanding business, we have opened our second office in West Yorkshire where we can provide a more local level of service for our northern projects.

We have 20 years of experience working in all branches of the construction industry including Schools, Universities, Local Authorities, Sports, Leisure and the Commercial sector. We are also experienced in the Hotel, Aparthotel and New Accommodation sector, where we carry out projects to very high standards whilst working within tight time and cost constraints.

Besides supplying and installing of all kinds of hardwood flooring we also repair, refurbish and maintain existing hardwood and polyurethane flooring. All our work is professionally executed and finished to very exacting standards, while maintaining a high level of health and safety across all our projects.

Specialist Hardwood Flooring Contractor

Over 20 years’ experience of working in all branches of the construction industry including Schools, Colleges, Universities, Sports Halls, Hotels, Leisure Centres etc. All our work is professionally executed and finished to very exacting standards whilst maintaining a high level of health and safety across all projects.

www.capitalfloors.co.uk

Lydney RFC

Firstly a Rugby fan trivia question – New Zealand play Australia annually for the Bledisloe cup, where did this name originate? read on for the answer.

home and away on a match day.’

Lydney RFC was founded in 1888, when there were already 8 teams playing in the town. The club drew its strength and many of its players from the local tinplate works, and for many years Lydney RFC were known as the ‘Tinplaters’ later to be called the Severnsiders as close proximity to the River Severn.

Like many people at Lydney RFC, I been involved with the Club from my school days in Lydney when the Club encouraged young players to join from school and form Colts rugby’ comments Roger Pike. ‘Once you’re playing days ended many wanted to give something back to the Club and became involved as volunteers.

Today we are in the enviable position of being able to operate the club using only voluntary help. We have a core band of people who work tirelessly on everything from coaching to pitch and club maintenance, to the running of the Club. Being polite on age we have a number of senior volunteers who do all our maintenance, John Saville who played 246 games at centre along with ex-players Roger Wilden, Chris Martin, and Roger Davis have given a life’s service to the Club.

Dave Nelmes well in his 70’s still drives the tractor doing a super job on pitch maintenance. Nick Nelmes a hooker played 494 games for Lydney, that’s club loyalty, who is our club Secretary. It’s an amazing set up of volunteers everyone slots into

disaster and the Club had never previously flooded in its existence.

a role or responsibility and every aspect just seems to run seamlessly. I am just one of many volunteers behind the scenes that every Club needs to survive.

I always strive to do my best for the Club and community, the grant applications in particular give me most pleasure as you can see tangible results around the Club where the money has been spent to make improvements. I also enjoy designing the match shirts each season as always a challenge to make them slightly different but keep our famous black and white hoops.

I help to co-ordinate our media activities to ensure we maximise our coverage in the press and thanks to Scott Crossman our social media expert who keeps everything updated with even live scores

The first President, Charles Bathurst, later the first Lord Bledisloe, held the position for 70 years. Lord Bledisloe became Governor General of New Zealand in the 1930s and gave his name to the Bledisloe Cup; the Rugby Union trophy competed for by Australia and New Zealand.

Historically there was a strong connection between Lydney and New Zealand, especially the Waikato Province, where a regular exchange of players existed between Lydney and Waikato clubs in the early days.

For a town with a population which has only recently exceeded 10,000, Lydney has more than held its own against clubs from bigger towns, and has a great record in the National leagues, National knock out cup, playing Saracens, Sale and Exeter Chiefs.

In the last 40 years or so Lydney has produced

Today Lydney play in Regional South West 1 having gained promotion last season. It’s interesting to remember more detail of the last few years as it will certainly go down in the Clubs history with the unimaginable events. Back in 2020 events off the pitch were dominating rather than the playing matters on it.

Hopes were high for top spot as the season kicked off, the Club had just completed a major refurbishment of the Clubhouse and expectations were high. However playing matters were almost forgotten with the tragic events that were to follow.

In early February Storm Ciara arrived followed closely by Dennis over the weekend of the 15th February and disaster struck with Regentsholme and the Clubhouse totally flooded out. Being on a flood plain the Rugby Club, Cricket Club etc., are unable to get insurance so an event like this is a total

A herculean effort from working parties, volunteers, crowd funding, grants etc., saw the impossible happen and the Severnsiders were back playing at home again by early March. If these were not disastrous events, far worse was to follow with the deadly Corona Virus striking the UK.

Following Government advice the season was correctly ended 4 games short with the Severnsiders in second spot and looking favourite for a promotion spot with some home game fixtures left. Chairman Duncan Sleeman added’ It was a brilliant effort all round following Covid, not only did we manage to fully refurbish the Clubhouse for a second time but added new toilets, gave the pitch a complete makeover as regards drainage and reseeding plus got the Franchise fully operational.

We also received an additional grant from Gloucestershire RFU of £7500 for flood defences, which enabled clearing flood ditches, refurbishment of a large pump and some flood resistant doors to give us better protection for the future.

internationals such as Chris Williams, Gordon Sargent, Bev Dovey, Trevor Wintle and Peter Kingston. The Club has produced numerous County and professional club players over the years and its junior set up was a huge part of this success, a current example is Jack Bartlett now playing for Gloucester.

Like most Rugby Clubs funding is critical for survival and the Committee at Lydney soon realised the current business model of just a rugby club was not sustainable and they needed to change direction.

Under the leadership of Chairman Duncan Sleeman the Club produced a new 5 year plan with some radical ideas. It was clear the Club needed to maximise the revenue streams it had but also bring in some new initiatives for the use of its facilities with a wider Community involvement.

The most radical plan was to franchise off the Clubhouse so ‘The Clubhouse at Lydney RFC’ was formed. In summary this took away the management, staffing, running and funding of the Clubhouse allowing the Club to concentrate totally on Club matters whilst still receiving an income from the franchise.

The Club also had the

hindrance of a large historic bank loan so another radical decision was made; with two huge car parks at the Club, it was decided to sell a very small section for Housing construction which enabled the Club to clear this longstanding debt.

These two major actions have resulted in the Club being in a very strong and stable situation going forward. Off the field the Franchise

is now expanding the use of the Clubhouse not just with entertainment and live screen TV events but is being used for meetings, training courses, weddings, wakes etc plus any Community events. With full kitchen facilities the Clubhouse can cater for over 120 people for a full sit down meal and has two separate bar areas.

On the field, with the Club now boasting some of the best facilities in the County we are attracting more players to the Club. We have undertaken a training programme for our Coaches to become qualified and thus can offer good support at all age levels. We have a new senior set up run by a Director of Rugby supported by a Team manager plus dedicated first and second team coaching teams, the future is looking bright at Regentsholme.

With the current energy crisis and cost of electricity we are working hard to find funding to change our main floodlights to LED plus installation of new LED lights to enhance our training facility on the adjoining recreation ground. Upgrading the lights on the Recreation ground would enable us to offer it for wider community use throughout the winter months.

Following on this theme we are also looking at additional insulation in the Clubhouse and similar in our changing room area where some additional false ceilings would minimise the heat loss. We are the proud owners of a Bio Mass boiler courtesy of a major grant from Sport England which not only is economic to run but has major environmental savings with C02 omissions.

Lydney RFC has been supplied solely by Samurai for nearly 25 years and we are their oldest Customer. The Club opened a small onsite shop long before the internet took over in response to players and supporters demand for replica playing and leisurewear kit. Club Shop Manager Roger Pike comments’ I have been involved with Samurai now for over 10 years and this continuity of supply really makes things easy plus the products are always great quality.

Items are simple to order, they come embroidered with the Club badge and thus ready for immediate sale. The kit designer offered by Samurai again is excellent and allows us to change designs on our playing kit and easily add new sponsors etc. We have recently started an online shop on our website linked to Samurai so Supporters can buy direct.

This has two major advantages, firstly it saves us investing in huge amounts of stock that may not always sell and secondly online we can offer a much wider range of products, basically everything Samurai sell as stock items.’

With travelling from London each week Chris Green stepped down as Director of Rugby for family reasons, however the Severnsiders immediately appointed the now retired captain Sam Arnott to the post. Sam comments ‘Absolutely delighted to get this position at such a famous Club and really up for the challenge to take the Club forward.

We have a strong coaching set up with Rhys Oakley helped by two very experienced ex-players in

Paul Kiely and Paul Price so they certainly know what is required. Having just won promotion our first task was to assemble a squad that could compete at this higher level. Here we have been very fortunate; a few players came down pre-season to Lydney, liked the set up and signed.

Our youth policy enabled some players to debut in our second team but quickly a few became good enough for the first team squad. For sure more players of any ability are always welcomed but with Gloucester and Bristol on our door step plus feeder clubs like Cinderford, Clifton, Hartpury etc, it’s very difficult to retain top players at our level.

We appreciate most players want to play at the highest level and can even supplement their income with the bigger Clubs so retention is far from easy. So in summary yes we want to target promotion again but realistically top half of the table would be good to get some experience at this higher level ready for a challenge the following season as a return to the National Leagues is our goal.’

The Club has worked hard in development of its youth set up over the years and now reaping the results with a number of the first team squad coming through this system. We try to offer junior rugby at every age group

I`m relatively new to our company having joined just two years ago, however, being an ex-rugby player, fan and current coach I’m fully aware of what a great and historic club Lydney are.

As a company Newspace have had a long association with Lydney RFC, well before my time, we have employed many local people from Lydney and the surrounding towns over many decades and continue to do so. It’s always been a pleasure to attend the hospitality days at the club where your guaranteed to receive the warmest of welcomes. Usually, we take around 50 of our staff and its always certain to be a great day out!

Its fabulous to hear that the club have being recognised for their great contribution to rugby by Rugby Club Mag and to be acknowledged for their continued contribution to their community and rugby

if numbers allow but often in the younger age groups we combine years to enable enough players.

Our experience shows in the younger age groups they try rugby but often do not continue on as they have so much choice of activities today. We do find however that in the older age groups much more stability exists; clearly they have tried many

as a whole. Having coached younger age groups, and still involved with colts rugby at another club, I’m aware how important it is to address the challenges our game faces today. Its apparent and important that our clubs work together to ensure that young players still have the opportunities to play and if we struggle with numbers a few local clubs can come together to make a team; in my experience, although a little unusual option amongst clubs, is a very real and viable solution to an existing problem and with a very positive outcome which to keep our sport thriving.

Myself and all our staff at Newspace would like to recognise all the hard work that the coaches, members and players at Lydney Rugby Club are contributing, to not only their local community, but to rugby as a whole; wishing you all the very best of continued success for many more years to come!

sports but like the game thus keen to progress onto Colts rugby and into the senior sides. We also try to ensure all our teams have the same kit and coaching mentalities so we operate as just one united club. The Forest of Dean is one

of the most deprived areas so it is a priority of the Club to try and attract Children, youth and adults into forms of Physical activity and/or some social engagement for their personal wellbeing in the difficult post Covid times. However with the great success achieved at Lydney RFC in attracting additional children and ladies to use the Club facilities we found ourselves in a serious situation of lack of changing facilities for the numbers we now have using the facilities. Basically just two shower facilities served by 3 changing rooms were not sufficient for the Club need.

Despite spreading times of use over a weekend to the different groups it was proving impossible to fit all groups in during sociable times. The Club Management had identified the need for a new changing area, separate and secure as a priority for use by juniors and ladies. With a planning application approved the Club is sincerely grateful for an award from the Build Back Better Councillor scheme.

This award enabled recent purchase of materials and construction to start much of which is being undertaken by local volunteers, we hope to complete the build within the next few months. Meanwhile we are trying to expand both Youth and senior female players at the Club.

Pre Covid we had been successfully running a senior women’s team and were looking to join a local league. Post Covid however we are lacking enough players to have a squad at league level but hope to get some friendly matches going soon. We also have a number of youth females that are keen to try rugby so we are integrating them into the various age groups during training.

Our facilities are already available to the local community all year round with free venue hire; visitor numbers attract around 20,000 people per year. The buildings and grounds are extensively used for a wide range of community events. For sure we can do more; our ambition is to offer our extensive Clubhouse as a Community Hub where we are encouraging local people to hold everything from physical activity sessions to meetings and events.

From cradle to grave we, aim to serve, not only the rugby fraternity, but the community as a whole. As with many parts of the Forest regeneration and opportunities are urgently required. Just in Lydney and the surrounding area people say there is little on offer to attract social engagement and bring the Community together.

At Lydney RFC we have a superb Clubhouse which can easily cater for over 100 people and has a refreshments bar and also extensive Kitchen facilities. We are based in the centre of Lydney are easily accessible by local transport and have extensive parking so

easily available to all. We are already holding community meetings, seminars, training courses. We already have social groups using the facility for darts, skittles, cards, bingo etc. We also promote weddings, wakes, parties etc. offering free venue hire to all. High on our agenda is to promote physical activity for young and old alike; these can be from simple exercise classes in our Clubhouse or use our surrounding playing facilities.

We are committed to support the Youth of the Community as regards physical activity; childhood obesity is now a major issue for the Country and

believe we could work with partners to develop activities locally using our facilities. We are keen also to support and expand local charities with fund raising activities.

Our biggest event in now for the Charity ‘Breast Cancer now’ where a Forest select Team play an Invitational side organised by international referee Wayne Barnes and his wife Polly who live in the Forest of Dean. The end of season event combined with live music is proving very popular and making large sums for the Charity, Wayne and Polly even managed to get Warren Gatland and Eddie Jones to manage the teams in

recent years.

‘Our Sponsors are critical for the survival of our Club at this level’ comments Chairman Duncan Sleeman. ‘In the financially testing times it’s not easy to attract major sponsors so our philosophy was still to try and target a major sponsor but more importantly try and appeal to a much larger number of smaller sponsors. We are extremely grateful to our main sponsor Cotswold Farm Machinery.’

MAIN CLUB SPONSOR

Cotswold Farm Machinery is owned and managed day-to-day by Simon and Janet Carrington a leading agricultural and horticultural machinery specialist with major manufacturer franchises supplying Case IH, JCB, Kuhn, Iseki, Suzuki ATV, Stiga products throughout a geographical coverage of Gloucestershire, North Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. Cotswold Farm Machinery has been proud to have been involved with sponsorship of a professional football club and speedway club for over 10 years. Through our associations we felt we would like to become involved with a sporting club that had the potential of a bright future with a secure structure and nearer to home for us.

Newnham home, which holds its local community very much at its heart, we are delighted to have become Club sponsors. If we can help to strive for a brighter and more sustainable future for Lydney RFC we will have given something to our community. This is our second year and as new to the intricacies of the honourable sport of Rugby Union. When we have been able to get along to Regentsholme, we have had much pleasure in getting to know the characters on and off the field, with many unsung heroes making match day happen, whether the first team or the other teams in the pyramid of the Club or the members that paint the pitch lines or mend a fence, they all appear happy and passionate just being involved with Lydney RFC.

We see today, whether we like it or not, all sporting clubs have to live within their means and we have always run our business with the phrase

remembering “it’s people that make the difference”. One Club slogan that makes us smile is “Drive on Lyd”. The overall mood could not be more positive, being recently promoted it’s basically one of good optimism for the 1st team but everyone sticks with the club through the good and bad regardless. Visitors can also see the huge progress made with improvements to the Club and facilities, the pitch is immaculate thanks again to our loyal ground staff volunteers and it’s very positive on the playing side with all teams currently doing well. We are one of the best supported clubs in the County and probably in the league we play in, we always have a core band of supporters at all the away matches regardless of distance whilst enjoying weekends in Camborne and Brixham too. Lydney Rugby Club is a real community club; everyone will always get a warm welcome when visiting, you will not find a

DARREN ROWLES, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR, DARREN ROWLES CONSTRUCTION

I have been frequenting the rugby club for a number of years and working in the construction industry I was able to assist the club with some building work. Although I have never played rugby I do enjoy watching the teams compete and feel that this season in the higher the league they are doing really well!

Lydney RFC are very much a community club and I’d like to wish everyone all the very best of continued success for many years to come!

CONTACT THE CLUB Regent Street Lydney GL15 5RN www.lydneyrfc.com

Expectations were high last season after losing out on promotion the previous season due to Covid ending the season four games short. The Severnsiders started the season slowly under new Director of Rugby Chris Green but the coaches soon had the team playing well driven on by the experienced captain Sam Arnott.

It finally came to a last game shoot out with any one of four teams able to win the league and three slots available for promotion. The Severnsiders held their nerve winning their last game and earned promotion to the newly formed Regional South West 1.

ROB BENDALL, BENDALL METALS

My family have had a long and positive association with Lydney Rugby Club and other local sports clubs too for many years. My dad Rob is still a frequent visitor to the club and over the years, even when family and work commitments haven’t allowed us to get down there, we have nevertheless always continued our sponsorship of the club. I believe my dads brothers were involved at Lydney firstly and he followed them along later. The club is of course very much steeped in history and is a real hub of our local community. Whether it’s the football or

rugby Lydney is tight nit and we all know each other.

From a sponsorship perspective we realise that every little helps the clubs to provide team sport for our young people. This I feel is a vital part of life where they learn to interact socially and otherwise and connect with each other in a heathy way.

Congratulations to Lydney Rugby Club on another strong start their season on the back of an excellent 2021/22 promotional campaign. Keep building those foundations for the young people in our community to have the opportunity to play sport!

CHARLIE VINE, EXPLAYER, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR: APEX ARCHITECTURE

I played at Lydney Rugby Club for the majority of my career although I did have a couple of seasons with another club. My journey started in the club`s mini section and continued up until 5 years ago when at the age of 35 I decided it was time to hang my boots up. I suppose having always played on the wing, coupled with a strong desire to avoid impact, kept me relatively injury free over the long playing career I have enjoyed!

It’s great to see our 1st XV competing so well in the higher and tougher SouthWest 1 division this season. Sam Arnott is doing a great job in bringing

the team together whilst playing an exciting brand of rugby, helped by a few new additions bolstering an already talented squad. I have always felt that Colts rugby is such a valuable platform into senior rugby. However, this has been a notoriously difficult area for most clubs at our level over the years. The transition into senior rugby is a delicate matter and hopefully this is an area we can find solutions to for the future.

I would like to encourage everyone at Lydney Rugby to keep doing what they are doing because its obviously working and myself, my fellow directors and staff would like to wish Sam and the team all the very best of continued success for the remainder of the 2022/2023 campaign!

I had the great honour of playing for Lydney RFC in the late 1970s up to the mid-80s. All pre leagues of course although during that time Lydney were winners of a league pre-runner, the Merit Table, made up of the senior sides in the South West. Had a great time playing and was extremely lucky to have played at the time I did. Starting with the ancient and venerable Bream RFC and was with them at their centenary in 1978.

At Lydney the standard was high and the fixture lists competitive and strong.

Fixtures then with such teams as South Wales Police, Pontypridd , Maesteg , Cross Keys as well as Gloucester and Bristol. We also played the Army and RAF each season.

Travelling to The Valleys on a wet Wednesday was a marvellous experience although we rarely, in my time at least, came home with any wins! To find yourself up against Welsh internationals on occasions was not uncommon - a wonderful if often painful experience. Incredible to think too that youngsters supporting the home sides would even ask for the odd autograph-humbling indeed.

Business took me to Belgium where I spent three wonderful years. It was a fantastic experience, first living in Antwerp then Brussels. I joined the Brussels British Rugby Club playing in the premier division of four leagues in the country. talk about diversity, in one match against Standard Liege we fielded 10 different nationalities! Played League matches on a Sunday and touring sides in the week.

1985 and 1987 marked the tragedies of Heysel and Zeebrugge respectively.

As a fund raising initiative in 1986 BBRFC planned a match between a Belgian Select and an Ancient British Lions team. It attracted a galaxy of household rugby Stars, Peter Wheeler, Willie Duggan, Graham Price and Bruce Hay to name a few . All sampled Belgian Beers for the very first time over a fantastic weekend. The Belgian media gave great exposure and over 500,000 Belgian Francs (@£10,000) was raised by the club.

Returning to the UK and Gloucestershire in 1988 I saw out my playing days at Bream RFC, playing my last Game in Prague on an excellent tour to the then Czecholovakia.

I have been happy to be a sponsor and Trustee of the Supporters trust at Lydney RFC and really enjoy days watching and supporting the team. Lydney will go on and we all wish success to the team.

