Dear Members, Players, and Friends of the Club,
As we move into the busy month of October, I’m reminded that our rugby club is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. The tackles, the tries, and the team spirit are at the heart of who we are, but it’s the culture we build together, through our events, our fundraising, and our shared commitment, that truly sets us apart.
This month I have jotted down a few updates for you, celebrate successes, and look ahead to what’s coming up in our calendar. Whether you’re pulling on the jersey, cheering from the side-line, or helping behind the scenes, your involvement is what makes this club thrive. Thank you.
On The Field
Our 1st XV have now played three league matches, recording wins against HAC and Wanstead, while also picking up two bonus points away at Woodford.
Our 2nd XV have kicked off both their league and cup campaigns. This young and promising squad is eager to grow, and we’re looking for more players to strengthen the team and support their development. If you’d like to get involved and play quality rugby, please contact Shane Evans.
Our 3rd XV have had their first run-outs of the season, including a match under the floodlights, while the Vets and Social teams are actively arranging fixtures.
The Ladies side are up and running, starting their season with a win over Rochford 27-0 and Millwall 34-21. Meanwhile, the Women’s World Cup has been a highlight at the club, with watch parties drawing great crowds. This momentum is something we’re looking to build on as we continue to grow our Women’s and Girls sections.
The Minis have been hard at work in training, preparing for their first games in October. In our girls’ teams, the U12 Girls are making excellent progress, while our U14 Girls are teaming up with Brentwood and Romford for competitive fixtures. The U16 Girls are looking to cluster with other clubs. The U18 Girls are busy preparing for their transition into senior rugby.
We recently hosted a mixed touch session to bring players from across the age groups together ahead of the 1st XV game against HAC. Afterwards, our young players formed a guard of honour to welcome the senior squad on and off the pitch—a fantastic moment for everyone involved.
Across the Youth Section, rugby is thriving:
- The U13s are going so well they’ve fielded two teams this season.
- The U14s opened their campaign against Billericay.
- The U15s made the short trip to Upper Clapton.
- The U16s faced Hertford.
- The Colts tested themselves in pre-season against Upper Clapton and Billericay, before heading to Burnham-on-Crouch for their first league fixture.
It’s brilliant to see rugby in full swing again and so many players and supporters getting involved.
Should you find your membership card is frozen at the bar or you are having a problem to let us know. It may be if you haven’t yet renewed your membership, please do so today and help us keep delivering for all our teams: https://harlowrugby.club/membership-details/
Off the field
We have been working hard introducing and re-introducing our Sponsors to all our members, supporters and the wider community. Without their support we simply couldn’t do what we do, and we are truly grateful for their continued support.
We’ve also reviewed our referee arrangements to make sure we have the best fit for the club. Meanwhile, the Executive team is focused on improving all aspects of Harlow Rugby. Recent initiatives include gathering feedback through our survey canvassing opinions on dogs in the clubhouse, asking youth players about their experiences, and hosting an “Ask the Chair” session. Our goal is to involve you more closely in your club and keep raising the standard of what we deliver together.
So, what’s happening in your teams? Are you hosting social events or doing something special? Let’s showcase it across the wider club and raise our profile. We’ve just agreed a partnership with Your Harlow to boost our exposure, please share your news with our marketing team so we can spread the word for you.
We know our messaging isn’t reaching everyone we need it to. We are working to improve this and have a group coming together to assist, would you like to join? If so please contact our vice Chair Nichola Shambrook vicechair@harlowrugby.club
Meanwhile are you part of the Facebook Group: “Harlow Rugby Club Support Group” https://www.facebook.com/groups/harlowrugbyclub all members are able to post to this group to share what they are doing.
Focus on Discipline
You will have seen some key messages coming out on discipline this month as the season gets underway. We want to be a club that lives every day the core values of rugby Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. These values are central to fostering an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable environment for all participants, including players, coaches, officials, and spectators. Where match officials face abuse from spectators, coaches and players we will support them and seek sanctions for those who do now live up to our values. Please take a look at this article from our Club Secretary Ken Potter: https://harlowrugby.club/important-reminder-discipline/
Spooner Fund re-launch
The Ken Spooner Memorial Trust has been set up to fund Development and Support of Harlow Youth Rugby. This trust was initially set up in the 1990s but has been formally dormant for the last 10 years. In this time, individuals have made donations directly to causes that support youth rugby at Harlow Rugby Club.
Who was Ken Spooner?
Ken Spooner was among the key figures running the Harlow Rugby Club’s youth teams in from the 1970s to the 90s being fundamentally important in starting our youth section. Ken died in 1996 leaving behind him a legacy of supporting youth rugby at Harlow. Ken was often found supporting and encouraging young players no matter the result.
Ken Spooner legacy is honoured by the club as a longstanding volunteer, coach, or contributor to youth or community rugby. The Ken Spooner Trophy or informally know as the Spooner award is presented at Harlow Rugby Club to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the club’s mini, youth or mixed-ability rugby initiatives.
Find out more about how you can make a donation, or how you can get support for someone who may be struggling.
Meet the Chair
Thank you to all those who came to the Meet the Chair session on Wednesday 17th September. I answered questions on membership, how teams can fund raise for their team activities with support from the wider club. We touched on the Spooner Fund (Development & Support of Youth Rugby) and the “Scrum Club” being formed to help fund club infrastructure projects. We discussed holding Christmas Markets and monetising the photographers our many photographers across the club take each week.
To get involved more closely, we have open roles for fixtures, grants manager, secretary, chair of rugby. More info below or email me chairman@harlowrugby.club
I have set up another session on Thursday 13th November at 9pm to keep the conversation going. It was great to have this conversation, thank you to those of you who joined in the discussion and I look forward to seeing a wider group from across the club next time out.
Life Members & Vice Presidents
Have you ever wondered about the how people are awarded Life Membership or made Vice presidents? Learn more here.
Club Culture
At the heart of every strong rugby club is more than the game itself — it’s the culture we build together. Our goal this season is to strengthen our sense of community, on and off the field, by creating and building on traditions that bring players, families, and supporters closer.
We’re laying the foundations for an annual calendar that combines rugby events, tours with social and fundraising activities. From match-day gatherings and youth development clinics to club dinners, charity fundraisers, and family fun days, each occasion will give us a chance to celebrate what makes our club special.
These events aren’t just about raising funds, although that is vital for sustaining our growth. They’re about building belonging, giving back to our community, and ensuring that every member, from players to parents to lifelong supporters, feels part of something bigger. Many people will have heard me talk about how I would like to make the club ‘sticky’ the connection we build over time which lasts a lifetime. By building a vibrant calendar of rugby and social activities, we’re not just building a club. We’re building a culture of pride, connection, and shared purpose that will carry us forward for years to come. If you are interested in helping build this culture, please drop me an email chairman@harlowrugby.club we’d love to have representation from all our teams. Let’s build this together. Paul Eynon Chair.
