Orpington RFC have several reasons to be cheerful going into the new season: a new coach, new players, vastly improved training numbers and a series of ambitious works projects being undertaken to improve facilities are just the start!

The club was delighted to secure the services of Matthew Jones as Head Coach for the upcoming season. Jones was a former 1st XV captain at Orpington and most recently coached the highly successful Old Elthamians 3rd XV to a dominant, league-winning season.

Several new players have also joined the club over the summer and the dramatically improved attendance at training has proved infectious with former players also dusting off their kit and enjoying some intense training sessions. There has been a real team ethos throughout pre-season with players turning up early for training and staying late to do additional work.

There is a renewed optimism throughout the club as reflected in the various fundraising events in the pipeline - the recent race night was a huge success and many more events are planned throughout the season.

Possibly the most tangible sign of the change in attitude at the club, however, has been the works days, which have so far resulted in the fantastic new look for the 1st XV changing room (see photo), the beginning of the installation of a gym (more pictures to follow) and a huge effort in clearing the back yard and jet-washing the changing rooms and all of the equipment, including the newly-refurbished scrum machine (which has seen some serious action over the last few weeks).

All in all, things are looking hugely positive for the club and the momentum needs to be maintained. New (or old!) players of any standard are welcome to join this ambitious, socially active rugby club as it continues on this positive trajectory.