Rugby has been a wonderful part of my life, I have made lifelong friends amongst teammates and opponents. The best times in my opinion, but we must encourage and help this and future generations to keep the spirit and traditions of the game and foster their love of it. Drive on Lyd!

ALAINA SCRIVENRISBEY RE JOHN SCRIVEN

John was a keen sports man from a young age, with his main love being rugby. He has been a big part of Lydney RFC for many years and has held many positions within

RICHARD BROWN, EX-PLAYER, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR, R BROWN CARPENTRY

Richard and his family have had a long association with Lydney Rugby Club. Although he now lives in the neighbouring county of Herefordshire, he can still be seen regularly at most home games.

My dad was a great supporter of the club and my own journey started in the junior section where I evolved into being a front row prop. My career lasted into my mid 30`s but Lydney has always been my club and I will always support them. Hopefully my boys Findlay and Johnny will pull on the club jersey one day.

Its great to see the 1st XV continue where they left off las season and DOR Sam Arnott is obviously doing a lot right. Lydney RFC are a great club with great history and I wish everyone associated with them the very best of continued success!

the club throughout his life.

Beginning his rugby journey, In his younger years, he played for Lydney Colts at age 16. He then went on to play 179 games for Lydney 1st between 1972-1981. In that time he helped Lydney 2nds win the Combination cup. His claim to fame was being knocked out by England International Phil Blakeway!

You would often find John on a Saturday afternoon in his favourite spot in the corner of the blue stand, cheering on his team. In recent years, John took great pride in being made Trustee of the club

His son, Brett, followed his love for rugby and joined Lydney RFC colts team in 1994. Brett later played for the first XV in 2001 following a professional career in the sport. Brett played 150 games for Lydney firsts and became interim coach for the 2018/2019 season.

John sadly passed away in July 2022, following a short battle with Leukaemia. The Scriven name lives on in the club with John’s grandsons Reilly (playing in the first team) and Coby (playing in the junior section), whom he took much joy in watching play and train at Regentsholm.

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Saltash RFC

The Saltash Rugby Club was formed in 1969. The town was expanding following the construction of the Tamar road bridge in 1962 while rugby was growing in popularity at the local Comprehensive under teachers Bill Ryan and Colin Davey , ex Plymouth Albion.

Within two years a second team was launched and a third soon followed along with an Under 18 team aka Colts. Like many clubs however the 3rd XV faded away after the introduction of the league structure but two senior outfits remain. However there is some concern about the lack of reserve teams in the district.

The team steadily began to make its mark both on the local scene and further west, and has won a number of local cup and league titles. In early years the club relied much on Service personnel both on and off the field but gradually players from the Colts began to trickle into the teams and this has been the pattern since.

This section might rightly be called the “ jewel in the crown”. It is rare now that a Saltash player does not feature in the County squad. A few have achieved International caps at this level. Many are sons of former players, as is the case of current skipper James Moriarty, aka Mazza and coach Rob Eatwell who is backed by Ryan Dover. The number of Colts teams however seems to be shrinking.

The club was well served in its early years by founder Chairman Major John Jackett from a renowned Cornish rugby family assisted by Reg Dickerson and Bob Wicks, both RN and experienced administrators, as was the first elected skipper Alan Stafford. Current President is founder member Bill Ryan. Chairman Noel Hill has had a long association with the club both

DID YOU KNOW?

Saltash was formerly called Essa, hence the motto `Essayons` while residents were known as `Essanians`.

as player and Youth Chairman.

He has been especially productive in pursuing the Club’s new status as a Limited Company and negotiating an extension of the Club’s lease with Cornwall County Council. Both these factors will give access to funding and help grow the Club.

But two years old the Club acquired a pitch outside the town but issues with planning, drainage and funding forced a re think . The site was sold on and the Club is now based within the town in Moorlands

Lane with a reserve pitch close at hand.

Local hostelleries were used as a base until the early 80s when the Club built a clubhouse of wooden construction acquired from a local Navy establishment,. This was added to a decade later with a purpose built changing room block with grant aid from the Foundation for Sports and Arts. Plans are in place to extend further should and when the new lease is in place. Members were heavily involved in both projects.

The Club has a strong link with French club Buzancais in central France, dating back to 1977. Thé exchange occurs every two years on a reciprocal basis and continues to flourish. A few Saltash players have experienced playing there while some families have established long friendships with their counterparts, enjoying wine and cider making and the occasional boar hunt. This exchange has offered many members an experience of French grassroots rugby and life

outside the better known areas.

After a number of attempts the Youth section finally took off following England’s Rugby Cup success in 2003. There is a now a full range of age groups from 7 to 17 making it one of the largest on both sides of the Tamar. Some teams are over subscribed and include some girls. In most seasons one of the teams goes on tour. Chairman

Paul Marshall recently reported a membership of nearly 200. The youth teams take turns to assist on senior match days. This initiativealong with the now famous cake stall! - has added hugely to the match day numbers and atmosphere

The Club motto is “Essayons”, French for “Let us try”, (as indeed we do week to week!) which incorporates an earlier name for the town. Locally the team is referred to as the Ashes.

Its great to hear that Saltash Rugby Club are faring so well this season. As a fan of rugby myself I always appreciate hearing how well the club are performing.

I believe Rugby offers young people a great training in life. Respect, teamwork and friendship to name just a few.

The Club shares its premises with a local running club known as Tamar Trotters.

Over the years the Club has welcomed deputations from both the Danish RFU and Tokyo, as Japan prepared for hosting their World Cup.

In 2018 the Chiefs battled their way to the final of the National Senior Vase , played at Twickenham, losing narrowly to Yorkshire outfit Wath-upon-Dearne. The Club flag flew proudly atop the Twickenham stand to the cheers of the many supporters who travelled, including some from Buzancais while others curtailed a stag weekend to attend. Of the squad that took the field more than 15 were local bred, including captain on the day Ryan Rayner. A fitting climax to almost 50 years of rugby in the town.

The Club has recovered well from the Covid pandemic. The team currently play in and top the Cornwall 2 Tribute league, having narrowly failed to escape the drop when the leagues were restructured. At the time of writing the senior outfit tops their division, undefeated after 5 games and winning by large margins. Coaches Steve Hall aka Albert and Steve Down are both former players.

As a company Ryearch enjoys sponsoring the club and feel that we operate our business model in a similar fashion and with similar values!

Myself and all our staff at Ryearch would like to congratulate everybody at Saltash Rugby Club on such a positive season so far and whish them all the very best of continued success for many more years to come!

Summer touch rugby has been relatively well supported while Rugby League has grown in popularity, ensuring added revenue out of season and providing an opportunity for players to keep fit out of season and an entry to

mens rugby for Colts moving up a level.

Local businesses are beginning to invest more in the Club. And as in 1969 the town is beginning to experience once more a surge in population to suggest a bright future lies ahead for Saltash RFC.

Ryearch delivers award winning construction, civil engineering, refurbishment, development and housing projects.

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“Delighted to be associated with the success of Saltash Rugby Club!”

FOURTH SEASON

While serving in the Royal Navy and being based with the 2nd Submarine Squadron in Devonport my wife and I decided to buy our first house in Saltash in 1976. We liked the look of the town and there were a good choice of schools for my two young sons to start at, plus we had friends already living here so it ticked all the boxes.

We were keen to enter into the community. My wife became a teaching assistant at Bishop Cornish Primary school and got involved with the set design of the local amateur dramatics society and also joined the local pottery club. I decided that I wanted a break from 24/7 service life and joined Saltash RFC, (August 1976) rather than go to Devonport Services.

I played regular first team rugby when not at sea and also represented the Cornwall Junior Group team on two occasions over a playing career with the club until 1991 when I left the R.N. and started my own business. I remained a club member and got talked into helping coach the 2005 U14 team. I remained as a youth coach and also Youth Chairman until 2021. Both my sons played for the club at Colts level and my daughter ran the youth section kitchen.

I am originally from Folkestone, Kent and almost feel like a local after 46 years with the club. I love Cornwall, it is my home, I am passionate about my club and rugby in general, the best sport on the planet!

The main challenges have been funding. We have been trying to get a new lease on our pitch from Cornwall County Council ahead of time to help with this and the criteria set by most financial institutions including the RFU. We are now very close to this and have been promised a 50 year lease, this will give us security and the opportunity to develop the club further.

We have suffered from player retention particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic but things seem to have settled down now and players have returned to the club.

We only have the one main pitch included in our lease so we have invested heavily in the maintenance of it. The fruits of our labours are now starting to show and it’s in a much better condition now.

For a club our size which is relatively small we are

fortunate to have a huge Youth section. With youth teams from U7’s to U18’s our youth numbers for this season are around the 230 player mark. This is well supported by at least 40 youth coaches and other volunteers. Almost 75% of our senior team is a product of our youth section.

Future development includes extending the club upwards and outwards. We need more changing rooms and car parking needs to be improved. We have a comprehensive business plan in place to cover our ambitions.

We have a solid senior coaching team. All ex players and of course volunteers. We see good numbers at training which is encouraging. We run courses for all our youth coaches to get them qualified and help with confidence from Safeguarding to Scrummaging.

We have a strong link between senior and youth sections with our Colts spending time training with the Seniors to prepare them for the step up to adult rugby usually after Christmas each season.

The mood in the club as far as I can determine is

buoyant. We have started this season well with five straight wins putting us at the top of our league but we are aware of tougher matches against more sterner opponents is still to come. We remain positive and our Youth section is thriving. We were initially not happy with this seasons league set up as we effectively went sideways and down but we intend to get on with it.

As I’ve already mentioned our youth set up has served us well. We have had county honours from U16’s to Seniors and that has been evident over the last ten seasons. In 2008 one one of our props, Andy Knight was the England U18 Captain. We have players currently training with the Exeter Chiefs academy so we must be getting some things right.

Our main goal for this season is to be promoted, we need to be playing a higher standard of rugby. This helps greatly with player retention and makes recruitment easier. We will continue to develop our youth section and hopefully get our business plan into action. Our pitch, already mentioned is one of the highest priorities and needs long overdue care and

maintenance.

Unfortunately we do not provide any Women’s or walking rugby at present. We do hope to be able to offer this at some point in the future.

We are a O2 Touch Centre. We lay on fun touch in the closed season from June to August usually on a Friday evening for all ages and it’s well attended.

We have an excellent reputation in the local community being the largest provider of sport for the area. We have a regular seat on the Saltash Town Youth Committee and interact with all local events within the town. The club is used regularly by local children’s charities during the school holidays for activities for less fortunate children. Every New Years Day we stage a charity pram race where we have lots of Mother and Baby entries in all kinds of fancy dress with a prize for the best turned out team.

The proceeds from this always go to a deserving local individual that needs financial help usually with travel or accommodation for medical treatment further afield. This year we raised over £3,500 which is a record

amount. With £2,500 being made on the day just by persistent tin rattling on the way round an arduous course, consisting of a visit by each team to the many local pubs where at least half a pint of something has to be consumed before moving on.

Not local but we do also have a twinning with French club Buzancais. This was formed many years ago, early 70’s by Bill Ryan and we now have a regular bi-annual Easter tour to them and they to us. Great friendships have been formed and even a joint marriage at one point!

Second to club membership our sponsors are instrumental in the running of our club. We have one main club sponsor, Pilkington Estates and several other regular sponsors that help with the club and our senior section. Most of our Youth section teams have their own sponsors which range from main shirt sponsors to help with tours.

Saltash Rugby Club, affectionately known as the world famous “Shed” because that is how it started out. Bills history of the club is really important but we had no real home until 1982 which saw the official

opening of the club. With the sad demise of the Royal Navy’s Earls Court Field Gun Competition in 1980, Devonport Field Gun had several wooden sheds that were used by the gun crews that were now empty.

We put in a tender for two of the sheds and got them. From the two sheds we made one good, sound building, hence the “Shed” came into being. Extended to add changing rooms and a boiler room in 1987 in bricks and mortar which made us feel more “proper”.

There has been no looking back. Moorlands Lane has become the home of Saltash RFC and has a great reputation for being a welcoming family club. We have great members from our board of directors to the youngest U7 player.

Everyone comments on the friendly welcome they receive when they visit and new members, particularly parents of youth players are very complimentary on the welcome they receive and the family feel of the club. We may be a young and relatively small club but we have big hearts and play big rugby. COYA! (Come on you Ashes).

PILKINGTON

I own a local Estate Agency business and one of our main philosophies has always been to give back as much as we can to our local community. One of the best ways we though to do this was through our sponsorship of Saltash Rugby Club who are a real hub throughout our region. I have a 10 year old son, Ashton, who is an avid footballer and I can see the benefits that he gains through his connection and friendship with teammates. Any organisation whether sport or business requires pro-active people to be involved in taking the club forward. Its apparent that Saltash RFC have a great many membership of players, fans and supporters who not only make their club a great place to visit and make friends but provides such an important service to so many local people both young and old, Congratulations to our 1st XV on continuing their strong start to the 2022/23 campaign and myself and all our staff at Pilkington’s would like to wish everyone associated with Saltash Rugby Club many years of continued enjoyment and success!

Professional

Pilkington Estates have developed a reputation for being the best in the business. Whether you deal with our City, Coastal or Country section our team, just like Saltash Rugby, brings an energy and confidence to the process that will get the job done without any drama. We are not a team that likes to sit around waiting for things to happen by themselves!

Saltash Rugby Club

`Special Offer`

If anyone who has a connection with the club (fan, member, player, staff or is even referred to us by someone associated, with a view to selling their property) `Upon successful completion, we will donate £500 of our sales fee back into the rugby club!` www.pilkingtonestates.co.uk

Wisbech RFC

I joined Wisbech RFC in 1998 when my two boys started playing for the U9s and U7s. I subsequently got involved with coaching the U9’s and also started playing again for 3 seasons in the 1st XV.

The main challenges faced in navigating our club into the position we are in today has been recruitment and retention of players whether its from under 6s to 60, plus a strong continued and vigilant focus on our financial stability through prudent financial management.

One of the major priorities of the Management Committee, over the last few years, has been the implementation of an effective transition strategy from juniors to senior rugby. This includes when we have U17’s and 18’s sides, form a U18 colts side with their own dedicated coaches & fixture list who regularly train with the senior squad playing adult rugby. This will happen as and when they are assessed and ready to be signed off by the Director of

Rugby. The success of the work put into the transition has in the past significantly contributed to a regular 2nd XV squad with a positive win ratio both in the league and cup.

WALKING RUGBY AT WISBECH RUFC

If you thought your playing days were over, or want to try a new activity, why not give walking rugby a go! Walking Rugby is a simplified version of Rugby Union suitable for all ages, abilities & genders and being a competitive passing game is suitable for ex- players, injured and rehabilitating current players and those interested in a new activity. Players must be older than 16 to join in this activity. If you want to sign up or require further information, contact Roger Williams on 01945 588860 or email beechwood12@ btinternet.com

HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR SUCCESSFUL PLAYERS WHO HAVE COME FROM WISBECH RUFC

(picking up a Guinness Premiership A League finalist medal in 2008) before moving to Bedford Blues and making over a 150 appearances in 6 seasons. He moved on to Nottingham for 4 season (two as captain). In 2019-20 season he played for Ampthill as player/coach before moving to Nat 1 side Cambridge in 2021-222 as their player/coach Darryl represented the South African Barbarians in 2013.

In 2020 he told the Citizen Newspaper: “I’ve been helping out at Wisbech on a consultation basis since 2009, just using my experience and knowledge of the game to help where needed. It’s great to see so much excitement and so many boys here,” he said. “Probably you wouldn’t usually get these good numbers in pre-season but obviously people have had their rugby fix taken away from them in the last few months and they just want to get back on the field. There’s a real mixed bag of players here. There’s players that have played at a higher level, those

that have come through from a lower level and lads who are still here in their thirties and forties after coming to the club aged eight or nine. People like Wessy (Gerhard Wessels) who could play at a much higher level and then those who like a game, a few beers and a social. It’s just great to see people on a rugby pitch again.”

Jethro Rawling and De la Rey Veenendaal. Jethro Rawling: Leister Tigers Academy on loan to Jersey in National 1 and Doncaster in the Championship.

De la Rey Veenendaal: Northampton Saints Academy and Bedford Blues Academy. Spent 3 seasons with Cambridge in Nat 1, during this time also represented England Counties U20. De la Rey also boasts two tries at Twickenham representing Oakham School in the Daily Mail cup final 2011. He is now captaining Long Eaton RFC 1st XV.

OUR HISTORY

Wisbech RUFC was formed in 1947. The Club moved to its present town centre location in the 1960s when land and a building belonging to the

CAUTHEEN O`NEILL, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR: ANGLIAN COMPRESSORS & EQUIPMENT LTD

Anglian Compressors are a premier distributor, service provider and installer of Atlas Copco air compressors. Based in Peterborough, with a client base covering a 150-mile radius, they recently decided to become a sponsor of Wisbech Rugby Club. Cautheen told Rugby Club Mag: My husband Richard and I are great fans of rugby, so when one of our staff, Amanda, was chatting about the great attributes of Wisbech Rugby Club, and that her brother-in-law Marcus was a junior coach down there, we decided to investigate how we could help the club out. As a company we have many valued customers that operate from this region and so, after a conversation with our fellow director Carlo, and Leonard at the club, we committed to a three-year

sponsorship arrangement. Having a space where people can meet, play, have fun and support rugby is a fabulous addition to any town or city.

It’s great to hear that the club have been recognised this year for their outstanding contribution to local rugby and that the 1st XV are still perched at the top of their league. We feel very proud to be connected to a club with such success, and also such commitment to bringing through the next wave of future Rugby stars! We are also fully aware of the great service the club provides to not just the young people, but also the older population throughout our local community. Richard, myself and Carlo, along with all our staff at Anglian Compressors, would like to wish everyone at Wisbech Rugby Club all the very best for the rest of 2022, and continued success throughout the new year! We look forward to seeing you at a match soon!

CENTRE

I really got involved with Wisbech Rugby Club as a supporter when my brother James Patrick, nickname: Po, decided to play the game later on in life. James was 32 when he pulled his rugby boots on and recently played a Vets game for the club aged 43.

I was an avid footballer in my younger years but being introduced to Wisbech RFC and the friendship and welcome I have received, was such a positive experience, that I have never looked back and it has become my primary sport. Unfortunately,

due to other commitments, including building a house at the moment, I don’t get down to the club as much as I would like but its great to see the 1st XV are still leading the league table.

There are about 5 of us, all ex footballers, who have been smitten by the camaraderie and values we witnessed at Wisbech Rugby Club. As a club sponsor we like to help out whenever we can and myself and everybody at The Welding Centre would like to encourage everyone at the club to keep doing what they are doing, be brave, and best wishes to you all for many more years to come!

National Trust Peckover House Estate became available. The clubhouse was a converted stable and pitches were used by a riding club in the summer.

Dedicated club members created a club room with a bar, kitchen and open fire. There were two changing rooms that shared the traditional communal bath.

After long negotiations with the National Trust permission was gained to carry out a demolish and rebuild of the Clubhouse. Careful management of the Club over many years meant that a substantial 6 figure sum was available for the project. The completed project, which was supported by The Lottery and Sports England, provided 4 changing rooms with their own shower rooms, a refs’ room, a kitchen and larger club room. The Clubhouse was opened by Mike Teague, Gloucester, England & British Lions in April 1998.

In November 2011 plans were drawn up for a clubhouse extension which was opened in September 2013. This extension provides additional social space and is available for hire. The Club holds several pre-match lunches and sponsors’ events that see as many as 100 people entertained in the extension. The extension was funded solely by the Club and its very active VP’s Association. The driving force behind the project was Peter Turner, the Club President. In August 2014 the Club started to work with the RFU Lead Up & Legacy program on a social spaces project which was completed in August 2015. The project many club members and supporters who

gave valuable funds, time, expertise and services.

In late 2019 the Club successfully applied for RFU and Eastern Counties Rugby Union support to improve and extend the pitches. A renegotiation of a lease with National Trust gave another full-size pitch and the guidance and expertise of the RFU Pitch Improvement Partnership meant that when rugby returned from COVID interruptions the Club had pitch space that better suited its needs.

Wisbech RUFC is increasingly unique in that it is a town centre club and is the only rugby club within a 12 mile radius of the town of Wisbech. The Club opted to stay in the town centre when the club was redeveloped in the late 1990s. This gave an opportunity to promote rugby union and the Club to the local community. The Club is a popular venue for hire for events such as weddings, Christenings and family parties. The Club is proud to provide a home for Fenland Running Club, Slimming World, Oddfellows and U3A.

