Welcome to the November edition of our monthly message from Latton Park. As the autumn mornings turn crisp, the leaves settle on the ground, and the floodlights take centre stage under the early-evening darkness, (we need a little funding to fix the 4 that are broken at the moment just in case you know someone who can help), there is no mistaking that rugby season has truly hitting its stride. November always brings a fantastic atmosphere to the club, with busy weekends of competitive action, bustling clubhouses, and plenty going on off the pitch as well. In this month’s update, we look ahead to an ambitious new community outreach campaign, share a light-hearted look at how an AI takeover of our rugby would pan out, and begin looking forward to our landmark 10-year anniversary at Latton Park, provide essential reminders regarding our conduct and discipline standards, and catch up on all the latest club news, events, and senior team fixtures.
Tony Hills
This month we note the passing of Life Member Tony Hills who away on 15th October having battled against ill health for much of the last 10 months. A minutes silence was held your him before our games on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October.
Things deteriorated quickly over in his last days with Tony receiving care from hospice home and district nurses. Our thanks go to the hospice nurses and their special care. Tony passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and loved ones.
As part of the Harlow Rugby Club family Tony has held positions as Youth and Colts Team Manager/Coach; Club Referee; Referee Coordinator; Minis and Youth Treasurer and most recently 1st XV touch judge and video analyst. Tony will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sue, Anwen and Aled.
Tony’s funeral
Spreading the Word: New Community Campaign
As we continue to grow and embed ourselves further into the local area, we are launching an exciting new initiative to reach out directly to our neighbours. Led by Dan Ricketts, we are preparing a comprehensive community leaflet-delivery campaign targeting the newer residential areas of Harlow. The goal is simple: to showcase everything our wonderful club has to offer, from senior and youth rugby to our thriving social memberships, events, and function facilities, paired with a vibrant new social media campaign. If you’d like to lend a hand with the leaflet drops or help spread the word online, please get in touch with Dan or the club team. Grassroots rugby thrives when our whole community knows what’s on their doorstep!
Harlow Rugby Club Has Finally Adopted AI
We thought it was about time we modernised, so we recently asked an advanced Artificial Intelligence model to run our rugby club.
It lasted exactly 11 minutes.
It completely broke down and couldn’t understand why:
- 77 senior male players are registered, yet there are somehow only ever just enough to field two senior teams.
- 34 senior female players are registered, but circumstances mean they have to travel away this week with squad numbers stretched due to injuries.
- The bloke fixing the boiler is also simultaneously meeting guests and taking phone calls for bookings for upcoming events.
- The physio is currently treating someone who hasn’t paid their subs since 2022.
- The Executive Committee is made up of just eight people and cannot possibly complete all the tasks, activities, demanded and complete projects on their plate.
- The budget simply cannot accommodate all the spend requests we receive.
- The groundsman is in an active shouting match with the weather, arguing simultaneously that it needs to rain, that we definitely don’t want rain, and pleading for the exact ambient temperature required to keep the grass growing properly.
- And somebody simply called “Alan” appears to have absolutely no official club role whatsoever… yet somehow holds the keys to everything, knows how all the hidden infrastructure works, and miraculously fixes things the moment they break.
The AI system considers how it could keep everyone happy and produced one final, system-generated error message before shutting down for good:
“All games are cancelled because not enough people have updated their availability on Spond, all events are cancelled as people haven’t booked in advance, this organisation should not function and I recommend shutting down the business immediately.”
On paper, the machine logic is entirely correct: it simply shouldn’t work! Yet somehow, every weekend, it does. That is down to the dedication of countless volunteers, supported by a small number of paid staff, who work tirelessly, pull together and often make things happen at the last minute, isn’t that what the last minute is for? It may not always be seamless, but that is how grassroots rugby is delivered, week in, week out.
Let’s ask you:
What job at Harlow Rugby Club is currently being done by someone who definitely wasn’t hired to do it?
What job could you take on that AI just could never replicate? Some options are below.
How could you help solve a problem that hasn’t even made it to a list yet?
With grateful thanks to Halifax Rugby Club which provided the inspiration for me to include this article! PS: You could replace Alan with any number of names from across the club, but there are quite a few Alan’s about the place
Creation of a Finance Committee
Gordon Reid is our Club Treasurer, supported by Daniel Hull, who assists with accounts payable and manages the junior account, and Maria Stavrinides, who reconciles membership payments each month.
We aim to improve financial visibility and establish more formal, regular reporting. Gareth Rawlings has offered to join the committee and help share responsibility for raising and following up invoices, maintaining balance sheets, profit & loss statements (particularly for events), forecasting cash flow, and monitoring performance against budget. Financial Governance, payroll, Accounts Payable, advising on Investments and Grants.
We are seeking additional volunteers to support this work. Could you help? The commitment would involve attending one meeting each month and completing approximately two hours of follow-up work per week, shared across the team.
