Welcome to the new season, eagerly anticipated as always, particularly after strong performances across the club last season that culminated in the 1st XV finishing second and the 2nd XV finishing third in their respective leagues. I see that we will be welcoming old rivals Gosford All Blacks and Wallingford back to Floyd Field.

I would recommend that you read the AGM pack which comprises comprehensive reports across the whole club, both on and off the field. If you haven’t yet requested a copy, please see the link in my email* of 24th July.

Amazingly, the window is already open to receive your applications for 6 Nations 2027 tickets, closing on 21st Sep (Italy) and 4th Oct (France & Scotland). Please see the links in my emails*.

Pre-season training, with new coaching line ups, is well underway and you will have seen in the press, or my emails, that the RFU has pushed the start of the season back by a few weeks due to the condition of pitches. This means that friendlies and the first two league games are being rearranged and that we have had to cancel the Sponsors' & VP's Lunch. Guests are being invited to other lunches and, as always, I will keep you abreast of fixture updates by email*.

Make your diary notes now for Harpers’ Day (28th Dec) and the following VP lunches. Do book your lunch seats early, many were so popular last season that I had to hold a few people on waiting lists. Tickets are already on sale via the website for the first two on the list:

31st Oct 2026: Chairman’s Lunch – 1st XV v Reading
12th Dec 2026: Supporters’ & VPs’ Christmas Lunch – 1st XV v Oxford
6th Feb 2027: President’s Lunch – 1st XV v Henley II
10th Apr 2027: Vice Presidents’ Lunch – 1st XV v Reading Abbey

*To get that email and regular news of fixtures, international tickets and events, your email address needs to be in my mailing list. If that’s not the case, please do let me know.

In addition to those fundraising lunches, the 300 Club also raises valuable funds for the club and it’s open to members, friends and family. For just £5 monthly, it provides the opportunity to win one of two prizes each month, sometimes as much as £500. Sign up and full details are available on our web site – please consider joining if you haven’t already.

We look forward to another season of good rugby, continued success and to many enjoyable social occasions. Thanks again for your support of our great club.

Yours,

Will Landon
VP and 300 Club Secretary