Age grade rugby at Wisbech RUFC started in 1978 with over 100

youngsters, a handful of balls and several enthusiastic coaches. There has been continuity of provision for mini and youth rugby since that time. Our age grade teams play fixtures and take part in festivals across the region. As a Club we are always working to develop links with local schools and the age grade squads have young players from nearly all the local primary schools and as many as 7 different secondary schools. Wisbech includes some of the most economically and socially deprived wards in the UK and Wisbech RUFC prides itself in providing sport to all regardless of social, economic or ethnic background. Age grade rugby is the future of the Club. Wisbech RUFC is able to promote rugby union within the local community by providing quality coaching, regular fixtures and worthwhile social experiences to young people from the age of 7. Our current adult XVs contain many players who started their rugby as young players at Wisbech RUFC.

The Club continues to develop its age grade rugby section after the COVID disruption. There

are currently 95 young players in the U7-U15 squads. The enthusiasm of the youngsters to develop their techniques and skills working with dedicated & supportive coaches can be seen every Sunday morning, training night and match day. New sponsors have started relationships with Wisbech RFC and the U13s, U14s & U15s now play in new match shirts thanks to the generosity of the sponsors. The Club will be working hard to attract more sponsorship to do the same with the younger squads.

The parents of young players continue to volunteer with match day food, wash kits, organise used kit sales and help manage the end of season presentations events. All parents need to be thanked for their sensible support on the touchline in all weathers and ensuring players get to training and matches. During the summer the Club hosted rugby camps organised by SL Rugby and a follow up camp took place during the autumn half-term holiday. Other camps are already planned, and the Club looks forward to developing this partnership.

Wisbech RUFC has been part of the rugby education of several players that have gone to play in the National Leagues. Other former Wisbech players have been involved at academies at Leicester Tigers, Northampton and Sale. Wisbech players are regularly invited to join Cambridgeshire RU senior squads and U20 squads.

Wisbech RUFC joined the RFU National League Competitions in the mid 1980s playing in the Eastern Counties Leagues. In 199798, 1998-99 and 2004-05 Wisbech RUFC won their respective leagues within the Eastern Counties league structure. The 2004-05 season was notable for winning 18 out of 18 league matches. Two further promotions were earned through play offs

in 2003-04 and 2008-09. This last promotion earned Wisbech a place in the London Division Leagues.

Following the recent reorganization of the leagues Wisbech RUFC were placed in Counties 2 Eastern Counties. This league includes several of the sides the Club has had long-standing playing friendships with and some sides that the Club has never played before. The 1st XV was unbeaten through September, October and early November with 9 bonus point wins out of 9 matches played. Director of Rugby, Leonard Veenendaal, assisted by Club Coach, Gerhard Wessels have worked hard to prepare the team led by new Club Captain, Jack Malkin. “It’s a real badge of honour when you are a hard worker, in any domain. Whether it is rugby or business or school, or whatever. People respect you, and they certainly have the respect of the team.” Coach Gerhard Wessels

The disruption caused by COVID is common to all rugby clubs and the last couple of years have seen the issue of recruitment and retention brought into sharp focus. The value of playing a full fixture list of 2nd XV rugby cannot be underestimated

I live in March however my children attend school in Wisbech and after many seasons of football, where I was their coach, they decided to follow their friends to Wisbech Rugby Club. I have to say that it’s a pleasure to now be involved in the club and I can’t speak highly enough about the coaches, parents and members who have always made my boys and I feel more than welcome.

My eldest son Ripley who can play in any position, but most often flanker for the U15s, is under the excellent tutelage of Marcus Hall. Mackenzie, my youngest, a try scoring scrum half, who was recently awarded many of the match, is in the great hands of U14`s coach Ben Wicks. As both my boys are close in age, they are naturally really looking forward to playing together in the not-too-distant future.

Microns Precision Engineering are also a recent sponsor of some of the club junior teams, due in part to the shared values we discovered we had with Wisbech Rugby Club. Teamwork and team spirit,

in terms of what this brings to the Club socially and financially.

Club chairman Leonard Veenendaal “Off the pitch the management committee have skillfully steered the club through COVID, a tough and challenging period for all clubs, being creative with a ‘can do’ attitude in keeping the club ’open for business’ on and off the pitch as ensured we return as ever present with a strong upward curve. Under the leadership of former club captain David Wadsley, the players formed a social cricket side the Wildbats with the aim of keeping players socially together playing in the Paul Strickle Mid Week Tournament during the past two summers.”

“The Wildbats has been fantastic for the town, and a real spectacle of good old sport bringing people together after a very challenging period while raising money for charity”

Former club captain David Wadsley

Wisbech RUFC has always enjoyed its participation in the national knock out competitions in their different guises: Tetley’s Vase, Powergen Vase, EDF Vase, and RFU Vase. In 1996-97 and 2007-08 we

and the values these attributes carry, are something we are passionate about installing in our own workers. It is quite clear when you visit the club and watch the players, their coaches, members parents and fans interact with each other that there is a great

reached the quarterfinals, losing to Tredworth RFC and Castleford RFC. The competition run of 1996-97 saw the Club earn notoriety in the national press as the ‘Thirst XV’ following a home win against Stowmarket RFC which saw the Club run out of beer within only a few hours of the final whistle. The new Papa Johns Community Cup competition which gets underway in late March 2023 is another opportunity to add to these great rugby memories.

One of Wisbech RUFC’s sponsors is Elgood’s Brewery who produce their beer 5 minutes walk from our Clubhouse. We have also developed excellent sponsorship links with other several other local, national and international businesses. These sponsors have provided essential support for age grade rugby at Wisbech RUFC, and we are very grateful for the generosity of our sponsors.

Club Chairman commenting “Our sponsors are a valued and integral part of our club, as demonstrated with their generous continued support through lockdown. We have been very fortunate when at the start of the 2022-23

grounding and education going on amongst everyone particularly with our younger players. It’s also a real honour to see our company logo on their shirts as they take to the field of play.

I do my best to be on hand to help during

season, our family of sponsors welcomed new sponsors

Anglian Compressors, Microns Precision Engineering, Shire Garden Sheds and Green Gorilla Construction to sponsor our club and our ever growing junior section’s new match shirts.”

Wisbech RUFC marks its 75th anniversary in 2023. The Club, players of all ages, volunteers, members and supporters look forward to the celebrations and recognizing all the hard work that has gone on over several decades to get Wisbech RUFC to its present position. Plans are already in place to help secure the health and strength of the Club for the next 75 years.

CONTACT THE CLUB Chapel Rd Wisbech PE13 1RG 01945 481500 www.pitchero.com/clubs/ wisbechrufc

matchdays and always happy to run the line when needed. I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone at the club for their generosity in giving of their time so freely and in making Wisbech RFC such a great place to be part of!

SOLICITORS

Many of our past and current directors are rugby fans and with Wisbech Rugby Club being local to one of our practices, coupled with our awareness of the great service they provide to local people we decided to sponsor the club around 5 years ago.

Unfortunately, due to work and family commitments I don’t get down to see the teams play as often as I would like however I keep update on their progress through social media.

Its great to hear that Wisbech Rugby Club are still enjoying a successful season and myself and all our staff at Browsers wish everyone at the club the very best of continued success for the 2022/2023 campaign!

BEN

FORMER PLAYER, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR: DAWBARNS & SONS:

I played rugby at boarding school and afterwards my other passion at the time was racing motorbikes which I then became involved in. As a 19 year old I was asked to play in the backs for the club and fell back in love with the sport.

My career lasted up until my early 40s and on route I had the great honour of being team captain and after I hung my boots up, I helped out on the committee. These days your more likely to see me on the golf course on a Saturday with some of my old rugby pals; and of course the 19th hole later in the day. I keep connected with the club and as a vice president attend some pre match lunches and games over the course of the season.

Its great to see the club are thriving on and off the pitch and I would like to wish everybody at Wisbech Rugby Club the very best of continued success for the future!

RICHARD CAVILL, PLAYER, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR: MEADOWSON LTD

My journey with Wisbech Rugby Club started in my mid-twenties and although I had played rugby elsewhere Wisbech had a huge impact on me and were definitely the club for me. Unfortunately, work and family commitments don’t allow me to frequent the club as much as I would like but it is always an absolute pleasure to meet up with my old friends or on occasion for the odd match. A christening last November afforded me such an opportunity to engage with some old pals and I had a great time!

After more than 12 years as a front row player an ankle injury put a halt to my playing days although I am still an occasional player. I have always felt great pride in pulling on the Wisbech colours. It was important to me, and why I was so

passionate at the time, that Leonard Veenendaal became more involved in our setup. Leonard has proved to be a great asset to or club and has been a great help, along with others, when the club was on the back foot and needed direction. It’s a pleasure to see how the work, input and structures of past times is still paying dividends today, in particular the attention paid to the development of younger players and their transition through to senior rugby.

I have always been very proud of my association with Wisbech Rugby Club. Rugby is such a great sport whatever your shape, size or age and Wisbech taught me many values which I still stand by today. We always enjoyed ourselves and I would like to wish everybody at the club all the very best of continued enjoyment and success, as we approach our 75th anniversary, best wishes for the next 75! Win or lose we’re on the booze!

Local solicitors for the local community

Divorce,

Stafford RFC

We moved into our band new clubhouse with an AGP and 3 grass pitches in November 2019. Then in early 2020 the whole country went into lockdown, as a result all of our plans went on hold. The 2022/23 season will be the first season that we have been back to normal since then. Our ambition is to develop the commercial side of the club so that it produces profits which support the playing side. In terms of playing, we have 23 teams ranging from under sixes to mixed ability. We would like all of these to play to the highest level possible. We are a flourishing community rugby club and we want this to continue long into the future.

Most of our goals are probably the same as many

clubs (i) for the commercial side to remain profitable and grow (ii) regularly turn out 3 senior male adult teams (iii) for the men’s 1st XV to get promoted to the next league up. (iv) to continue building the women’s game within the club (v) to further develop the junior sides at all levels and to make rugby accessible to all. The main challenges are (i) recruitment of players for all teams (ii) raising our profile in the local community to increase income from the excellent facilities we now have (iii) continuing to make the game accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

I first came to Stafford Rugby Club to start playing mini rugby in 1973, I was never into rugby at all before this

in fact I was football mad but when I went to the grammar school in 1971 my form teacher and maths teacher was 1st XV winger Alan Smith and he was also the school under 11’s coach and that got me into rugby. I came down to the club in 1973 when a teacher Arthur Palin started the first mini section up with about 8 or 9 of us, we never played any matches because we didn’t have enough players and to be honest it was all pretty new to other clubs as well at that time!

MECHANICAL SERVICES. I suppose my initial connection with the club came about through my children Arthur & Grace. Arthur started in the minis and has progressed through to the U9`s and absolutely loves his rugby. Grace has played tag rugby but at the moment isn’t able to attend due to a clash with her dance commitments. I`m down at the club every Tuesday and Sunday with Arthur and can`t speak highly enough about the friendliness and dedication of not only the coaches like Oli but everyone that makes Stafford Rugby Club such a great place to be part of!

CLUB HISTORY

The Club was founded in 1876 and our first match was on 24th February 1876, Stafford v Newport, with Stafford winning by “one goal and two tries to one goal” The club played at several locations around Stafford, firstly near the old Royal Brine Baths (Greengate Street), using several pubs in the local area to change in.

By 1912 the club played at a ground where Dorman’s Works stands, on the Tixall Rd. During the First World War all of the team joined the Army, of which only two players returned. A photo of this team is on display in the club house. After the war the Club played at a ground on Rickerscote Rd, changing in the Bath Inn, near

Tenterbanks; players had to walk or cycle to the ground.

In 1926 we had moved to Silkmore Lane, with the players getting changed in town, this time at the Vine Hotel on Salter Street. Again, players had to walk or cycle to the ground, until the Gray Bus Co. was founded.

We moved again in 1949 to a new ground at Castlefields Newport Road under a 99 year lease from Lord Stafford. Having its own ground had a huge effect on improving standards, with many players representing firstly North Midlands, then, when it was recognised as a full county in its own right, Staffordshire. Mike Coulman, a pupil of Rising Brook Secondary School, played 1st XV prop at the age of 16, then moving to Moseley and represented both England and the British Lions, before switch codes and playing for Salford and Great Britain.

A stand out date was 1963 when Stafford played `Old Rugby Roma`. They had been touring UK, playing Harlequins at Twickenham, losing 16 - 14, Swansea, losing 12 - 0, and Newport (Gwent) drawing 88, and in front of a 3000-crowd losing to Stafford 6 - 3.

The following notable years increased Stafford RFC`s

reputation as a formidable rugby union playing club:

1964

Staffordshire became a Senior County and with several players from Stafford in the team, won the County Championship in 1970 beating Gloucestershire 11 - 9.

1965

During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s England International Andy Hancock was the Stafford captain.

1976

Centenary Year - During this year Stafford played The Arthur Rees Select XV, which

comprised almost entirely of full internationals players, four English, five Welsh and two South Africans, the remainder being full County players.

Stafford lost 12 - 18.

1977

During 1977 - 78, Northampton, England and British Lions 2nd Row, Peter Larter played for Stafford, his first game being for the 4th XV, he was so modest that when he turned up at the Club looking for a game, he did not say who he was. On several Friday evenings, the Club would receive a phone call from Northampton, asking if we could release him to play for them the next day.

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We are a flourishing community rugbycluband we want this to continuelong into the future.

2019

Stafford moved again after many years of planning and discussion with our Club Patron Lord Stafford to a new ground and clubhouse at Blackberry Lane, Doxey.

I think the mood is pretty good at the moment, the women’s section has enough players for 2 teams and are still attracting new players all the time. We have such a great facility which gives us all a great sense of pride to play for our club.

The current women’s team has been around for a couple of years now. It was mainly set up to provide somewhere for our strong junior roses section to progress into once they turned 18. We’ve had several mums and daughters playing and training together this year which has been a real joy. We have a very inclusive and supportive ethos in the women’s section and look to empower each other both on and off the pitch. This year we have 2 senior teams, 1 joining the NC3 league and 1 in the Inner warrior set up which is outstanding!

DAVE ELLEMENT

COMMERCIAL MANAGER

We are absolutely a community club and this is at our core. We are fortunate enough to have the facilities of a large club. We aim to engage with

the local community and businesses by showcasing our facilities and promoting all of Stafford to make the most of what we have, be it via a sporting event/programme or a conference for a local business. We maintain close links with local charities and the County and Borough councils to make sure we use the club to its fullest potentialall year round!

Sponsors are the lifeblood of the community game, especially in the current global climate. They allow us, as a club, to deliver rugby to as many people as possible by funding the work that happens at grass roots level, which in turn frees up the commercial part of the business to cover the costs of operating all of the spaces we have.

STEVE MCLUCKIE GENERAL MEMBER

There is an excellent vibe around the club and all of the teams seem to be well represented. Various sections of the community are starting to call the club home including Terrible Titties and Other Bitties (as breast cancer support charity) and Andy Mans Club (a mens support group). There is an optimism about the future which is quite exciting to be around and be part of!

Touch Rugby started at Stafford around 2013 and was initially a loose collection of individuals turning up for a run out. The teams were mixed and it facilitated men and women playing a competitive form of non-contact rugby. Staffordshire started to

organise summer touch tournaments and Stafford have participated in all of these over the years. As this sport grew the Bull Terriers were formed to facilitate a more structured game under, playing under the England Touch Association rules. But alongside this Stafford also maintained a strong core of people who continued the Social Touch game. Last Wednesday there were over forty people supporting both forms of touch rugby at the club, all of varying ages and ability.

Mixed Ability started at Stafford in 2017 and driven forward by Steve Walker, the “Marvels” were soon established part of the club. Since forming, the team have combined with other local sides, such as

the Shropshire Stags to participate in a variety of matches at different grounds across the country. The county trotting team have visited Six Ways (home of Worcester Warriors), Kingsholm Stadium (home of Gloucester), AJ Bell Stadium (home of Sale Sharks). Members of the team have also received caps from Worcester Warriors for taking part in a representative England team against a Welsh opposition. The game facilitates anybody of any level and can be contact or non-contact dependant on the requirements of the individual. We will tailor the

I first became involved with Stafford Rugby Club aged about 16 when I was encouraged to join by two of my school games teachers who also played for the club. This was of course back in the days when it was acceptable to play school rugby in the morning and club rugby in the afternoon.

My main playing positions were centre or right wing and my teammates would probably describe my playing style as more physical than outright pace. I continued playing school and county rugby until leaving sixth form, and then for the Club up until my late twenties when work and family commitments required all my attention and meant I couldn’t dedicate myself as much to the needed time and effort to keep my fitness levels at the required standard which naturally affected my game enjoyment when I did play.

I eventually hung my boots up aged 29 after playing some of my final games not just in the backs, but also filling in at openside flanker on a few occasions; some would say that this may perhaps have been a better position for me in those later years, and some might also suggest it should be the front row!

My son Charles joined the club aged 4 and has continued to develop under the excellent tutelage of coaches like Scott Raine who has been involved with his age group all the way through till today. Charles is an allround sportsman and as well as enjoying multiple sports offered at his school, Denstone College, he is also a part of the Tigers DPP pathway.

The Leicester Tigers Developing Player Programme is designed to help players reach their full potential in the

game so that everyone can participate or learn at their own pace. The ethos of the “Marvels” is to come and have fun playing rugby.

The club started walking rugby in 2020 as another accessible form of the game. With the success of touch rugby and MAR the development of walking rugby was almost an inevitability. The establishment of this team was minorly disrupted by the pandemic, but now has a strong core and is gathering momentum.

The three alternative forms of the game mean that the club can offer a type of rugby

game and, while it is not the Academy, it is the first step for a young rugby player along the pathway that may present an opportunity to be a part of the Leicester Tigers Academy programme and beyond.

I may be a little bias, but I find Charles has great game awareness and good hands which are very suited to the game of rugby and although playing inside centre at the moment I could easily envisage him, in the future, as a 10 or a 12. Having always been a big Leicester Tigers fan myself he has accompanied me to Welford Road since he was 3 months old! which in itself I’m sure has helped with his rugby development!. Denstone College are quite strict on their student’s weekly game time so its not always possible for pupils to play club and school rugby together however, when possible, Charles plays at Stafford and reengages with his friends and coaches.

The Club and the Coaches are very supportive and understanding in this respect. At Denstone they have a similar philosophy to playing that I now see at Stafford with a clear focus on the continuity of coaching and tactical play for both the older and younger players which is very effective in their development and offers great benefits as they work their way through the various levels.

I have, and always will, be both a member and a fan of Stafford Rugby Club, and it’s great to be able to give them continued financial support with sponsorship.

The club couldn’t be in a better place and have more effective stewardship at the moment. Tony Turner, the club chairman, has not only a great love and passion for the club but importantly the necessary business acumen.

Tony understands the importance of communication to keep everybody informed

to most members of the community, no matter who they are.

Last season had its highs and lows. The 1st XV had a strong first half of the season but then slightly struggled through the second. In addition to the men’s 1st XV we managed to put out an A XV, the Bulldogs (3rd XV) and Vets which was good to see. The Colts had a strong season and its pleasing to see so many of them transitioning through to the 1st and A XV this year. The Women’s team made some great leaps forward and this year we are fielding two teams for

while maintaining the club and community balance as he leads Stafford into its next exciting chapter; I believe the club is in good and safe hands.

I naturally have a great love for Stafford Rugby Club from my own experiences and from witnessing the support the members and coaches have given to the club, my son and all the other individuals that have walked through the Club’s doors. I would urge everybody to continue understanding and embracing what a great club, facilities and responsibility we have as we carry on flourishing!

the club. The raft of junior teams at all levels are well supported and promise a strong future feed of new senior players.

Stafford Rugby Club is like a huge family and it’s an important part of life. There are all sorts of personalities and people who come together under the banner of rugby. It’s a place to celebrate, a venue for talking and getting advice, somewhere to participate, a refuge to sit quietly and watch. The greatest thing about the club for me is that I can’t imagine it not being there and coming out of the pandemic has made me appreciate it even more.

TRAINING SERVICES.

