Stafford Rugby Club May 2023 update
Following on from the AGM on the 20th April we, the Executive Board, thought we would give you an update on what’s happened over the last few months and a review of recent events and highlights.
AGM- The Board was re-elected with just a couple of changes to some key roles. Andy Lewis was elected as President and Colin Averis as Director of Rugby.
Review of the 2022-2023 Rugby Season
The season has finally closed with just a few county games remaining. Tuesday 9th May saw our Stafford Colts win the Fred Rowley cup under the lights against Wolverhampton, going on to win 33 – 17. This is in addition to them winning the North Midlands Colts League. Well done!
Our Men’s Senior team finished 4th in their league up from 8th the previous year. They also reached the final of the Staffordshire Intermediate Cup, losing out to Burntwood 33 to 27.
Our Women’s Senior team entered and won their league NC3 and now enter NC2. With 2 teams regularly fielded, they have continued to perform well in the Inner Warrior Development league. They go from strength to strength as more of the Roses transition into the Seniors.
The Junior section continues to grow and there were successes for both the boys and girls under 16’s teams who won cups. The Junior season ended last Sunday with a wonderful presentation day at the club, where the sun was out r once and everyone had a great time.

Our Marvelous mixed ability team have had a fantastic season, regularly fielding a team and building support from other teams to ensure plenty of game time. It really has been great to see this squad grow, and we look forward to their continued development next season.
Our Touch Rugby teams are a huge part of the rugby family here at Stafford. Led by some fantastic coaches, the growth of all these teams is fantastic! There is a social touch, junior touch, the newly started women’s only touch and of course our fabulous Bull Terriors! And a quick mention and well done to all those who have made it into the Regional Wildcats Teams, and some have reached the England Squads!
Sponsorship is really important in helping us grow and support all of our rugby teams. We now have a new brochure for the opportunities available to our sponsors. The details are below, and we will send the brochure out to all members for you to share.

Future events

Player’s dinner – Tonight, 12th May, we welcome our guest speaker former Welsh player Scott Quinnell to Blackberry lane.

Summer Ball – 3rd June – this event is now sold out! Thanks to all who have supported this event, the first we have held in Blackberry Lane. We are sure it will be a night to remember.

Women’s Rugby IWS/Development Festival at Blackberry Lane on Sunday 28th May – IWS Women’s teams from across the region have been invited down to an end of season festival. The first kick-off is at 11am and everyone is welcome to come down, food will be available for spectators.

Leicester Tigers Summer Camps – we are hosting these again at Blackberry Lane between the 14th-18th August

To book, go to
https://www.leicestertigers.com/community/rugby-camps/rugby-camp-finder

Wolves Academy- We also welcome Wolves Academy to Blackberry Lane. They will be running sessions throughout the year. For more information, please see link below

https://tickets.wolves.co.uk/en-GB/categories/soccerschools?utm_source=Academy+site&utm_medium=Academy+site+button&utm_campaign=Soccer+camps

Stafford Park Run - A 5K park run takes place every Saturday morning at 9.00 am along the Isobel Trail. Parking at the club is free, as is taking part. This is for all age groups and abilities. Refreshments, including food and drinks, are available in the clubhouse afterwards.

Honda Rugby Grounds Connected Events 2023 (Midlands) - The RFU are once again hosting their Honda Rugby Grounds Connected Events across the country and have chosen Stafford RUFC and Peterborough to host them. The 14th June is the event we are hosting. There is a brilliant line up of speakers, some of the best contractors and machinery in the industry and we have some brilliant stash to give away to all attendees. We also provide a great lunch and free tea/coffee throughout the day. The schedule is below and book your FREE space here
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/604993581087

Stafford Chamber of Commerce President’s Charity Lunch Friday 21st July from 12 noon - This exclusive event, hosted by the legendary British and Irish Lion Tim Stimpson, is a unique opportunity to connect with leaders from the world of sport and distinguished business leaders from Stafford and the surrounding areas, while enjoying a three-course lunch with wine.
Businesses are welcome to book a table of 10 or individual tickets for smaller groups.

Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at just £70 for members and £75 for non-members, with a percentage of the proceeds donated to support local community sports clubs.

Spaces for this event are limited, please book by contacting

kelly.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Club Opening Hours during the Summer - The club will be open throughout the off season so why not come down and have a drink and a meal on the patio in the sunshine with your friends and relax. Keep an eye on our socials and emails via GMS about opening times and food options. It will be great to see you all.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I think you can all agree that there is a lot to celebrate both on and off the pitch. We look forward to a great summer and an even better 23/24 season.
#oneclub

Tony Turner – Chair on behalf of the Executive Board