Hello, I’m Tony and I’m the 1st XV Captain, and on behalf of myself and the team welcome to the Sheffield Oaks page.

We’re a welcoming local rugby club for men playing out of Parson Cross Park in Sheffield, and we’ve been around since 1977, and it’s great that you’re thinking about joining us.

There are so many benefits to playing rugby especially for as part of local team but I’ll sum them up here as Fitness and Fun.

Fitness - The Oaks provide an opportunity to train twice a week with the club, once in our sponsor’s gym at Wisewood Sports Centre on a Monday, complementary as part of your membership of the club, and then with the whole team on Wednesday evening at our fantastic facilities at Parsons Cross.

Fun – Playing at Sheffield Oaks is an opportunity to make mates for life, being a part of healthy and friendly banter, going out for socials at least once a month with the team (popular ones so far have included pub crawls, karaoke and getting together to watch rugby.), and so much more that will help you build a real brotherhood both on and off the field.

There are so many different backgrounds and personalities on our team, and I’m confident that whatever you bring to the table, you’ll be made welcome.

A little bit about me; I’m Essex born and bred, and I got my love of rugby from watching my older brother play the game back in my home city of Colchester.

Over the years I’ve played for a few different clubs, starting at Colchester Rugby club playing for the 3rd XV before I went to study sport at Colne rugby academy for my a levels in Brightlingsea, and that lead me on to my second club at Brightlingsea RFC where I won player of the year that season.

I then moved out of the area for work and made a few guest appearances for Peterborough rugby club alongside my brother before then moving to Sheffield for work after COVID-19.
Not knowing anyone in the area, what better way of finding mates could there be than a rugby club? After training with a few different clubs in the area I could not find the fit I needed until I found the Sheffield Oaks, and soon felt like I was home. They welcomed me into the club with open arms and I signed for the club ahead of their upcoming season and have never looked back.

An opportunity opened for me to lead the team for a few games as captain and I jumped at the chance the chance to show what southern rugby leadership could bring to the table! After a few great results I worked as captain for the rest of the season and was officially made 1st XV captain at the AGM at the end of that season.

The 2022/23 season was my second season in leading the mighty Oaks and it has been a pleasure and a honour leading the team both on and off the field. We are a family, and we want players and supporters to always feel a part of that family. After some facilities issues last year we are so happy to go back to our roots this season and train and play matches at Parsons Cross with new pitches and a brand new shared clubhouse.

So if after hearing what I’ve got to say about the Oaks and my story you think you’d like to get involved in some way please reach out to us via our social media and we will be pleased to have you.
There’s so much more to rugby than just the players on the pitch, and no matter your contribution, you’ll be one of the family before you know it.

Once again from me and the Oaks welcome to the club and I hope to be standing next to you on the pitch soon.

Tony
1st XV Captain

Sheffield Oaks RUFC