I’m an ex front row rugby player myself having played at Leek & Bournville rugby clubs. Unfortunately, a persistent knee dislocation put an end to my playing career however when I moved to work in Staffordshire one of my ambitions was to support and sponsor a local rugby club and Stafford RFC ticked all the boxes!

It`s great to hear that the club have been selected and recognised for the outstanding work they do both on and off the pitch. It was apparent quite early on that they were at heart a true community club who had a single minded focus on including anyone who wished to be part of their development. Keeping younger players interested ensures the continued growth of rugby and this is something Stafford do really well.

My self and all our staff at Staffordshire Training Services would like to wish everybody at Stafford Rugby Club the very best of continued success, not only for this season, but for many more years to come!

LIGHTING

My company ESS Lighting, which provides lighting and environmental solutions across work and commercial spaces including warehousing, industrial, offices, healthcare and retail, have been so impressed by the services that Stafford RUFC club provide for all ages throughout our local community that we wanted to make a positive contribution and become a sponsor.

I’ve lived in the Stafford area for over 20 years and been a member of Stafford RUFC for most of that time. My wife, Michelle, and her children, Rory and Ciara, being great rugby enthusiasts, were aware of what a great club Stafford RUFC was too. Rory, who is now 27 and living in Glasgow, played for Stafford. With the arrival of Rose and Bobby, we decided early on to introduce them to Rugby. Being a fan of all team sports and its benefits

to developing kids’ life skills, both my children, Rose and Bobby, have played Rugby in the Junior section for several years now.

Bobby started around the age of 6 playing tag rugby and Rose, who’s a year ahead of him, went through the mixed rugby age groups continuing to U11s. Around this time, it was realised there was enough interest to trial an all-girl team. With dedication and commitment from volunteer coaches and

help from club members the Stafford Roses were formed and have since gone on from strength to strength.

I have to say it’s been fabulous to watch and witness the Stafford Roses sporting development over the past few years; Rose is a passionate player and loves being involved in the club’s Junior girls set up. She now plays for County Roses too and when she can, supports the England Roses matches.

My family and I, and all our staff at ESS Lighting would like to congratulate everyone at Stafford Rugby Club on being recognised for their outstanding contribution to rugby and wish them all the very best of continued success for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign!

Oxford Harlequins

Like many community sports club, Oxford Quins RFC is a volunteer run club. At the heart of this is a group of people who are passionate about rugby, love the club and enjoy nothing more than coming up with ideas and then making them happen!

The current club Executive (Committee) is made up of a group people who have been involved in the club in many different ways over the years. Former players, captains of teams, parents of players, coaches in the junior section, car park supervisors, we’ve undertaken a range of volunteer roles over the years with the club before taking on management and leadership roles here.

The Exec bring with them a range of different professional backgrounds and experiences, all of which are needed to run a fully amateur community rugby club and the business that underpins its success. If you ask the current Exec why they do what they do, you will a get very similar answer but what shines through is the enjoyment we all get from our roles and the friendships that have been forged over the years, often stood around the pitch or in the bar afterwards!

The club has a five-year plan in place which is all

This summer, between June and September 2022

• We have extended our kitchen, doubling its size so that we can accommodate the growing numbers of adults and children who play at the weekend – it’s not unusual for us to feed over 500 children on a Sunday!

• a new meeting room has been created to support the wider needs of the club

• the existing office has been redesigned and doubled in size

• a new electrical hot water system was installed in the changing rooms, replacing an oil system which was as old as the club President

• a new gym has been created to provide players with the facility that they need to follow personalised lifting programmes

about growing the game and supporting the success of Oxford Quins.

In summary, we want to be the most successful amateur community club in the region, offering rugby to everyone with our senior men’s and women’s first teams playing in the national leagues – something that a city like Oxford should be able to offer. The coaching philosophy at Oxford Quins sees us play with a structure, executed accurately so we play with tempo!

This is the story of our move back to Horspath Road which has seen the club grow and along the way win a National Rugby Award but more recently we have made the following developments to our facility:

2021

In the summer of 2020, the coaching team informed the Exec that they required additional floodlighting to support the rapidly growing size of the club and number of people training during midweek evenings. By September 2021, the team had secured the funding that was needed and the lights were installed and up and running in January 2022.

CLUB HISTORY

Oxford Harlequins RFC was formed in 1996 following

the merger of two of the oldest rugby clubs in the city, Oxford Marathons RFC and Oxford Old Boys RFC. The new club took the name Oxford Harlequins and adopted the colours of the “Maras” and the “Old Boys” into a new shirt with a classic Harlequins quadrant design. The club celebrated its silver anniversary last season.

From 1996 to 2018 the senior club had several homes, starting out at Marston Ferry Road, the former home of Oxford Old Boys, before moving to the Marathons ground at Horspath, then to a ground-sharing agreement with Oxford RFC, before moving back to Marston Ferry Road for the 2016/17 season, this was a strategic move as it meant that the whole club, senior and junior sections were brought back together on the same site. This move meant that the club were able to come together and start developing plans for the clubs longer term future.

At the time, the club had a flourishing and successful mini and junior section but playing numbers across the men’s senior section had started to dwindle. The club had historically been able to put out 5 senior men’s teams each week, but in recent years this had changed with some weeks it even being a challenge to get a second XV together. Like so many things, it was agreed that the club needed to weather the storm in the short term but develop a longer-term plan which would support the recruitment and retention of players.

As part of the plan, the club re-established its U18 academy to support the retention and transition of

players through its junior section. Stu Wells, a volunteer coach and former chair of the mini and junior section was appointed to lead this and quickly went about developing a section which grew from 17 players to 50. By the end of its inaugural season the academy had supported 6 players in the transition to senior rugby. The Academy continues to flourish under its lead coach, Keni Fisilau, a former Oxford Quins player and Tongan international.

Whist the academy was part of the jigsaw, a wider plan was needed to improve the way in which the club could attract senior players from across the local area. It was agreed at this point that the club would develop a model where we would seek to provide players with first class facilities, a professional coaching offer and off field support, underpinned by its culture. Our aim was to ensure that anyone wanting to play rugby whether competitive or social would see Oxford Quins as the go to club in the county.

Recruitment to the coaching team began and Pete Davies, a former Henley Hawks First team coach was appointed as Head Coach for the senior men’s squad. Pete, a former Oxford Quins player had also played Championship rugby at both Henley and Newbury and brought with him not only experience of first-class rugby but also an infectious energy and enthusiasm for the game.

The plan was starting to come together but the club still had a major challenge in how it was going to create the first-class facilities that it needed. Whilst its home at Marston Ferry was much loved

by members, significant works would be needed to develop it and support the vision.

Whilst the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England had not gone quite to plan on the pitch, the off-field success had meant that the RFU was able to commit to funding a number of new Artificial Grass Pitches (AGP’s) across its community clubs. It was in 2017 as these were being rolled out that the club began discussions with Dave Larham, Regional Development Officer at the RFU as to whether Quins could be part of the programme.

Very quickly it became apparent that our home at Marston Ferry Road would not meet the specifications. Fortunately, the club had retained an interest in its previous home at Horspath Road and so discussions were held with both the Oxford City Council and RFU as to whether the home of the old Maras would be feasible! After much work, the site was endorsed by the RFU and the City Council agreed the proposal, fending off applications by both other local clubs, the RFU announced that Oxford Quins were the preferred choice for their AGP in the city.

The club then set about securing a 30-year lease on the ground and facilities which were necessary to support the project alongside the £150,000 funds which were needed for the initial upgrades to the clubhouse and changing rooms.

From being confirmed as the preferred choice, the club undertook all the planning work, fundraising and oversaw the building works to deliver the project in under 6 months.

The entire club was then fully relocated to Horspath Road in September 2018 with an official opening of the AGP taking place in October. This was a fantastic day with many members and former players attending the day.

The club now had the facility that it so desperately needed to support its plan! Whilst the club had managed this project successfully, the Executive team realised that we couldn’t stand still and that we needed to think about the next strategic moves that would support our plans to be the number one club in the region.

In order to deliver this, underpinned by the games core values, the Oxford Quins established its own bespoke club values, developed by our members – Family, Belief and Professionalism. Values reflecting the friendships that are forged at the club, the support which is provided from within and our unwavering desire to be the best at all that we do.

It was following our first year at Horspath Road that the club was nominated for a National Rugby Award. Whilst up against a competitive field, the club was delighted to win Facility Development of the Year at the awards ceremony at Twickenham in August 2019.

Whilst there was much for the club to celebrate, there was still more to be done, and the Executive team has to continually remind itself that a club that is standing still is not moving forward! Next up was one of the most innovative developments that the club has been involved in. Whilst a fully amateur community club, we realised that to push on further, we needed to learn from some of the successful professional and semi-professional clubs who had taken themselves

up the league pyramid. It was through this process that conversations began around potential strategic partnerships which could be developed. With Oxford Brookes RFC now playing their home games on the AGP at Horspath Road, discussions were held with the University to consider how we could work together and develop the game within the city. From this the Brookes Quins Partnership began to grow.

The aim of the partnership is:

• Provide mutual on and off field benefits to students who play rugby union, both men and women

• Provide an elite performance pathway for talented rugby players at the university

• Create a sustainable talent pool of players who will play university and club rugby

• Provide experiences relevant to the student’s academic work and future career aspirations

• Support social and civic duties which promote physical and mental wellness across members and the wider community

The Brookes Quins Partnership was formally created in September 2019 and has created many further opportunities. The club now has a Physio programme which means that all academy and senior men and women sides have first class midweek physio provision alongside a pitch side support offer which is the envy of many clubs in the county. Overseen by the clubs Head of Medical, George Primett, the programme supports up to 12 people to obtain the PreHospital Immediate Care in Sport qualification.

In August 2022, Tom Varndell the former Wasps, Leicester and England winger

was appointed as Head of Community at the club. As part this role, Tom is the lead coach for the Brooke’s Men’s Team. Tom not only brings with him a playing pedigree which inspires the students but also holds the role overseeing the clubs successful Community and Schools Programme. At the heart of this programme is the delivery of rugby and other sports sessions in local primary and secondary schools.

These are delivered by Tom and a wider team of community coaches who are currently studying at Oxford Brookes University. In addition, the club is also delivering holiday camps including those which are supported by the local council and which enable young people who are in receipt of school meals to attend for free. The community programme offers many young people the opportunity to try rugby for the first time and looks to encourage them to think about joining their local club.

At the start of the 2019/20 season, there was a growing swell of optimism and the club was starting to see its two senior men’s sides play the expansive game that it had a reputation for.

It was also during this period that the club’s ambition to establish a women’s section finally became a reality. We recognised that we wanted to offer something which would inspire new players but also attract existing players from the local area. The club were delighted to be able to secure the services of Pat MetcalfeJones as its first Head Coach of Women’s Rugby, a former Premiership and Oxford University Blue player, Pat rapidly showed her value and was able to recruit a group of

players who were able to not only compete at the level they were placed at but also put in some fantastic performances across the season.

Key to the success of the Women’s section has been how its women’s players have integrated within the club, central to this has been making sure that the on field and off field offer replicates that which is available to the men. It also helps that all our senior sides, men and women train

on the same evening. What is most pleasing to see is the number of senior men’s players who come to the club on a Sunday to watch the women’s sides play but also the senior women’s players who also come to the club on a Saturday to watch their clubmates play!

Then in early 2020, the unthinkable happened and everything stopped… like for everyone in the world, the pandemic was significant for the club. Rugby stopped, clubhouses closed and everything went on hold.

Oxford Quins immediately made the decision that

whilst people could not come together, play sport or socialise, we needed to do as much as we could to help keep people remain connected and maintain the relationships that had been built and which were going to ensure that the club would return in a better place.

The obligatory virtual quiz nights were started, virtual coaching and mentoring sessions were put in place with the club being grateful to the likes of Ben Ryan and Jimmy Gopperth offering their time to talk to coaches and players. The coaching teams made skills development videos for mini and junior players to watch and which could be replicated with mums, dads, brothers and sisters in the garden!

All of this helped us support our members to remain connected and engaged. As the restrictions started to lift, the club made the decision that it would offer whatever activities that it could in line with government guidance. Starting with the grounds being available to people to exercise and meet in pairs right through to training and matches as per government and RFU guidance.

This undoubtedly made a significant difference as when things began to return

MARK ROBERTSHAW,

AND SPONSOR, OXFORD INFORMATION LABS LT.

I have lived locally in Oxfordshire for the past 25 years and as a company Oxford Information Labs, which has been around for 20 years now, were looking to enhance our community connections and relationships and so we started to think about the best way we could approach this.

Katie Miles, a project coordinator at our company, is also a formidable backs player for the Quins excellent womens 1stXV and so after deliberation we recognised this was an area where we felt we could assist, not only in supporting her team, but by helping in some small way to reduce disparity in the sport generally.

Once we got to know the club it was apparent to us what a great bunch of individuals there were within the women`s rugby

section. Head coach Pat Metcalfe-Jones was noticeably talented and showed a lot of passion towards her team and their performances, whilst the women themselves, who are all such a lovely bunch, displayed a professional attitude in their approach to the game and demonstrated a great togetherness on the field of play!

We attend matches at the club roughly once a month and usually there is a group of us from the business who go along to support the Quins Women’s rugby. As principal womens sponsor, we would just like to encourage all the players to continue as they are, keep enjoying what they are doing, and to say that they are an absolute delight to sponsor!

As a company Oxford Information Labs Ltd are committed to continue their support of women’s rugby in Oxfordshire!

to normal at the start of the 2021/22 season we not only welcomed back all our existing members but also saw a significant growth in people wanting to join the club. Rather than struggling to put a second team out, we were able to establish a men’s third team who were entered into the Buck/Berks and Oxon 3 North league. Mid-week training nights are now a hub of activity and it is not unusual to see in excess of 110 seniors at training on a Tuesday or Thursday night.

The same approach applied across our mini and junior section and it was really pleasing to see so many young people, their parents and carers and coaches also return to the club as restrictions started to lift. As our community programme continues to grow, we very much hope to see many more young people join the club and are particularly keen to welcome people from our local communities where rugby may

not have been considered as their go to sport.

At the start of the 2021/22 season there was a real buzz around the club, players were joining across all sections and during pre-season we were seeing record numbers attend sessions. The work to keep people connected and the embedding of the club’s values were paying dividends and by the end of the season the men’s first team had won South West 1 East, securing promotion to level 5 and the newly formed Regional 1 South Central.

The Men’s Third Team won BBO 3 North and the Women’s First team consolidated their position in NC1 South East (West). The club hosted its first ever Mini Festival which saw thousands of children and their parents attend the day. None of which would have been possible had it not been for the amazing group of volunteers who came forward

and helped plan and deliver the event.

The success of this tournament has meant that we are now able to provide defined age groups each year with new playing kit, which up to now was paid for by parents each year. At the end of the season, there were many happy faces which was really great to see as it all coincided with the clubs Silver Anniversary Year!

The start of the 2022/23 season has seen the club continue its success on the field, the Men’ First Team currently sit top of Regional 1 having played 5 and won 5, the Men’s Second Team are top of Counties 2 BBO North having also played 5 and won 5 whilst the Men’s Third team are joint top of Counties 3 BBO North having played 3 and won 3.

The Women have extended their offer establishing a new Women’s Second Team and hope to grow this side whilst also pushing hard in NC1 South East where the First Team will look to build on their impressive start in the league last year. Head Coach Pat Metcalfe-Jones has been ably assisted by a number of the players but a special mention needs to go to Daisy Hopkins for all of the hard work that she has done supporting the team.

This was formally recognised when she was nominated for and won the Oxfordshire RFU Volunteer of the Year Award in the summer of 2022. Daisy will now head to Twickenham later this month where she will go head to head with other regional winners for the Honda Unsung Hero of the Year Award. All of the nominees have much to be proud of but the entire club will be cheering Daisy on when she attends the event in the coming weeks.

The club is ambitious and will hope to see all of its senior teams competing at the top of their respective leagues this season. Whilst there is this competitive edge across the club, we strive to never lose sight of the fact that the club is all about involvement and enjoyment.

With all senior players being fully amateur we will no doubt face some tough games this season, however the club now has the strength in depth which it needs to be successful.

Whilst all of our members are important and indeed all of our volunteers who give up their time, we are incredibly fortunate to have a number of sponsors who support the

club. Without these sponsors, the club would struggle to deliver its offer and it’s really important that we thank them for their continued support.

There is a sense of real excitement across the entire club which is only possible due to the passion which so many have and the relationships and friendships that exist.

Successful player connections we have at Oxford Qinns:

• Greg Fisilau

Wasps RFC, England Men U20 and son of our Academy Coach Keni Fisilau. Greg recently captained the U19 England team v Italy and we are very proud to have his U20 debut shirt framed and up on the wall.

• Rowan White England Women U20 and former Oxford Quins Mini –another England shirt framed and up on the wall.

• Maud Muir

Wasps and England Women full international, currently playing for England at the Women’s World Cup - again the club is very proud to have one of her England shirts framed and up on the clubhouse wall.

Oxford Harlequins RFC is a rugby club, however, our home at Horspath Road allows us to host a range of other sports and local sports clubs. We are proud to partner with Eire Og Oxford, the number one Gaelic Football side in the area who play all their home games at Horspath Road. We also host 8 Softball Teams throughout the summer months, 2 baseball teams, a local soccer side and also a Shinty team. We are also proud hosts of a local park run and its not unusual for several hundred people from across the local community to be seen running the course on a Saturday morning.

I live locally in Henley, and previously Wheatley, so shortly after starting my business in 2010 I was given the opportunity to take out some sponsorship in 2012 when I was 1st approached by the club.

Although extremely busy at the time, as you are when building any business, I could see that not only was their opportunities to network, but as a rugby fan myself, to enjoy some rugby too. Initially I wasn’t really sure what to expect going along to the club. I did have some reservations as I

SCAN HERE

didn’t know anyone at The Quins and what this new environment would be like.

I would say any concerns I may were dispelled instantly. My experience was very positive, and the club atmosphere was completely friendly and inclusive; in fact I was so impressed, not only by the kindness of everyone but in particular by the dedication demonstrated by Club Secretary Jack Pooler! The way that Jack goes about his business, his work with the young people and his overall passion and determination to their community so impressed me and made

me instantly want to be part of Oxford Quins!

My wife to be, Marina, who is also our operations director at Herbert & Webster, is also a huge rugby fan. Born in the south of France in a heavily populated rugby environment she has grown up with the sport and cherishes many childhood memories of being taken along to her local rugby club.

Myself and Marina would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Oxford Quins RFC for their friendship and wish them all the very best of continued success for many more years to come!

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL PLANNERS

OXFORD - MARLOW - BANBURY - NEWBURY

“Delighted to be associated with the success of Oxford Quins RFC.”

Bream RFC

see our new clubhouse plans come into fruition.

Wayne Barnes, the international referee is a Bream lad that has played for the club before picking up the whistle! Wayne was born 20 April 1979 is an English international rugby union referee and barrister. He regularly referees in the English Premiership and has refereed games in the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup.

At international level he has refereed matches at the Rugby World Cup, the Six Nations, the Rugby Championship and the Pacific Nations Cup competitions.

At the age of 21, Barnes became the youngest referee ever appointed to the Panel of National Referees and became a professional referee in April 2005. In January 2022 he refereed his 250th premiership rugby match.

Last season was outstanding for our 1st XV and I am pleased to say that this has continued on this season with some great results. We always aim to be competitive in our league and to increase squad numbers where possible.

current male and junior team we have now reached out to the local community to see whether there is interest in female and or tag rugby at Bream RFC.

As chairman my biggest goal is to become a community club and open our doors to all! We have currently engaged with Hartpury College whose students will be involved in the business development at the club, putting their theory in to practice. Our sponsors are very much appreciated and massively important to Bream RFC and we are delighted to have a number of player sponsors too, every little helps.

Bream Rugby Club are without a doubt a great family club, welcoming of everyone, we take nothing for granted and appreciate all the hard work that people put in on the field and off it too, thank you to everyone!

DAVE EMERY HEAD COACH

I have been involved with Bream Rugby Club for over 18 years now, I had always promised my uncle I would play for Bream and I’m still here all these years later!

Our challenges are not dissimilar to other clubs in that there are never enough volunteers to do all the jobs.

