So far, so good but it's early days........

As we approach the start of another season at URFC, I thought I would share my thoughts with you as too what has been going on so far.

We are entering our fifth week of pre-season training for the Seniors and Colts XV's. In the previous four weeks numbers have been good, increasing week on week but as we approach the holiday season we may see a bit of hit in terms of numbers. Training has been a mix of fitness, conditioned games, skills, fitness testing and even had a kickboxing session with Essex Kickboxing Academy which was great for the lads to get put through paces in a different environment and discipline.

We have three sessions this week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday before the lads have a well deserved week off, although they will be expected to continue there own fitness training.

This coming Saturday (29th July) sees the annual URFC Ladies Night, which is held at the club from 6.30pm till late at a cost of £20 per ticket. A champagne reception, topless waiters, food and a DJ await our guests for the evening. If you would like to attend please contact Harry Lockwood (07903 352800) or Luke Potter (07542 890466) to get tickets.

In terms of personnel, we have recruited a handful of new players across the board which is always ideal and key for our club to fulfil all 3 senior xv's fixtures this season. If you want to be part of a young, vibrant club with enjoyment & development at the heart then please come along to training on a Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7.30pm onwards.

We have two pre-season fixtures arranged so far - Romford & Gidea Park at home on Friday 18th August and then away at Chelmsford on Saturday 2nd September before the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XV's start the league season the following week.

Before then we turn our focus towards another part of our club development plan.

As part of our club development plan we are looking to start a Ladies XV to run alongside our U13 and U15 Girls teams and we are holding an open day on Sunday 13th August.

The aim of the day is too hold a TAG Rugby session at the club starting at 11.00am. The day is open to all ladies and girls who would be interested in getting involved, so applies to all mums, nans, aunts, sisters, daughters etc etc.

Beginners and Experienced players are all welcome to attend.

The format of the day would see a TAG (non-contact) rugby game with all involved, followed by some food & drinks before watching England v Italy in the Women's World Cup kicking off at 2.30pm.

We will have the full support of the RFU on the day with the women's rugby development officer and community rugby coach in attendance.

If you are interested in attending our open day, please confirm attendance via email to our DoR Scott Murphy on urfcdirectorofrugby@gmail.com

Off the field, we are moving in the right direction and have recently refurbished the clubhouse with bi-fold doors replacing the windows looking out on the field. We are working with the local council to help push through our third pitch in front of the clubhouse in time for the start of the season.

In order to help us progress and develop we are looking for companies or individuals who may be keen to be a sponsor of Upminster RFC. We have various sponsorship packages available including spaces on our 1st XV kit and if you would be interested in being involved please contact our DoR Scott Murphy on urfcdirectorofrugby@gmail.com or by phone 07803773582.

I'll be in touch in a few weeks time with another update in the run up to the 2017/2018 season.

All the best!

Updated 19:44 - 16 Mar 2020 by Robin Giles