Off the field we are entering some very exciting times at Bream and are in the process of embarking on plans to erect a brand-new energy efficient clubhouse. This will be Bream RFC`s 145 year this season, one of the oldest clubs in Gloucestershire. We were founded in 1878 and moved to our present site in 1960 having previously been based at the nearby Rising Sun.

The playing fields were

purchased by the club in 1967, although they had been used by the club for many years previously. As I mentioned previously the clubs current plans are in full swing for a new clubhouse to be built next to the First team pitch. On the Rugby side we are running two senior and two junior sides at present, and on the social side we have Bingo on a Friday & Monday, and Skittles & Quoits teams. As a club we are always looking to grow, whether it be on the Rugby side, senior or junior, or the social, so feel free to pop down and see us or give us call!

The mood at the club is very upbeat at the moment, a reflection on our great results on the field coupled with the unity which has come about through working together to

Bream is blessed with a fantastic junior section, based around enjoyment and having fun, and being the best family club we can be! Stepping up to senior rugby for our junior players is greatly assisted by the encouragement and welcoming attitudes of our highly qualified coaches who we are grateful to have in place, overseeing the transition for our younger players!

With the club experiencing such positivity through our

I have returned to the club this season as head coach after leaving 5-6 years ago. A lot of the squad I left back then have stayed on at the club having all matured from 17-18 year old lads into solid players.

After a good season during 2021/22, finishing 2nd with no coach, my aim is to bring some direction and structure into what we do. All the lads have bought into this and are learning each week.

My aim is to get more players at the club enjoying playing rugby and hopefully we can have by the end of this season have a regular 2nd team out; I see this as

being very important for the future of our club.

The league this season is a tough one with some good established clubs competing at this level and with us stepping up with a small squad I felt it was important to get off to a good start. We spoke about taking it

month by month and see where we go.

Having 3 local derbies in the first 4 weeks was always going to be tough but the lads were all looking forward to them during preseason. After the first 4 games to be on 19 points with 4 wins was above our expectations. The

pleasuring thing to witness is we have played until the final whistle in all games and won 2 of them in the last play.

The lads have said after each game we have more to offer, and we haven’t played well for periods in games but have hung in there which is inspiring to see.

Bream Rugby Club enter into a tough couple of months now, but we have added to the squad the last few weeks so hopefully competition for places will push our lads on and improve in those areas we need to.

Didsbury Toc H RFC

I joined the club 17 years ago from Manchester University. Since then, I have played for all four of our senior teams and I have captained, coached, and held various other roles in the club. Currently, alongside my time-consuming role as club secretary, I coach the U6s.

Over the past five years the club has put a great deal of time and effort into creating a fun and inclusive culture for our players and we are now reaping the rewards. Our senior teams are thriving: the men’s and women’s have consistently high training numbers and our juniors have worked hard to create a real family spirit among their players and parents.

We are broadly lucky in terms of our location. Didsbury’s nightlife and café culture makes it a popular place for young professionals to live, and that has certainly helped with our recruitment, but like many rugby clubs we could do with more volunteers. We are always looking for people to take coaching courses and join the necessary committees and boards required to run and maintain the club.

There is also a downside to our location. Like many grassroot clubs, we struggle to retain players between minis and juniors. For the past few years, we haven’t been able to field a colts’ side. There are five rugby clubs within a two-mile radius of Toc H, each is trying to recruit from the same catchment area. There are also two fairly significant football clubs on our doorstep,

so we inevitably see a drift towards football in a city such as Manchester.

With that in mind, we have had to adapt and join forces with other clubs to keep teams going. Thankfully, these alliances have proved successful, and we are now looking forward to having a colts’ team again next season. The hard work of John Robb and John Deabaitua has been essential in building the momentum behind our agegroup rugby, which is a priority for all rugby clubs.

There are other geographical challenges we face. Those who know the club at Ford Lane in Didsbury will also be aware of the perpetual threat of flooding every winter. Rather than the predicted 1:8 annual risk of flood plains opening we have experienced three consecutive years of flooding. This not only impacts fixtures for up to a month

but is also very costly, both financially and in terms of our volunteering effort.

Our aim now is to continue to strengthen and develop the junior and ladies’ sections and to build resilience for the future. The men’s side, now back playing under the RFU umbrella, is aiming for promotion into Level 6 after finishing unbeaten in a breakaway L7 league last season.

Over the past few years, the club has invested a substantial amount in the clubhouse and our wider facilities. All of this is aimed at providing the best we can for our players on and off the pitch. This has involved securing grant funding from the RFU and Sports England, as well as raising money through regular fundraising events and sponsorships. Our philosophy across the club is to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

OUR HISTORY

During the First World War, a soldier’s club was established by the Reverend Tubby Clayton at Poperinghe in Flanders, a place where troops of all ranks could go for a brief respite from the battlefields. It was named Talbot House, as a memorial to a young lieutenant killed in action in one of the many conflicts in the previous year.

TOC H was the way the signallers pronounced the letters T H, the initials for Talbot House. TOC for T and H for House as in today’s TANGO HOTEL. After the war the organisation continued using the name Toc H setting up several similar housescalled marks - throughout the country. In 1924 members of the Manchester mark of Toc H formed a rugby club, calling it Toc H Manchester and it was situated in Victoria Park. After moving to various sites, the club arrived in Didsbury

and in 1986 the name was changed to DIDSBURY TOC H to identify with the location of the clubhouse.

The club mood is currently very positive, our 1s and 2s men’s sides have had strong starts to the season and our 3rd XV have just started to find their form again. The Ladies, who play in the Women’s Championship North 2, have had a slower start following a big recruitment drive over the summer. Special mentions must go to ex-players, Sian McGuinness, who started for Wasps Ladies last month, Sian and Laura Riches who played for Great Britain TAG this summer and Jo Devine who currently plays for England Touch Rugby.

Last season our 1st XV went unbeaten in the ADM league, owing to the commitment of the players and the strong leadership on and off the pitch from captain Harry Rigby and vice-captain Josh Vize. Jamie Peacock, our Director of Rugby for the past nine years, has been instrumental in developing a culture of inclusion throughout preseason and in-season training, which has benefited all the men’s sides. Jamie brings a professionalism to match days and a palpable positivity to the pitch and club house after the

games. Jamie’s commitment

the years has paid off as we regularly have over 50+ players at training. Jonathan Beardmore, of the Eggchasers podcast, is our inimitable forwards’ coach.

over

Goals this season –assuming most players stay fit, promotion for our men’s 1st XV is a big aim for us this season. For Didsbury to compete with some of the teams around us at L6 has been a longterm goal. We also want to stabilise recruitment and player retention in the ladies’ team and continue to attract new players into the minis. We are always looking to recruit parents and volunteers to ensure there are enough people on hand to organise, coach and manage the weekly turnaround of training and games for the M&Js.

Toc H has a very committed and talented core of players and coaches who have been constantly rebuilding and recruiting over the past five years. Historically, the team has been dependent on the two big local universities to flesh out teams on Saturdays. Several of our 1st XV team are former University of Manchester or Manchester Met students who join the club when they graduate and are often appalled to learn they now have to pay match fees (and taxes).

The growth of our Ladies’ section, and the quality of

rugby they play, has been one of the most important things to happen to the club in recent history. We have an inclusive attitude to any women or girls who wish to give rugby a go. The club supports players to develop their understanding of the game and we try wherever possible to play everyone who wants a game. This approach has helped us to generate a great atmosphere on and off the pitch, and we have seen many novice players turn into very skilful, competitive players in a relatively short space of time. Our ambition is to turn as many of our occasional players into committed squad members so we can start to build on the 1st XV performances.

During the summer we run weekly mixed touch rugby sessions and every Wednesday a Tag league, in partnership with TryTag. During Covid we ran food and clothes drives for our local foodbanks and we also run a monthly soup kitchen with Mustard Tree (a homeless charity) in Manchester. We also try to promote as many small businesses as we can. This led to us running a Christmas Market when Covid restrictions were easing.

Our facilities at Didsbury Sports Ground are shared

with Didsbury FC and the local running club, Didsbury Runners. We also have provision for cricket with various eight-a-side competitions running through the spring and summer.

Sponsors are always an essential part of any club; without them clubs cannot improve their equipment or facilities. This season Russell and Gareth Oakley from the GO! Network in Manchester bought a new electronic scoreboard for the club, while James Rodger from Oliver James Recruitment sponsors our 1st XV and has paid for our new post pads. Whilst Sian Williams from So. West Didsbury and Dr Sally Penni MBE from Women in the Law UK sponsor both the Women’s and Girls’ kit.

Reason why I joined Toc H In my first training session at Toc, I broke my ankle in a tackling drill. Over the next couple of months, the 4th XV coach kept in contact to make sure I wasn’t put off. Four months later I was back playing, and I haven’t stopped for almost two decades. I’ve been on holidays with half of the club; I have been to most of their weddings and coached some of their kids. Didsbury Toc H is a close-knit community, whether you are playing, injured, or retired. There is normally a group of

us out for dinner or a drink most weeks and the club holds regular alternative social evenings for those who don’t drink. For example, the ladies went to a waterpark last month, and last week there was a ‘cook off’ in the clubhouse between two aspiring young chefs.

Our ambitious club tours also build lasting bonds (among other things) between young and old. Last year, due to the lingering threat of Covid restrictions, we had to play it safer than we usually would. We ended up taking 44 lads to Brighton. The youngest was 19 and the oldest was 82. The number of tourists grows year on year, and such is the clamour to be part of it, we even have former player who fly in from the United States to make sure they don’t miss out.

We are proud to support all members and friends of Didsbury Toc H Rugby Club through the highs and lows that life on and off the pitch can throw at us all. We have a lot of travelling support wherever we play and we really enjoy the social side of our great sport. At Toc H, there is always someone in the bar with a warm smile and the willingness to get the first round in.

SPECIAL MENTION ALSO TO THE FOLLOWING

Hannah Watson who set up our Ladies’ team 6yrs ago and we have watched it go from strength to strength. Hopefully, she will be back playing next season, after having surgery on her knee last year.

Eve Murphy and Laura Riches set up our Girls’ team last season. Starting with only three girls, they have now grown it to 15 girls who

have started playing their first matches as part of the Greater Manchester Girls Network.

Oli Thomas has been the Club President for the last 3yrs, throughout Covid he has been the driving force behind all of the refurbishment of the Clubhouse and Changing rooms. His drive and enthusiasm, has allowed us to make the most of the fundraising we have done with the support of Sports England and the RFU.

Our Junior section has grown to nearly 200 kids now, with the aim of having a colt set up again next season. Which we have been missing for the past couple of Seasons. This has been mainly due to the hard work of John Robb, John DeAbaitua, and John Day. This was demonstrated by the M&J section winning the Lancashire Junior section of the year last season.

All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the kids and all of the parents who volunteer their time to help out on a Sunday Morning. This has also made the M&Js a close-knit community. The high level of coaching and links with local clubs has ensured there are opportunities for all age and abilities.

Gordon League Rugby Club

I have been involved with the club for over 35 years, first as a player, then as part of the committee and for the last 10 years, club chairman.

The main challenges since becoming chairman have been keeping the club solvent and retaining existing players and attracting new players.

The club are always looking at ways to develop and have produced a 5-year development plan. We are fortunate that we own the buildings and facilities and the land which our 3 pitches are located.

The club invest a lot of time and money into our junior section, which was set up 8 years ago, after a number of years without a junior set up. The section is now thriving with over 130 players, from ages 6 to 16. With the senior section coaches taking a big involvement with the juniors, we hope that when the youngsters are old enough to play senior rugby, the transition will be as smooth as possible.

The Gloucester Gordon League was launched on the 5th of December 1885. It was founded in common with many other Gordon Boys Clubs throughout Britain, as a living memory to General Charles Gordon, who died when the besieged city of Khartoum fell to the fanatical followers of Muhammad Ahmed, The Mahdi.

Local Government’s initial enthusiasm for the Gordon Youth movement soon waned, possibly due to the political in-fighting over the Khartoum Affair, and they withdrew their financial backing. Many of the clubs were forced to disband, but in the City of Gloucester, thanks to the intervention of a remarkable woman this was not the case. Miss Agnes Jane Waddy, believed to be a volunteer tea lady in the early days of the club, simply took control and enlisted the support of local businesses and individuals to save the club.

In 1888 Miss Waddy and a young assistant named Ernest Browning founded The Gordon League Rugby Football Club as an integral part of the existing Boys

Club. The ‘League’ played its first match in the September of that year, beating Barton Rangers by one try and one minor to one minor. Young Ernest scored that winning try and went on to serve the Club as a player and as an official for a total of 59 years.

Our club has since been well served by very many members in the best ‘Browning’ tradition but, had it not been for a frail Victorian Lady who refused to abandon an ideal, The Gloucester Gordon League Rugby Football Club would have never existed.

The club has been in Hempsted since 1932 and will celebrate our 135th anniversary next year.

We are in a great position at present, with regard to the number of players, which is contrary to other local clubs who are currently struggling with playing numbers. We have 2 senior sides playing every week and our veterans play 3 or 4 times a season. We also are top of our league and are hoping to gain promotion for the second season running. One of the main issues this season will be to keep all the players

happy, given that with other clubs sometimes unable to field 2 teams, which has led to a few cancellations and therefore some players not being able to play every week.

Over the years and especially prior to the professional era, we have had many players who have played for Gloucester, Gloucestershire and even England. Probably the most notable being John Watkins, who went on to make 386 1st XV appearances for Gloucester, scoring 104 tries, and played for England seven times, including the famous victory in New Zealand against the All Blacks in 1973.

For the past two seasons we had a local ladies rugby team play at our club, who have moved on to another local club this season. However, we do have ambitions to have our own ladies team and this is part of our development plan.

We continue to hold weekly touch rugby sessions for the community as a whole and of any ability, not just for experienced rugby players. We hope this continues to grow and attract new people to rugby.

We are at the heart of the local community and we host local groups at the club, which include the local resident’s association, fishing club, martial arts club and local company functions, throughout the year. The use of our facilities and pitches continue to grow every year, which is part of our plans.

We have a number of sponsors, which are invaluable, given the cost of running a sports club and with the recent increase in running costs, this income is very much needed. We host a number of functions throughout the season, which all sponsors are invited to attend, as a small thank you for their support.

Gordon League is a great club to be part of. This is mainly due to the friendly welcome everyone gets when they join the club and the added history (135 years of rugby). It is also great to have our own facilities and pitches at the club, which is unique locally. We continue to build on the history of the club and the local community involvement is increasing year on year. The development of the junior section will hopefully also assist in the club progressing for many years to come. This all great to

see and makes all the time and effort given free by the main committee members, especially the chairman, secretary and treasurer, worthwhile.

Hopefully we will see the club competing with the best clubs locally and nationally in the near future, which we did back in the mid-seventies and late eighties. We are certainly in a great position with playing numbers, coaching set up and admin team and we hope this continues for many years!

Vipers RFC

I personally have been involved with Vipers Rugby Club since 1988 and in those 34 years I have witnessed the highs and the lows of our club. From being promoted to the Midlands 1 division, as it was then, and winning the senior county cup, to dropping down two divisions. I have, like a lot of club members, volunteered

for many roles within the club from team captain to secretary followed by chairman and now president. I was introduced by a friend of a friend and totally enjoyed the friendly fun atmosphere which still runs deep in the club to this day!

One of the biggest problems we have faced was the arrival of leagues and the professional era with players being paid. This meant that

we could not compete with the bigger clubs that had the financial backing to be able to pay players. But unlike some of the other clubs that were around in the late eighties and early nineties we have survived, with a bit of luck, and as we continue with good management we hope to be around for another hundred years!

The club was founded in 1920 and was based at the back of a public house on London Road called The Old Horse. Changing rooms and showers were installed at the rear of the pub with the players carrying the post across the road and putting them up prior to the game and removing them afterwards. This where we got the name Victoria Parkers which was later shortened to Vipers; as we are known today. We played there for a good few years before a plot of land was found and purchased in the mid sixties in an area of Leicester called Whetstone, where we continue to play today.

The club is buzzing at the moment with the first team having won the first ten league games of the season, but this high is a continuation from last season where they won eight of the last nine games of the season. The squad has been bolstered with nine or ten of our county cup winning colts squad from last season joining the senior set up and playing their part. The players seem to really be enjoying themselves both on and off the pitch this season which I think is showing through in their never give up attitude on the pitch.

Last season was a mixed bag with us winning only four of our pre Christmas fixtures before turning it around in the new year and winning eight of our post Christmas fixtures and finishing fifth in the league.

As for this season the coach’s thought that promotion was well within our capabilities, although I think they still may be surprised at the brilliant start that we have had. As with anything changing playing staff is not always easy but we try to integrate the young ones coming through by introducing them into the senior set up once their fixtures have finished so that they can get an introduction to senior rugby. The colts train on the same nights as the seniors so they get to know each other. We had a ladies team a few years ago but numbers were always a problem and recently discussed the possibilities of trying to start a side up again but that’s as far as it has gone at the moment.

The club have recently started walking rugby on a Tuesday night which I’m told is building nicely with good numbers turning out each week.

The Mini/Junior section of the Vipers is going well with numbers growing in most age groups although we do have a couple where we have struggled and have a one or two ages where we have no team. New members are always welcome, but with the close proximity of other clubs recruitment can be difficult. We introduced an initiative a few years ago where we offer free rugby to children form ages 4 to 6. This has been really successful as the kids can try before they buy and if they don’t like it it has not cost anything other than a bit of time, but I have to say that most of them enjoy their Sunday morning run around with their friends.

Over the years I have seen a lot of the youngsters come through the age groups and on to senior rugby, earning me the nicknames: “dad” and “grandad”.

As with any club we rely heavily on volunteers to keep

the club going in whatever role they may take on, as these roles take a lot of your time and energy, and requires the right skill set for each role, you need a lot of enthusiasm to keep you going. We recently obtained some funding so that the coaches could be provided with Vipers branded kit to say thank you for your time and effort but also to create a professional look.

This club is a great place to meet and make lifelong friends, does this make us different from other rugby clubs, probably not, but over the years we have strived to be an inclusive

SMITH,

and welcoming club to any one who comes through our doors wanting to be a playing member or a social member -whatever walk of life they come from. We have social events at the club which are open for any one to attend. We recently had two gentlemen with no prior connection to the club come and join as social members just for somewhere local to watch rugby and have a beer. We hope that many more do the same.

The future of Vipers Rugby Club is looking bright, both on and off the pitch, and long may it continue!

COACH, SPONSOR, BAR COMMITTEE MEMBER

I started with Vipers as a 16-year-old and moved through Colts into senior rugby usually playing centre. Although I hung my boots up around age 35 I have always kept involved and supported the club. Currently I am a club VP and a member of the bar committee. Clubs do need volunteers and we are no exception. I have known our president Paul Hutchinson from my early playing days, and he was a great help and

support to me then and is an excellent example of someone who gives his all to Vipers.

Rugby is a great sport for bringing people together and help our younger players have structure whilst teaching them life values. With our 1st XV enjoying a great season we are also seeing more people wander into Vipers Rugby and enjoy our social side which was more usual to see in past times. Best wishes to everyone at the club and to those who are continuing to contribute making Vipers such a success both on and off the pitch!

I am originally from Whetstone and joined the clubs Colts team in 1979 after some apprentices from GEC, the company I was working for at the time, invited me to the club and into their Colts side. My rugby career lasted up until the age of 52 when wear and tear wouldn’t allow me to play anymore. Back in those days we were taught how to play in all of the three front row positions although naturally I had my favourite.

Vipers is a real community club that doesn’t pay players and appreciate the value across all of our membership. Its important that our young ones play with a smile on their face and taught the values that are passed on from the

previous generation. Children are encouraged to talk with their other team players post-match, principles and values, which are sometime lost amongst todays clubs. I of course come from an era where you would buy your opposite number a pint after the match. When young players are pestering their parents to go to Vipers to play even though weather conditions are horrendous you know our club is doing something right. 7 of our 1st XV are young men I had the privilege of coaching in our Colts team 7 years ago.

Its great to see our seniors competing so well and enjoying their Rugby! I wish everyone at Vipers Rugby the very best of enjoyment and success for many more seasons to come!

Premier Logistics specialise in distribution offering innovative solutions to the construction industry. Their business model is targeted at an unrivalled customer experience building on their reputation for honesty and integrity in a similar fashion to what you will find in many sports clubs today. Lee told Rugby Club Magazine: As a company we are very aware of the many unsung heroes you find in sports clubs who give freely of their time and energy for the greater good of their communities. We feel that anything we can do to help ease the pressure can only be a good thing. Whether its kits or balls we hope our sponsorship can aid the clubs to function a little less pressurised.

Its great to hear that Vipers Rugby are being recognised for their outstanding contribution to rugby this year and by all accounts it is well deserved. Although I don’t get down there as often as I would like my friends keep me well informed and the club are always on point to let me know the latest events that are happening. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make this years fireworks display but my family and friends were able to attend.

It is apparent that Vipers Rugby offers an invaluable service to the young and older people within their local community and I would like to encourage them all to keep up their obvious passion and hard work whilst sending everyone the best of continued success for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign!

We’re On Your Side

Stroud RFC

`One Club` On and off the field!

I suppose my journey to Stroud Rugby Club began in 2005 when my wife Natalie and i first met in London. After a few years we decided to move back to Stroud, where she is originally from, and in 2007 Natalie`s friends’ brother, who was involved at Stroud Rugby, invited me along to the club. Being a fan of rugby, I decided to pop along.

Having played most of my rugby at school at this point my initial experience, not being too fit at the time, was to throw up whilst playing. This reaction may well have been facilitated by the coach’s suggestion that he needed front row players and that I could be one; having always played in the backs as 10 or 12 this was quite a traumatic suggestion to me! The rest is history as they say, and this culminated in the club becoming a large part of

not only my own life but our families too. Rugby can take over a little and I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife who has been a rock and very understanding over the years. She has also become involved mucking in and helping out in various ways whether it’s behind the bar, cooking in the kitchen or assisting with our junior section.

Competing in the West Country Nth League back when I first joined was great fun for me, we played a very decent standard of rugby and it was also good to be able to mix with the old boys who were nearing the end of their playing careers. I also had the honour of captaining our team for 3 seasons around 2009-2011. My work took me away to London again and I returned in 2012 for the birth of our first son Henry.

In 2016 when Henry came of age he started playing at the club and now aged 12 is still there today still with his resolute aspirations intact to be a scrum half. My youngest son Barny, born in 2014, is a current U9s player and I have coached his team since he

started. My hope is to keep playing myself for a few more years so that all 3 of us can step out on the field of play together.

Last season our chairman stepped down and at the same time we lost some of our players. Having to face some challenging times we took the right decision to rebuild from the lowest division. However, we remained committed and were the only team to fulfil all our fixture list over the course of season! One of my beliefs at the time, and still is, was that we had to become both inward and outward facing. Inward in respect of our club,members and players and outward in respect of our community engagement and precence as we embrace a total `One Club` ethos both on and off the field! I realized at the time that my CV ticked both senior and junior experience boxes and so I moved up to fill our vacant Chairman`s position. This was not fait de complete, but we quickly began to move in the right direction. After a successful car boot sale at the club our number of fans began to increase. We advertised for a new head coach and Rob Higgins stepped forward who, under his excellent tutelage, has not

only taken our 1st XV on an undefeated run this season but has our U16`s and Colts teams playing with the same ethos as our seniors! On the back of this Stroud Rugby were recently recognised as Gloucestershire team of the Month!

Nicky Gamble, our M&J section head, has been very proactive in engaging with our local community. Spreading the word through out or schools and encouraging anyone who wants to, to have a go or come along to or club. Minis and Juniors are the life blood and future of any rugby club!

I would like to extend a special thankyou to our business community with over 40 companies deciding to take up sponsorship opportunities with us this year. I think its fair to say that those of us currently involved with Stroud Rugby really enjoy what we are doing here, however, we are desperate for more volunteers to help out, so if you would like to become more involved in any way whether in the kitchen, bar or with the general maintenance in and around the club, and benefit from the great rewards this offers, we would love to hear from you!

TONY POWELL, EXPLAYER, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR NORTIM

Tony has had a long association with Stroud Rugby Club which started many years ago when he was out for a run and someone at the club stopped him as he passed and invited him in. His journey from U10s through to Colts and senior rugby eventually led to a return to Rugby in his 30`s for a very capable Vets side as well as having a spell playing American football. Known for his no nonsense direct style of play as either flanker( He prefered7) or hooker, he was renowned as a formidable player, he told Rugby Club Mag recently: Yes its great to see things shaping up so nicely at the club and the efforts of the members in profiding such a great club and facility for our local community. Iain Bushell does a remarkable job and its clear to see the club is at his heart.

I have always loved rugby and everything that goes with it. I can honestly say it has really helped me in my own life’s journey whether it’s been a chat with some old timers in the bar returning home as the sun come up or through business connections I have met through rugby which have helped my company.

I was fortunate to have quite a long playing career fairly injury free although I did experience a few concussions; infact my mother came to see me play once and never came back finding the whole on field experience too much.

I have been so impressed by Stroud Rugby, and their dedication, that I happily became a sponsor. I would like to wish everybody at the club all the very best of continued success for many many more years to come; keep up the great work!

I grew up relatively close to Stroud Rugby and played there for well over a decade. Playing positions 6 or 7 it was perhaps inevitable that I would pick up some back injuries so having had a good player career as we approached Covid I decided to retire. As fate would have it the club were looking for a new coach this season and I put myself forward. Some older ex-players returned to the club, which really formed the backbone of our team, notably Joe Hoyle (9 or 10) and Sam Hester (Inside centre or Full back) as assistant coaches. Sam & Joe have provided a great balance to what is essentially a very young squad.

This season we have introduced a structure focused on moving the ball wide, as much as possible, and in the process of doing this we have uncovered a few gems amongst our front row players, forwards and backs; this has served as a solid platform for us to build on.

Stroud have had a Colts team for many years now, this has been a major factor in our development and a major catalyst in being in the place we are in today! Our awareness of the difficult transition to senior rugby means we work to help the integration process of our young players through the likes of touch rugby. Three of

our colts have recently been selected to play for the county, a testament to the quality of players coming through. Although we only put out one senior side at the moment, we aim to have a 2nd XV by next season and utilise our Colts as they come of age and merge them with our extra 1st XV players.

Our vision for Stroud Rugby Club is to provide rugby for all. In a recent get together with board members and teams, from U14 level upwards, we discussed our clubs’ values. We raised questions about how can we improve playing together as one club. As a true local club with great facilities, we have outstanding support from our community and full dedications from our board, members, players and supporters. From our senior players to or minis & juniors we believe everyone should have a voice, be heard, and this complete inclusivity is one of the reasons I believe Stroud Rugby Club are such a great club to be part of!

We are in a good place across all areas of our club with the added excitement of our last game against Gloucester Old Boys and a fixture to come against Old Pats; this will decide our final league standing. Stroud Rugby Club are definitely moving in the right directionon and off the field!

Wimborne Rugby Club

More than rugby, a club for Life!

I first took my son down to Wimborne Rugby Club when he was 12 years of age; he’s still playing now 16 years on! The attraction was simple, the club`s history, the great people involved, the community, the experiences and memories it creates and of course the game itself.

We are extremely lucky to have such a rich heritage but we are also mindful of the financial pressures that everyone Is experiencing, we are always looking to give our members great value both on and off field which in turn creates it’s own pressures. Trying to strike a balance

between rugby for all whilst achieving on field success is key, the transition from junior to academy rugby and onto seniors is fundamental for our club to continue and thrive.

We are very lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers who help us navigate the club through what has clearly been, and is still, a difficult time for all amateur clubs. Led by our committee. Mike Moysey, (President) Dennis Fry, (Chairman) Mike Fort, (Treasurer), Trevor Smith (Club House manager), Sue Tinsdale, (Bar manager); of course I could go on. These people are the head of the spear and the ones who drive us forward whilst keeping the club in line with it’s core values and true to its Moto “More than rugby- A club for Life!”

Exciting times are afoot for the club as we are in the process of securing a new facility, the club are being excellently supported by the RFU & the Dorset & Wilts facilities team who are promoting the scheme, also involving Wimborne Town Council and indirectly Barrats house builders, the next stage is to have a fully costed and sustainable scheme which can be presented to the membership to be voted on

and agreed before moving forward with the relocation.

Our on field ambitions remain the same as always, we aim to provide a safe, fun and competitive rugby environment for all ages male and female. At all levels there is a strong focus on the development of individual players alongside the preparation of successful teams playing a fast style of open Rugby. In the junior part of the club particular emphasis is placed on enjoyment and the inclusion of all players regardless of any apparent ability.

Wimborne has one of the largest Age Grade sections in Dorset & Wilts with approaching 350 affiliated players from Under 6 through to Under 18 divided into a Mini Section (Under 6 to Under 12), a Youth Section (Under 13 to Under 15) and an Academy (Under 16 to Under 18). Our priority is developing all our players and ensuring they enjoy the game.

This inclusive approach has brought considerable

success on the field for our Youth sides who play in competitions in Dorset & Wilts and Hampshire. In 2021/22 our Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 sides all won their respective Dorset & Wilts Premiership Cups with a good number of players training with the ERDPP at Bath Rugby. The Mini & Youth Section and the Academy are supported by some one hundred coaches, managers and other volunteers.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Wimborne 1st recorded game was in 1888 and East Dorset Rugby Football Club was formed. Unfortunately this club was rudely curtailed by the onset of World War II.

It was not until 1948 that a reformation of the club took place under the Old Wimbornians, supported by the Old Wimborne Grammar School.

In 1950, after a meeting at the Griffin Hotel, (now a block of flats) next to Wimborne Station (now a market), opposite Andy’s Cafe (now houses), it was decided to form Wimborne Rugby Football Club, incorporating the Old Wimbornians.

This meeting was attended by a number of famous ‘old boys’ including Maurice Herridge, Ivor Hilliam, Bill Williams, Gunner Holman and Douggie Harrison (who went on to be the 59th President of the RFU).

The original minutes of this meeting stated that the club colours would be ‘all black’ with white collars and sock tops – this was decided primarily because it was inexpensive. The logo depicted the Wimborne Minster church.

Early fixtures were held at Merley Camp (now Cobhams Flight Refuelling Social Club) and at the Hanhams ground (which later became the town cricket pitch, and is now home to Waitrose).

In 1963 the club moved lock, stock and barrels to Leigh Park where the club remains to date.

The club includes two bars plus a large function hall. The

Harrison room is dedicated to Douggie Harrison 1911-1989.

In September 2015, The Maurice Herridge Room was officially named, in memory of Maurice who will always be fondly remembered at Wimborne.

Our mood at the club is very positive, the Mini & Youth numbers are returning to pre Covid Levels, We have a new coaching and management team working on our girls section, the Academy have fantastic numbers and are performing well, finally the senior 1st team are unbeaten this season and the 2nds are in a strong position to push for honours.

Currently we have a number of successful player connections: on the men’s side we have James Williams who’s at Bristol Bears, Will Butt who’s at Bath and Harry Bazalgette who’s at Cornish Pirates, James Williams often returns to the club

and ran a coaching session for the seniors, his brother Freddie plays for our 1st team. Also Poppy & Briony Cleall who learned the game at Wimborne RFC, and other clubs, now plays for Saracens and England. We are immensely proud of the fact that these players started their rugby journey at Wimborne RFC.

After taking a bit of a backward step in terms of player engagement after covid we had a positive break out season finishing strongly at the back end of 2021/22 season culmanating in winning the Dorset & Wilts Cup, we then recruited a very young coaching team for this season led by player coach Tom Moysey which has paid real dividends in terms of numbers at training and results on the pitch. We aim for the 1st team & 2nd teams to get promoted and also to increase numbers to have a

David said: Girls rugby is now thriving at Wimborne RFC with the numbers growing by the week. Currently we have 22 girls signed on (previously 3!) from U12 through the 4 age groups to U18. Recruitment has been good through the schools via activity in the two local Middle Schools, Allenbourne and St. Michaels, but also advertising.

We have a group of Blandford girls who are very active and we are always looking to enhance the numbers to allow us to try to put together some teams. Katrina is doing a grand job through her work as an SGO and is pushing the club every time she goes into a school. We are planning to hold some taster events at various schools in the New Year to try to drum up some more support.

Currently I am leading all 4 age groups in mixed training, supported by Katrina who brings the fun element to training. We train on a Wednesday evening at the club and also on a Sunday. There are a lot of opportunities at the moment for mixed training with the other clubs in the area through the RFU initiatives and we have taken some of the girls to the first session

at Oakmeadians and hope to take more to the Bath Academy events before Xmas. The club has forged strong links with bath RFU grass roots development with a coach taking a session at the club for the girls and more planned for later this month. We have also had some girls attend a Bath ladies match as flag bearers at the Rec.

The five year plan for rugby at Wimborne is to have a full ladies team and a strong base at junior level to be competitive and to have fun. The girls are very enthusiastic and buying into the club ethos and we are confident that we will be able to field teams sooner than that. We are trying to tap into the success of the Red Roses at present and show local girls that Rugby is a sport for all and that there is a lot of enjoyment in the team/ friend partnerships that can be made.

We are currently looking for sponsorship for personal shirts and hope to have the “Wimborne Warriors” up and playing competitive matches in the near future. We are recruiting using the latest technology and we are looking for more and more girls to attend so that I can recruit more coaches and get the ball rolling.

CONTINUED...

3rd team playing regularly. There are challenges too as we have lost a significant amount of players, some of which are slowly returning, we are always looking to strengthen our player pool especially in the front 5 as these players seem to be more difficult to recruit.

Just before the pandemic we introduced the idea of having an Academy with a focus on development rather than short term results. It includes players from Under 16 through to Under 18 and provides a cohesive programme that is dovetailed with the playing and coaching philosophies of our adult teams. They train on the same nights as the Seniors which enhances the feeling that we are One Club.

The Academy coaches also work with the lead coaches of the Youth sides to ensure that consistent habits are engrained at an early stage. We also run joint supervised training session with the senior academy to expose them to senior rugby and where appropriate we hope to give them some game time with the third XV.

We have senior touch rugby at the club on Wednesday

night which then transfers to the beach during the summer, numbers are very healthy and it gives a great outlet to retired players and players returning to the game or who are new to the sport to help work on some basic skills.

Wimborne are very much a community club. We maintain good links with local schools providing assistance with coaching and organising tournaments. Where possible we use local suppliers and tradespeople and maintain good relationships with local businesses. We are strong supporters of the Food Bank run by the neighbouring Community Centre.On the rugby side we are a community partner for Rippa Rugby who’s motivation is to bring the enjoyment of rugby and fitness to children of ages 3 to 16 at our rugby club.www.ripparugby.co.uk/ about.

Sponsors are absolutely vital to our club, with operating costs in the thousands during the season, membership alone will not cover the running costs, we are extremely lucky to have some dedicated sponsors who have supported the club for many years.

We have once again benefited from the support of local businesses to help us meet those costs, particularly

from Fire Consulting and Passive Fire Safety Solutions who are our main club sponsors, 32 GI who provide us with nutritional products, Abacus Vehicle Rental assist us with our transport and we also have numerous individuals and companies who support the club through sponsorship as Patrons.

The great thing about Wimborne Rugby Club is that is friendly, inclusive and family orientated - an approach which is summed up by our strapline “More than Rugby - a Club for Life”. The Club is run by a big team of very positive volunteers who welcome all to the Club regardless of ability or experience. Despite or possibly because of its Rugby for All philosophy the Club is also very successful on the pitch.

We recently engaged with the members across the club from mini and youth to seniors, parents ex players and the VPs to see how we could best promote the club locally and to encourage more members and players. We came up with the strap line ‘More than Rugby A Club for Life” we hope this conveys a message that we are an inclusive, community club with a big heart that will always give a warm welcome to whoever and whenever anyone would like to come along and visit our happy club!

During the pandemic they used one of our changing rooms for extra storage and they now have a container next to our Clubhouse. Our members contribute generously to a monthly collection of food items that we organise at the Club to help the Food Bank.

VEHICLE HIRE

Abacus Vehicle Hire has had a long and positive association with Wimborne Rugby Club and is a very valued sponsor of the club. Sophie recently told Rugby Club Mag: As a company we very much appreciate and value the free time that local people give up and put into making Wimborne Rugby what it is today. Clubs nor businesses don’t run themselves and require, not only competence, but industriousness and of course a desire to help others.

Wimborne do all of these things exceptionally well and without the service they provide to local people, young and older, this corner and Home of Dorset rugby would be a lot worse of. I would like to congratulate everyone at the club on a great and successful season, thus far, and wish them all the very best of health and enjoyment, from everyone at Abacus, for many more seasons to come!

Fire Consulting are a 3rd Party Certificated business with over 20 years’ experience in fire safety. Our team work with a diverse range of commercial and industrial customers who trust us to ensure their businesses become compliant, safe places for their employees and customers.

We are BAFE SP-205 3rd Party Certificated and our experience in compartmentation works and fire door compliance ensure we offer up to date and correct advice. We have broad team of experience including Fire engineers and Tier 3 Risk Assessors. Services we provide include Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Strategy Reports, Door Surveys, Compartmentation. Surveys, Fire Safety Training and consultation.

Wimborne Rugby Club!”

www.fireconsulting.co.uk

“Very proud principal sponsors of

FIRE CONSULTING

One of our Directors, at UK Fire Consulting, Charlie Morgan, has had a long a very positive association with Wimborne Rugby Club over many years. Charlie is an Explayer and huge fan who is passionate about continuing his support of Wimborne for as long as possible.

As a company director I took over the baton, from the businesses perspective, 3 years ago and being a rugby fan, and coming from a large rugby family, i have very much enjoyed a positive and healthy connection with the club and its members. I get down to Wimborne as often as i can, usually with a few clients in toe, and never disappointed by the hospitality and friendliness of everyone.

The last game we attended was against Walcot, a top of the table clash, i thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and

the whole matchday occasion; final score 24:12 to Wimborne and we had the added bonus of being able to take in the 2nd XVs fixture too. I could see that there were many of the club’s older generation still turning out and supporting their team. It is apparent that there is very much a unity and togetherness, and the usual exemplary conduct, about everyone at the club, all playing their part, from coaches and players to supporters and bar staff it is very well organised and great to see how it all functions so well!

It’s fabulous to hear that the club are being recognised for their outstanding contribution to rugby this year: I feel this is well deserved. They are very much at the heart of their local community and long may they continue to provide such an outstanding service to local people. Congratulations to everybody at Wimborne Rugby Club, keep working hard, and the very best of continued success for many more seasons to come!

DAN BUTT, SUPPORTER, SPONSOR, FORMER COACH AND REFEREE

Dan Butt originates from the local area and moved increasingly closer to Wisbech Rugby Club as time passed. Dan is also the father of Will Butt the outstanding Bath centre (and sometimes winger). Will joined Coventry, in the Championship, on a loan spell where he equalled a club record of 4 tries in a single game against the Jersey Reds in May 2021.

He started training regularly with the senior Bath squad in the summer of 2021 and made his Rugby Premiership debut in December 2021 against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens. On 11 November he scored a last minute try to secure for Bath a 19-18 win over Leicester Tigers at The Rec. It did all start at Wimborne RFC though and father Dan told

CONTACT THE CLUB Gordon Rd Wimborne BH21 2AP

www.wimbornerugbyclub. co.uk

Rugby Club Mag recently: Will played for Wimborne Rugby Club from age ten whilst attending Dumpton School, many of his friends from school joined the club so I suppose he followed suit. I honestly think that if it wasn’t for the excellent guidance and tutelage he received at Wimborne he may not be where he is today in professional rugby. Naturally I too became involved in the club as a coach for Will`s teams and when the club had problems finding referees I decided to help after having a word with now DOR Giles. I took on some RFU refereeing courses, became a referee and then returned to coach the club`s U`6s.

Wimborne RFC is a great club to be part of. It is quite a forgiving place too, demonstrated by the fact that Will`s girlfriends brother plays for our huge rivals Walcot and Will coaches down at Walcot on a Tues and Thurs evening! It does speak volumes about rugby as a whole and about the friendships and respect amongst our clubs!

STEVE BACON, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR: PASSIVE FIRE SAFETY SOLUTIONS. (PFSS)

I was introduced to Wimborne Rugby Club by one of our workers Dan Draper who was rightly singing the clubs praises. When I turned up at the club with Dan, I was blown away by the friendliness of everyone and the obvious camaraderie amongst young and old.

I decided to become a sponsor and although Rugby has never been my sport, I really started to enjoy the

competition and skill on the pitch. There also seemed to be great opportunities to develop young people with juniors coming through to senior rugby in significant numbers.

Post-match it was not uncommon for players and members to come up to me and thank me for being a sponsor of thev2nd XV and how they appreciated this. I can only describe Wimborne Rugby Club as inspirational and with the team top of their league, and playing so well, I can only say bring it home this season lads!

Fire Door and Fire Stopping Specialist

We at Passive Fire Safety Solutions (PFSS) are a team of honest professional contractors with over 10 years of experience in Passive Fire Protection who you can trust to find and provide the appropriate solution for you.

“Very proud sponsors of Wimborne RFC”

Blackheath Rugby

I have been at the Club since 1995 when I was first asked to train with Blackheath 1st XV. Back then we were still at Rectory Field, but many discussions were on going around professional rugby fast approaching.

We are currently playing at Level 4 National Two East, the most recent variation of the National Leagues. Since 1996 and “professionalism” the club has had to face the many challenges of running a semiprofessional side alongside amateur, junior, mini and Women’s rugby. The main challenge, other than securing financial stability, is retaining players from mini through to senior rugby. Too many get lured by “beer money” and promises of 1st XV rugby every week at local teams not playing at Level 4 and so the historical loyalty once taken for granted has been the most significant challenge, from a playing perspective.

Having been relegated from National 1 last season our immediate ambition is to gain promotion this season and consolidate our position at Level 3 once again. We also strive to get back to the number of senior teams we once had representing Club which is why we have embarked upon a local schools’ rugby programme which we hope will inspire youngsters to try and move to Blackheath for their rugby experiences. Our ambitions

off the pitch are to create a sustainable financial model that sits alongside the semi-professional element of rugby, to afford the challenges that playing at the higher levels bring.

We have a rugby philosophy and a cultural philosophy for our coaching that attempts to inspire loyalty and enjoyment in equal measure. Alongside that we promote fast flowing fun rugby where everyone is actively encouraged to try as many positions as possible until they get to senior level.

Our club has been in existence since 1858 and as such is the oldest open rugby club in the world. It was one of the founding clubs at the inception of the RFU and also the Football Association and was the founding club that began the great tradition of the Barbarians. Until 1996 and the introduction of the professional era, Blackheath was the club that had supplied the most England internationals to that point.

The mood of the club is generally optimistic currently from a 1st XV perspective and across all other sections. We managed the club very diligently through the Covid period and as such we are in a strong position to implement many of our plans and improvements.

For many years up until the 1970s, Blackheath supplied dozens of players to England and other international teams, including C.B. Fry! Most

recently, Mickey Skinner won 21 caps for England and played in the 1991 World Cup Final. Although playing for Harlequins at the time, Mickey played most of his career at Blackheath, either side of his stint at Quins and is still a regular at the club. John Gallagher, who played fullback for the New Zealand All Blacks in the 1987 World Cup Final is also a local member and he finished his playing career at Blackheath.

We are currently top of the National Two East League and on course with our ambition to return to National One

next season. It’s still early days and there are some strong teams in our league, so we need to remain focussed if we are to achieve the objective. We are also fielding a Second XV on a weekly basis that is playing league rugby. Our Amateur team is suffering from injuries at the moment, so we are hoping for a better second half of the season. Our Women’s team is working hard on the pitch with some challenging fixtures. Elsewhere, we have full Junior and Mini sections so overall, the club is very busy at weekends and playing a lot of rugby!

The primary goal for our First XV is to win promotion to National League One. After 18 consecutive seasons in that league, we found life a lot tougher last year recovering from the Covid break and unfortunately ended the season being relegated. The silver lining was that the “shock” of relegation galvanised the Club to set clear plans for an immediate return and to apply the resources to deliver that objective. We now field a Second XV on a weekly basis and have established a clear pathway for our aspiring youngsters to develop their game to the highest level within the club.

The second goal is to ensure that we manage the business of our club on a sound financial basis. The financial issues of the professional game are

well documented, and the challenge is to ensure that we generate sufficient income to maintain Blackheath for today but also to invest for tomorrow and for future years. We have a proud history and heritage at Blackheath, and we want to ensure that the club is around for decades to come. To adapt the quote used by the All Blacks, we want to “leave the Club in a better place.”

For many years, we have had a thriving Women’s section that normally fields two teams playing league rugby. In recent years, we have also started a Girls section and through the drive and determination of a committed Coach, this section is growing rapidly. We are a strong supporter of Women’s rugby and through the success of the Red Roses, we want to attract more girls to the club and expand this section of our membership.

We are definitely a “full service” club offering playing opportunities to all aspiring rugby players from age 6 and upwards to the semiprofessional level of National 2 East rugby and Women’s league rugby. At the start of this school year in September, we launched a project to deliver rugby coaching to local primary schools in the Blackheath area. By the October half-term, 5 local schools had been covered, over 1,000 children had been introduced to rugby and a festival was held to conclude

the half-term project with over 200 children participating. We hope to attract many of the children to continue their interest in the game by joining our Mini section at Blackheath. After half-term, we focussed the project to another 5 primary schools and will finish at Christmas with another festival for those schools to celebrate their introduction to rugby.

In terms of local businesses, we have several companies that support us with sponsorship and raffle prizes. We would love to do more and build greater links in order to grow our membership and also our financial support.

Partnerships with local and national businesses are a vital financial lifeline to Blackheath, as they are to every club. As a community-based club, we want to build partnerships with businesses that operate locally so that they can access our membership and promote their products and services.

We see sponsorship as a partnership that should benefit the sponsor as much as Blackheath in return. There is a lot that we can offer a business to help position and promote themselves to the local community and our goal is to integrate local businesses into Blackheath Rugby so that we build positive and successful relationships that are mutually beneficial.

As with any successful enterprise, its people that build culture and relationships

and we have some great members and friends at Blackheath. We have an army of volunteers who support every aspect of the club to keep it moving forward on a sustainable basis. We are hugely proud of our history and a look around our club house reflects that history in the pictures and memorabilia across everywhere. But we do not live in the past and although we have a strong heritage and foundation, we strive to make Blackheath a welcoming and friendly place for members and for visiting clubs and supporters at all levels. We receive some great feedback, but we are certainly not complacent and there is always more we can do to promote the great game of rugby and position Blackheath as a key member of the local community.

It is heartening for the Executive Committee and myself, as Managing Director, to see Blackheath Rugby not just surviving but hungry and ambitious across all sections of our club. Across the game of rugby, we have seen examples of ambitious clubs who sadly overextend themselves without remembering that success needs to be founded on good business principles. Sadly, the business graveyard has more than its fair share of rugby clubs who have relied on a single wealthy financial backer, and then fallen from a great height when the money has run out. We are

determined that Blackheath will continue in existence for decades to come and so we work very hard to balance our income from different sources and control our costs. We are ambitious to build on our heritage, but we will only do so within our financial means.

Blackheath Rugby is built on great people doing great things and there is not enough space in this article to mention them individually but collectively, they represent the heart and soul of our great game, full of passion and determination and no little pride in our wonderful history but with a keen eye for the future and the match next weekend!

CONTACT THE CLUB

WELL HALL

Kidbrooke Lane

London SE9 6TE

HERVEY ROAD

98 Hervey Road London SE3 8BU

RECTORY FIELD

Charlton Road London SE3 8SR

www.blackheathrugby.co.uk

Camborne RFC

The feelgood factor has cascaded through all sections of the club!

Camborne RFC is more or less in my DNA. I was taken along to The Rec’ to watch whichever team was playing from the age of 5 by my late Dad, who himself played for the club in the 1950s. He had been indoctrinated in the same way by his father, my grandfather. I was lucky to attend a rugby playing grammar school and under the coaching of Cornish teaching and rugby legends Harold Stevens, Terry Pryor and John Platts was invited to join Camborne Colts by a school friend at the age of 15, there being no M/J section at the time.

I made my 1st XV debut in 1979 at the age of 17 and was lucky to continue playing for the club until the age of 43 across 4 decades. I continued watching ‘Town’ after retirement and was hugely

honoured to be offered the Chairmanship 6 years ago.

The challenges facing many clubs at our level is quite simply – money. We are lucky at Camborne to have an amazing sponsorship team who work tirelessly to raise money so that we can operate at the level we do.

This is not always easy as being where we are geographically, we are fishing in the same pool as other sports clubs and organisations. At 1st XV level we are also hampered geographically by the amount of travelling required to fulfil fixtures. Our “local” derby is Launceston, 60 miles away!!! Our mileage this year for 1st XV travel is 2, 842 miles. Our mileage at the level above would be 5, 669. This year’s budget for travel has doubled on last year’s budget so at the level above it is feasible to project that travelling costs would double on this season. We’ve built this monster and it needs feeding – with money!

Our main pitch, The Rec’, was leased to us by Cornwall County Council who 6 years ago devolved it to Camborne Town Council. With our excellent relationship with the Town Council, we were able to negotiate a new 99year lease at a peppercorn

rent with them under the proviso that CRFC would be responsible for the maintenance of the facilities.

The Camborne Town Bid were successful in being awarded a £1.2m levelling up grant by the government of which we pitched a business plan to ‘Renovate the Rec’ at a cost of 300,000, and Andy Reed is the president elect of the Cornwall RFU and will take up office next June.. Our application was successful and Phase 1 of our plan, reroofing the grandstand, was completed this summer.

Phase 2 will hopefully start at the end of this season with a complete refurbishment of our changing rooms on-site, making them fit for all ages and genders. Phase 3 will be at our Crane Park site where

it is envisioned that pitch levelling, new floodlights and a solar array with battery back-up will be completed the following year.

Our coaching philosophy is targeted to play at the highest level possible that is sustainable for the club.

Camborne RFC currently run a thriving mini/junior section with age groups from U7 to U16. Happily, numbers in the section have increased after lockdown.

A POTTED HISTORY

Camborne RFC was established in 1878 and are one of the most famous rugby clubs in Cornwall - the club colours are Cherry and White.

The local tin mining industry provided most of the early players, the majority who worked at Camborne’s Dolcoath mine which at that time was the deepest mine in Britain. The first game was played against Penzance in front of some 600 spectators in November 1877.

After the Great War, in the 1920’s, a kind of rugby fever

swept Camborne. Teams, who in those days changed at hotels in the town, marched to the ground behind the Town band, in a manner almost of matadors.

When the RFU Courage National Leagues were formed in 1987, Camborne were placed in what was then called the Courage National Division 4 South and were the highest placed Cornish team at the time. There were 11 teams in this league, and they remained at this level until 95-96 when they dropped to South West 1, followed by relegation the following year to South West 2 West, where they remained for the next five seasons. In 2002 Camborne dropped down to Western Counties West but returned to South West 2 West for the 2004-5 season after being promoted as champions.

After some roller-coaster seasons recently, Camborne now currently play in the Regional 1 South West league.

Following our successful start to the season by the 1st XV the mood at the club is excellent and this feel-good factor has cascaded through all sections of the club.

John Collins, now 94, remains the only player from Camborne RFC to be capped by England. John played 3 times for England in 1952 and can still be seen at the club, weather permitting, spectating and presenting caps and shirts to current players.

Lions and Scotland international Andy Reed played for the club in 1987 and was later to play for the all-conquering Bath RFC team of the nineties. Andy is the current Cornwall RFU president, so we expect to

see him regularly at the club during his tenure.

More recently the Matavesi brothers Josh, Sam, & Joel have come through our M/J section to play for the senior team and then go on to higher things. Their father, Sireli, toured the UK with the Fiji Barbarians in 1985 and so impressed the committee in a game at Camborne against Cornwall, was asked to stay on after the tour and play for the club. He subsequently met, and married, a Camborne girl and the rest is history. Although not in the best of health, Sireli still lives in the town, and on visits home the boys take part in senior training sessions and take coaching sessions for the M/Js.

The first XV have made an excellent start to the season and are riding high in Regional 1 South West. The Crusaders XV are taking their first tentative steps in league rugby in Tribute Cornwall 3 and after a slow start have rallied well. Our senior ladies have this year entered the Women’s NC2 South West (West) and are enjoying the extra competition that league rugby brings.

Camborne’s M/J section age groups are coached in the majority of instances by fathers who have played for the club and are instilling the Camborne ‘way’ on to their sons and their teammates. Unfortunately, at the present time we do not operate a Colt XV as this age group was particularly ravaged by the effects of lockdown, but we are confident that with good numbers in our current U16s the Colts will be back next season.

We run WAGS age groups from U13 through to our Senior Ladies and are extremely hopeful that the success of the Red Roses at the recent Women’s RWC will inspire more ladies and girls to give rugby a try.

We tried walking rugby at the club a few years ago under the guidance of Cornwall RFU and Healthy Cornwall which was well supported. We would be interested if this initiative was resurrected.

We are certainly a community club and facility and we are always looking to upgrade our clubhouse to benefit everybody. The club bars are available to hire and we have ensured that they are fit for everything from conferences (High speed Wi-Fi, AV capability etc), and bingo nights (Tuesdays at 7PM)!

As touched on earlier our sponsors are hugely important to the club to help us operate at the level we do. While not having one or two major sponsors we have a large portfolio of smaller sponsors who have been very loyal over several years. Our home 1st XV games this season have been oversubscribed by sponsors so that in some cases up to 3 sponsors have their same day at the club. As an example, at our recent home game v Brixham, 120 guests across 3 sponsors gathered in our main bar pre-match for a buffet and presentation. Many sponsors find that this is great for networking. They then get to watch the game gratis and enjoy the post-match atmosphere in the clubhouse afterwards. In this example that was Holman Male Voice Choir who gave us some traditional Cornish community singing.

I would like to think that we are a friendly, welcoming and sociable club and hopefully our increase in membership since lockdown is proof of

that. Luckily the increase in membership means an increase in volunteers. As a club we would cease to function without our hardcore of volunteers and their work across things like coaching, general maintenance, grounds work, stewarding etc. is priceless and I cannot praise them too highly.

The reality of the modern game is somewhat different from when I first played, and this is also true of the club structure. We are no longer a male dominated environment and we need to be all things to all people and the diversity across the different sections of our club I hope proves that.

What travelling and visiting other clubs at our level has taught me is that we are essentially all the same. There are good people in every club doing their utmost for that club, it’s members, players, the local community and ultimately the game we love. Some have reserves, some don’t, but we are all working to the same end. Personally, I am proud that despite coming from one of the most socio-economically deprived areas of the UK, Camborne Rugby Club can compete at this level and, hopefully, higher.

My family have had a long and positive association with Camborne RFC. My dad David, an ex-rugby player himself, has supported the club for as long as I can remember and my grandfather Clifford was a player at Camborne too. Now my son Ethan plays on the wing for the 16`s. Ethan`s own playing career started around four years ago, he previously hadn’t taken to the sport but with the new experience of high school he became involved.

I travel home and away to support our seniors and as we speak we are sitting at the top of the league. Camborne as a club embraces all areas of rugby with a thriving mini and junior set up and an excellent women`s section whilst opening its arms to or local community. I would like to wish everyone at the club all the best of continued success for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.

MARK ROBERTS, SUPPORTER, LONGSTANDING CLUB SPONSOR

I have been connected to Camborne Rugby Club since 2002 and still find time to support them today. Myself and my brother-in-law David Nicholas, an explayer himself, can be seen cheering the teams on at the weekends!

There’s no doubt that Camborne provide a very important service to our local community and being a local lad, I have witnessed the club continue to flourish over the years. The committee are dedicated to providing the best space and facilities for everyone and with the new investment they are now ensuring the future of this great club. Young people are of course the life blood and next generation and coupled with the ladies rugby I can only see a bright future for our thriving club!

I would like to thank everyone at Camborne

Rugby Club for their continued support over many years and wish everyone at the club all the very best of continued success from all of us at C&R Plastics for many more seasons to come!

Eastbourne RFC

We are a Family!

I first became involved with the club in 2008 as 26-yearold wanting to get back into a team sport. As an Eastbourne lad I knew quite a few players from school and college and just decided one Tuesday night to turn up to training and then ended up playing for our third team on the Saturday. I loved it, I was really warmly welcomed and made to feel part of the team. The following week I played for the second team and by the 2009/10 season had made my way into the first team. I felt a real sense of family at the club from day one and I knew that I wanted to be involved in the club long term.

Our main challenge we face at the club is finance. We have had some incredibly tough times in the past and only saved by the generosity of donations from club members. Whilst we are more financially stable now the ever-increasing cost of running the club and providing a quality environment for all our members is becoming more

and more challenging.

Our minis, juniors and youth sections are the lifeblood of the club and it’s so great to see Two Hundred and Fifty plus children and young people playing rugby on a Sunday morning. We wish to see this area continue to grow and encourage more of our local community and enjoy Rugby.

Our women’s and girls section is continuing to grow and we look forward to developing this further over the coming seasons.

We have had real success in the last couple of years through bringing our colts players into the senior squad and this is evidenced by the number of former colts playing for the senior teams.

For our senior squad we have ambitions of fighting for promotion this season for both the first and second teams and we have managed to regularly field a third/vets’ team this season.

Off the pitch we are working hard to develop relationships with our local community such as councillors, schools, colleges and businesses to share our vision for the club and encourage collaboration to make our vision a reality

Our club values mirror those of the RFU, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship. We have recently held a couple of ‘Coaches and Managers’ evening sessions where we brought the coaches and team managers together

across all age groups in the club to encourage sharing of ideas, sharing of solutions to challenges and also just to get to know each other better. The events were a real success, and we plan to continue them throughout the season and beyond.

Our minis and juniors are essential to the club, as mentioned earlier, and despite the impact of the pandemic and the availability of playing we managed to retain numbers and are now developing plans to help this grow. We have a fabulous team of committed coaches and team managers as well as our most brilliant registrar Suzanne who is at the club come rain or shine every Sunday ensuring the children get to enjoy rugby in a fun safe environment.

Founded by the Reverend C.E. Roberts of St John’s College, Oxford, and an assistant master at Eastbourne College, the Club played its first game in December 1892. The club ran for three years before being disbanded in 1895. Rugby was played principally at this time by private schools.

It was revived as The Devonshire Park (Eastbourne) Rugby Football Club in 1911. The Honorary President was Victor, 9th Duke of Devonshire and its first games took place at Devonshire Park and then at The Saffrons. After the outbreak of the First World War matches were only played by Eastbourne College and military units stationed in the district, in particular teams from the Summerdown Convalescent Camp. Eastbourne R.F.C. was re-formed in 1928 and registered with the Rugby Football Union a year later. Matches were held at the Saffrons, St Cyprian’s (Paradise Drive,) The Golf Links, St Christopher’s in Gaudick Road and on one occasion at The Old Town Rec. Matches were usually played on Wednesday, probably because many of the players were private school teachers and were able to get the afternoon off. The Rugby Club also used Saffrons No 1 pitch which it shared with the Eastbourne Town Football Club. Charles Taylor, later Sir Charles Taylor, Conservative M.P. for Eastbourne from 1935 to 74 was himself an accomplished wing-threequarter who brought an invitation XV to Eastbourne in the early 30’s. At the

beginning of one season this team included at least 5 International players.

The Wednesday fixtures were played at The Saffrons, but play also took place in Hampden Park just outside the town centre where two small stands were built in the 1930’s.

After the Second World War play resumed at Hampden Park, where the club members built their own clubhouse. There were visits from overseas touring teams, such as the Wallabies, the All Blacks and the Springboks before their tour of the United Kingdom. The British Lions ( as they were then known) also visited in the 60’s and 70’s before going overseas.

Since the late 70’s Eastbourne has been involved in league and cup fixtures in Sussex and Kent. In 2018 we won the Sussex Shield Cup much against the odds. We also have thriving mini and junior sections, and recently also an enthusiastic ladies’ team.

Famous members of the club include Lord Hunt who led the British Everest Expedition in 1953. John Novak of Harlequins and Guy’s Hospital started his career in the town and went on to play for England in 1970. Joe Marler of Harlequins, England and the British and Irish Lions, also started his rugby in Eastbourne.

The general mood at the club is very positive at the moment. We have a very successful first XV who are unbeaten this season and top of the league meaning more and more supporters are coming to watch and there is an air of excitement about what our squad can achieve. We have recently brought the club bar back into club management after franchising it out for several years and this has had a really positive impact on the atmosphere within the clubhouse.

Our successful player connections that have come through or played for the club over the years include John Novak, a three time England international started his rugby career at Eastbourne RFC before playing for Harlequins, recently visited the club from his home in America and donated one of his England match shirts and cap. We are very grateful for his generous donation and the shirt and cap look fantastic framed and up on the wall in the clubhouse.

Joe Marler also started his rugby career as a mini and junior at the club.

This season has been fantastically successful for the first XV and very solid for the

second team (the Nomads). We have also had great success in various festivals across the minis and juniors. Our youth section has seen two players selected for the Harlequins academy as well as others representing county sides.

Our Goals for this current campaign are to sustain the numbers of minis, juniors, youth and colts whilst playing as many development games with our Women’s team as possible. Our 1st XV are aiming for promotion from the Counties 2 Sussex league and we would like to engage with more local and national businesses to sponsor the club. I think our main challenge is ensuring we can continue to generate the income we need in order to grow our club and meet our full potential.

With the growth of the women’s game over the last two years, in particular, we have embraced all our outreach opportunities and now have a presence across all major social network channels as well as continuing our work in the community. We now have girls and women playing from U6’s through to seniors. We have made very positive developments this year with the coaching team and are looking forward to a number of senior women’s XV Development Fixtures and also a number of community touch rugby days. We are also working with other development sides locally to grow our relationships and also ensure people have the opportunity to play as much of our wonderful game as possible while continuing to build our squad and move into the leagues.

We welcome players of all ages and abilities and anyone who has liked the look of our social media or has been inspired by the England’s amazing Red Roses then please come and join us. Girls from U6’s through to U11’s train on a Sunday from 10:00AM and U12’s through to Seniors train Tuesdays from

6:45PM at Eastbourne Rugby Club, Park Ave, BN22 9QN.

If you would like to know more, please reach out to us via our club contacts listed on Pitchero or send us a DM via Facebook, Instagram or TikTok and one of our coaches will be more than happy to answer any questions.

We have also discussed the development of these other areas of rugby like walking rugby and they are definitely in our future plans, our priority for this season was to regularly be able to field three senior teams which we have done and we look forward to exploring walking rugby in particular over the next year.

Eastbourne are absolutely a community club and would not survive without the support of our local community, we have a number of sponsors from local businesses, most of whom have supported us for many years. We are always, however looking to find more ways of engaging our local community and businesses, at the start of this season we held a curry night for local businesses to come down and hear about our plans for the club and invite them to support us in achieving our vision. Our Sponsors are critical and make up circa 50% of our income however with ever increasing costs we are always looking for more.

What makes Eastbourne Rugby Club such a great club to be part of for me is quite simple - we are a family!

FLUDE, EXPLAYER, SUPPORTER AND SPONSOR: DELTA HV

I was born and bred in Eastbourne and my dad, an ex-rugby player himself took me down to the rugby club aged 6. I played all the way through the juniors to senior rugby where I became a loose head and enjoyed some county rugby too. When my son Joseph came of age to play mini rugby I was able to step in and help coach his team. Joseph now plays for the clubs U`11s and absolutely loves his rugby, unlike me he looks likely to be a backs player. This may be a good thing for him as sadly the game has shifted over the years in favour of more back playing lines from the forward focused assault that I was use to playing under.

My wifes dad, David Baxter also played for the club and my business partner Jim Lawrence and his brother Adam both played for Eastbourne. One of our guys at Delta HV Gavin Farley is also an ex-

player so through family and work we have a very close relationship with the club.

Mini & Junior rgby are definitely the life blood of our club and apart from some challenges with numbers for our U`13`s I would say we are thriving. AS a club Eastbourne are very friendly and popen to everyone throughout our local community. As a club we not only believe in the England Rugby values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Respect we wear the badge on our shirts.

I would like to thank everyone at Eastbourne Rugby Club for all the enjoyment and support they have given myself personally and to all my family and friends. I can see the clubs’ values being passed on to our next generation. Joseph and his teammates not only are good friends amongst themselves but they have made friendships with other club players too. Best wishes to everyone for many more seasons to come!

We were initially approached by Fraser Brooks of Rowland Gorringe with the opportunity to sponsor Eastbourne RFC. After looking into Eastbourne RFC, we could see how sponsoring them would enable the club to have a whole host of equipment for senior, minis and junior sections. The equipment would support the teams with vital training equipment including first aid kits for every age group which for us was fundamental in supporting the club. We are very proud to be sponsoring Eastbourne RFC for this coming season and moving forwards.

In November 2020 we became a main sponsor of Eastbourne RFC, since then we have watched the club grow from strength to strength and are delighted to see they are at the top of the league table.

Eastbourne RFC puts great emphasis on the wider community, with local residents following the club and all its successes. Particularly during lockdown, the club provided fantastic support for all of its rugby family and friends, including virtual meetings, and continuing to engage with the community and support with mental health. Eastbourne RFC has been known to host many great fundraising events on their field and help the community where it can. We are delighted to be sponsoring the club and seeing it’s continued success! Keep up the great work! Congratulations to Eastbourne RFC for the outstanding contribution to our Rugby community, all of us at Greymoor are behind you and wish you the very best of luck for the 2022/23 campaign!

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Stone RUFC

A real family Club changing lives for the better!

I have been with Stone Rugby Club now for 21 years after moving to the town to start a new job.

On arriving in Stone, still wanting to play competitive rugby, I set about finding a local club to join, but now in my 30’s with a young family I had promised myself that I wouldn’t spend all my Saturdays on long coach trips to away games as previously. I soon spotted a set of rugby posts in the middle of the town and decided to pop down that weekend for a look and a beer.

After a chat with a few of the guys there, Stone seemed the perfect fit for me, I was invited to a training session and here I am today all these years later as Club Chair, which, may I add, took some convincing me and with the proviso my mate Glyn Durston took the position as President so we can push the club forward together; and I wouldn’t change a thing.

The Men’s Section made the decision to enter back into the RFU pyramid league structure for the first time in a good number of seasons, this proved to be a big transition from playing local merit league rugby. It required a change of focus from the players and the coaches. This coincided with the Pandemic and bringing players back to the club afterwards was a challenge. The local area is congested with good quality rugby clubs which means recruiting is not an easy task.

The Stone Roses ladies’ team have grown into a settled and consistent squad over the last 4 years, we continue to look for new players through social media, radio appearances and attendance at live events. As we grow, we focus not only on our players, but on coach development and CPD opportunities, as well and linking with the other sections of the club to really boost the strong family feel at the club. We are now looking to not only boost the women’s team, but also develop our junior girl’s section.

Within our Mini and Juniors section, our main challenges are competing with other clubs and activities out there, where parents may not have to endure the cold rainy season on the sidelines, as well as the draw of tech to kids these days. We have done extremely well to double the size of our section over the last 6 months, this is mainly due to active recruiting within local schools and getting families to shout

about their enjoyment to others. Many people think you must have experience in the game to play and coach, where we are proving with our players, fun can be had at all levels and training is provided whatever your entry level.

It is quite an exciting time for the club not only on field but off it as well. The club has never actually had its own permanent home as we have been renting space and facilities at Stone Hockey club for a good number of years now.

After a lot of work behind the scenes with the Hockey Club we are now about to merge the two clubs as sporting sections under one banner which will allow both clubs to improve the facilities and the building of a new clubhouse. Of course, the important thing is that both clubs keep their identities and operate normally across the shared site and secure their futures for generations to come.

Throughout the club, we think creating an environment that is structured, disciplined, relaxed and conducive to learning on and off the field is important, combined with standards and behaviours that are acceptable which help us to create the optimal learning environment which will breed success.

Players need to be given the opportunity to develop their skills in a structured learning environment that constantly challenges the player whilst providing both encouragement and support.

Players will benefit when exposed to challenging drills that require effective decision making and precise execution under pressure. The repetitiveness of these varied drills during practice helps develop competency and confidence in the player which can be taken into a match day environment with success.

We believe if you set shortterm goals /processes, this will provide direction and motivation that will help keep players focused and driven to succeed.

Finally, our Coaches need to demonstrate effective leadership by maintaining the desired standards of behaviour within the group that will instil confidence in all

OUR LADIES’ SECTION

This was introduced to Stone by Gemma Hughes in the summer of 2019.The section grew quickly with Ros Wiggins, Tom Parker and Chris Carpenter volunteering to help with the touch rugby sessions. All four have been committed to the Women’s section growth since then and now have around 50 registered members. Achieving around 20 on match days (home or away).

The Roses are in their second season of competitive rugby, working their way through NC3, gaining skills and knowledge as

we go. We have players joining us each week and we aim to end the season on a winning streak!

The girl’s section is in its infancy, we are looking

to build the section in the coming months by working closely with local schools and organisations such as the Guides and Scouts.

the players knowing that their welfare and development is most critical.

For the Roses, we focus on strong foundation skills throughout the squad, and look to develop an enjoyable environment for all our players. We’re stepping it up a level this season, building on the solid foundation we have built so far.

In the M and J section, it’s very simple…make it fun, make it interesting, make them laugh and feel engaged and they will keep coming back. Our M and J section are thriving! In the past 6 months

we have doubled in size, providing more opportunities to many kids of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We are a fully inclusive club that leave no members behind… We pride ourselves on the fun we create and the friendships we build across the entire section, from our smallest members to our oldest grandparent and coach.

We have seen a real increase in sponsorship which has provided the opportunity to invest in new kit and a club colours strip, that make our kids feel part of the club and team. We are flying.

Stone rugby club was formed in 1990, with the original meeting taking place in the Crown hotel on Stone High Street. Stone itself had lots of players playing for other local clubs on a Saturday so it was felt a club could be formed as the interest in playing was all around us.

Having gathered enough players a pitch was found on the local school sports, and we were off and running. Those early games took place Sunday mornings with players turning out for their clubs on a Saturday and for Stone Sunday, in a kit from borrowed form Barclays Bank as not yet having our own.

With players coming and going a core group of players stuck at it, continuing to spread the word with great results with players signing up to join the new club.

Soon games were switched to Saturday afternoons allowing the club to enter competitive league rugby. The early ethos of if you turn up you play carried on for many years. The team continued to play on the school pitch and utilising the many hostelries around town for post-match activities whilst searching for a permanent home and pitch.

As the club grew A move to Bibby’s Sports and Social club in the centre of town became

home for many years until it was sold for development.

Once again this required a finding a site that could accommodate us in one place and the move to Stone Hockey Club came into being, although we have had no ownership of the site it started to feel as our home.

Stone has always been a welcoming and open club to this day is still regarded as one of the friendliest clubs in Staffordshire. So now the dream of a permanent home is about to happen for us with the merger of both clubs.

The general mood at the club is electric right now, we have created a lot of momentum on and off the pitch. This has created a great environment to be in. Training is competitive and competition for all shirts is fierce, but we have all committed to the process and are seeing the benefits of our hard work in the league.

The Roses are welcoming new players each week and building their squad with the help of some of the Men’s team, sharing rugby knowledge throughout all levels of the club.

The season to date, sees Stone RUFC men having played 9, won 9 with a lead of 6 points at the top of the league which we would say has come as a shock to many within the club/ squad but demonstrates that

anything is possible when as a team you have a collective goal on and off the field. The most pleasing aspect of the season from the coach’s point of view is the way the squad has developed over the 9 games without being reliant on individuals as well as adopting and playing to the structures being worked on every week at training, this allows for a more open expansive style of rugby.

The Roses are growing in skill and knowledge week on week. We’ve had a touch start to the season, losing games by small margins. We aim to close these margins down and nail the basics to get ourselves into a winning side of the league!

There is great commitment from the Roses section with new players joining frequently and good numbers at training every week. We are in a better place going forwards than we have been in the past, that first win of 2022 is fast approaching for the Roses!

As growth continues managing our player numbers is a challenge in the Men’s XV particularly. Some games we have had close to 30 players available out of 40. Those who have not been selected have been disappointed, which in a way is great to see as all the players want to be a part of the match day squad. Strength in depth is vital to us as a club, we

use some player rotation which I have not seen yet weaken the team. It is hoped to see everyone fit and raring to go so we can get a regular 2XV out.

For anyone that knows Stone will recognise it as a small canal town with a big heart, there are many sports clubs covering all sports. Many of our members also represent the town for other clubs in summer sports which brings the whole community feel for all clubs and teams.

With less and less open space for team sport left around us, together with the Hockey Club we aim to offer more for the local community, create something the town need and welcome other activities to Enson Lane as we grow.

We are reaching out to businesses and organisations for sponsorship and to get involved in the club and create an exciting future for sport in Stone

Our sponsors are essential to the club. We couldn’t do what we do without them and wouldn’t be able to provide quality sporting provision for children and adults within the Stone community without them. It was great to catch up with the sponsors at Stone Remembrance Sunday parade, the community was very proud to observe the names of local sponsors on the club shirts. The MandJ did a fantastic job of laying the wreath.

SIMON AND FIONA FOSTER

Simon and Fiona Foster have had a long and positive association with Stone RUFC. Simon was one of the clubs founding members and Fiona has washed more rugby shirts than she cares to remember. Initially signing up as club secretary for 12 months she hung her boots up 25 years

later! She told Rugby Club Mag: Its great to see how the club has evolved. In the early days we were grateful to receive a 2nd hand kit from Barclays so we could play. Simon played school and university rugby growing up and when we landed in Stone, in 1989, the first thing we did was think Rugby!

Simon played for the club and I became involved as secretary amongst other duties. One of the things that impresses me and is outstanding about Stone RUFC is that many people stood up to help the club out and develop in those early days at a time when we struggled to field just one team.

The club is now in a position with many thriving sections including children and women`s rugby, where it is given it all back to our community. I`m really looking forward to the new clubhouse and seeing everyone again soon. Best wishes from me and Simon for many more happy times in the seasons to come!

WHAT MAKES OUR CLUB SUCH A GREAT CLUB TO BE PART OF?

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It is the people who make Stone Rugby Club what it is. We are a real family club. Each section comes to support each other, whether that be the men’s or women’s. Our senior players support the juniors training sessions, or the juniors do a guard of honour at senior games and learning the integral hydration assistant role on the side lines! Stone is a family.”

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All our sections work together and there is a real family and inclusivity feel to Stone. We are only a small town, but we have a massive heart and that shines right through our club from our youngest member to our oldest supporter.

In the MandJ section, I think everyone feels they are making a difference and that can be in the smallest way. We encourage everyone to get involved and feel the satisfaction of seeing our section grow and those kids becoming proud to be a member…I honestly feel we are changing lives for the better.”

AFTER ALL THE ABOVE, SO WHAT MAKES STONE RUGBY CLUB TICK?

Being a club member, volunteer and having played across five decades I have been able to witness the best and the worst parts of running a rugby club; besides how difficult can it be bringing everything together!

Of course, I have a good committee structure and great people around me which brings me back to becoming Club Chair and Glyn being President. For both of us it’s about sitting back a little, ensuring the club is financially viable and watch everyone enjoy themselves. Our decision is to let the members run the club in how they see things and be available to provide and support them with our backing and input where required. So far, it’s working well!

So, in truth it’s the people that makes our club tick, players, coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters, sponsors, and a great many others over the years who have given their time and dedication to our club.

It’s great that all sections are supporting each other, the Men’s XV watch the Women’s XV play and vice versa. The Senior Section is involved with the MandJ, either as parents, coaches, or supporters on a Sunday morning I am very sure it is the same at all clubs. However, it feels so special for us at Stone RUFC!”

MINI AND JUNIOR COMMENTS:

“Forget the past couple of hard years we have had, the MandJ section are making waves, creating opportunities and changing outcomes for the kids of Stone and the surrounding area. It’s quite the sight on a Sunday morning with children from 18 months to 12 years having fun and learning their craft. We have a great bunch of volunteers, and everyone is pushing in the same direction and enjoying the journey! It is such a great time to be part of our club…”

“It’s been incredible for our MandJ section to now have over 50 members, with Sunday mornings being a hive of activity we are getting asked to play more and more teams as our section grows.

We are creating extra teams and looking to expand each age group whilst encouraging and recruiting more girls; there is a great buzz around! You can see it on every face-the enjoyment and what this club means to our kids and their parents! People have been couped up for the past couple of years, they are now making the most of it, and at Stone Rugby Club, we love that!”

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Our goal is to double in size again and we are well on our way to achieving over 100 kids active on a Sunday morning. With that comes the challenges of further kit and support, but also the need to increase our coaching side. Everyone is busy and only few can devote loads of time to support, but lots of hands, make light work.

We would also like to expand our age groups, we currently offer U7 to U11, but there is a growing interest in Stone to expand into U12 and U13 with the help from local schools. Once again, this comes with the need for funding and expertise, but we are hopeful we can extend the opportunity wider.“

“We are absolutely a community-based club. In the MandJ section we work with local organisations like the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers to offer sports badge work, taster sessions and skills improvement. We have worked in schools to offer extra curricula activities and have helped in the community and supported local organisations and projects. This month our MandJ section marched alongside our senior teams at Remembrance

Sunday, of which the kids and parents were very proud.”

“Sponsors, with the help of our volunteers are the life blood of our club and the MandJ section. They have been fantastic in supporting our section growth. They range from local organisations, such as Rotary and Lions, to local and national companies. They all do their bit in supporting the club, whether its feeding the kids on match days, or supporting with full strip changes. We would without doubt, not be where we are as a section without them!”

At age 12 Glyn Durston’s dad, a chief recruiting officer for the Army, moved the family up to Staffordshire. Like his dad Glyn too was destined for the armed forces joining the army at just 16 years old. The army was where he really plied his trade as a rugby player for the next 10 years. Mostly a front row forward he played wherever he happened to be stationed very often across Europe. One of his good friends in the forces had the words `Follow Me` etched on the back of his helmet, this inscription would aptly describe the style of Glyn`s play if you were ever to watch him and his influence on the field of play, he recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk with Rugby Club Mag: After leaving the forces in 1991 I knew I wanted to be self-employed and so I emersed myself in my work usually working 7 days a week. Sitting in my office at 12.30pm on a Saturday afternoon I started thinking about changes I could make and thought I could start playing rugby again feeling this might give my life more balance and take my mind away from work. It wasn’t

long before I was running from work on Saturday and more or less getting to the club and virtually straight onto the pitch. There were many older players around at that time, some from various

services, police, forces, fireservice etc and they all really looked after me back then; Remember it had been 10 years or so since I played, and I had to get up to speed with the many new rules that has been brought in!

Stone Rugby Club made a big impression on me, and I could see that they were a very inclusive bunch and the values I had learned in the forces rang true with the rugby club too so naturally I just loved the whole experience! My rugby career lasted until I was 49 when eventually I decided to hang my boots up. I have always felt that rugby, as a sport, and rugby clubs themselves, have a responsibility to look after each other and I have witnessed this many times at Stones RFC. As a sponsor I very much enjoy helping out whenever I can, giving something back to a club and to a sport that has given me so much.

Our Chair Gary Cunningham, and others at the club, work tirelessly to make everything run as smoothly as possible; there are a lot of moving parts, however there is a desire amongst us to make things work. When I became president, I wanted to be as present for people as possible and although I have a busy life out with rugby, it’s important to me to remain visibly involved. I do my best to support our senior & junior teams and of course our excellent and skilful women`s team which are an absolute pleasure to watch!

Stone Rugby Club is about inclusion, if you’re a player and you regularly turn up for training its important you get your time on the field of play. I feel my primary role is to best facilitate the growth of rugby at Stone; and further afield too whenever I get the opportunity! Gary and myself do our utmost not to involve ourselves in areas of the club which are more than capable of making their own decisions but we are always available if needed-Playing and selection decisions are made by our coaches and managers.

Rugby Clubs are more and more like running a business these days and as Stone embarks on our new partnership with the Hockey Club and planned clubhouse development the future is looking very bright. Away from rugby I am a keen fisherman and really enjoy spending time with my mate Andy Blyth, the outstanding centre for Ex England A, Falcons and Sale until his serious injury put an end to his playing career. Andy is still an inspiration to me and many other both in and out of rugby.

What I really love about Stone Rugby Club is the level playing field; the equality that exudes from our club and our members. We have little interest in anyone’s race or sex, status or anything else. We are only interest in meeting you as a fellow human being and with a desire to allow us to make you feel welcomed. We are all about people at Stone and people make Rugby!

“Delighted to be associated with the success of Stone Rugby Club!”

Changing lives