Touch Line Team
Could you help us continue to be a successful club? If you aren’t sure what to volunteer for, if you are interested, we will match your skills to our club activities and tasks. No time too small. Follow the link or scan the QR code. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewOXZzpy4B14VuSKcpgHe3Ryv_Oauph_zfDA8hNzCm1ecnKw/viewform
International Honours
Our very own Zaki Chamnaoui is represented Cyprus against Gibraltar on 17th October where they won 17-48. He was joined by Chelmsford Rugby Club player Alex Thompson who our 1st XV just so happened to be playing that day. If you missed the game, here is the link.
2027 Marks 10 Years at Latton Park
How has time passed so quickly? It feels like just yesterday we were packing up our old home and embarking on an uncertain new chapter, yet 2027 will mark a massive milestone: 10 Years at Latton Park!
To celebrate a decade of rugby, community, and unforgettable memories at our home ground, we are planning a series of events and special commemorations throughout the year. Some of our initial ideas include hosting a flagship anniversary lunch, with our own beer! We would like to send special invitations to foundational figures, and welcoming guest speakers to share the occasion with us.
However, we want to make this as memorable as possible, and we know our members will have brilliant ideas to add. If you have thoughts on how we can mark this milestone or would like to help pull a celebratory calendar together, please reach out to me directly. Let’s make 2027 a truly unforgettable year of celebration!
Watching Rugby at Latton Park: Standards and Discipline
As our competitive fixtures heat up across all sections, it is timely to remind everyone involved in playing, coaching, and supporting our teams of our collective responsibilities. Recently, the Essex RFU Discipline Chair highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of conduct across both adult and youth rugby.
Rugby union is built upon core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. Whether you are playing on the pitch, coaching from the sidelines, or cheering passionately as a spectator from the touchline at Latton Park, we ask everyone to familiarise themselves with the RFU Codes of Conduct. Let’s ensure Latton Park remains a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment for everyone involved in our great game.
Essex U16 Girls PDG
A massive congratulations to Saoirse Casey-Bond for being selected for the Girls Essex Players development group for the 26/27 season. All your hard work and commitment has paid off. Well done from everyone at Harlow Rugby Club.
We have a British Champion!
Lincoln Oakes who represents our under 12s spent the weekend just gone competing in the British Karate Championships and won his weight class.
Kit & Equipment Partners: Don’t forget that our partnership with OPRO Mouthguards is live! You can secure custom-fit protection from £4.99 and get 10% off sitewide using the code HARLOW10.
Our under 15s played under the light!
Using the opportunity to raise money for their tour later this season by selling cakes, sweets having a raffle and a tombola. The Under 15s enjoyed a night playing at Latton Park. The result on the field didn’t quite go their way, but what they are building for is exciting! Keep the fundraising going and enjoy your tour.
Thank you!
A big thank you to Steve Foreman, Dave Heffernan and Andy Bradnum who have been painting our benches around the club, a job which has been taken a number of sessions since our volunteers day in July.
Thank and shout out to Peter King of Essex Electrical Contractors for various pieces of electrical work around the place, fixing the lights up to the pitches and making safe a lamp post in our car park when it was knocked down.
October – Meet the Chair
Thank you to those of you who joined us on Wednesday 21st October for the latest chance to ask any questions.
We discussed the recent points deduction for our 1st XV and the actions we are taking to prevent future ill-discipline at the club. Ray Meerloo has offered to run sessions for captains and players about how to work with a referee. The need for a grant to fix the lift so we can make our facilities more available to the community. Issues with the Score Board last Saturday which should be resolved in the short and longer term. A request we move our outside bar and the adjoining container so that corner of the pitch can be seen from the balcony when watching games. Volunteer opportunities Formation/expansion of a finance committee, leafletting newer areas of Harlow, joining a group to plan celebrating 10 years at Latton Park in 2027.
The next Meet the chair will be on Tuesday 15th December at 9pm.
Assistance with your Utility Bills?
Simplify Your Life: Bundle your Energy, Broadband, Mobile, and Insurance into one simple monthly bill. Ray Meerloo and Utility Warehouse solution offers members a chance to save on those bills and the club to earn towards increased income.
Save Cash: Lock in cheaper bundled tariffs to lower your monthly spend, Earn While You Spend: Get up to 10% cashback on your everyday shopping with the UW Cashback Card. Support the club and slash your bills in one go. Click the link to explore your options! https://harlowrugby.club/new-partnership-announcement-utility-warehouse/
Upcoming Events at Latton Park
- Friday, 6th November: Live Music Night featuring Pelli Party on stage from 7:00 PM – a fantastic evening not to be missed! https://harlowrugby.club/events/live-music/
- Friday, 20th November: Under 14s are playing under the flood lights against Saffron Walden. Come along and join us for a great end of the week Friday night atmosphere.
- Friday, 27th November: Harlow Rugby Club Christmas Party Night starting from 7:30 PM. Get into the festive spirit with great food, drinks, and seasonal cheer. Now Sold Out! Book now for our additional Christmas party nights! https://harlowrugby.club/events/
- Saturday, 28th November: The Ultimate 80s vs 90s Christmas Party Night – dust off your neon and double denim for a huge party night at the clubhouse! https://harlowrugby.club/events/the-ultimate-80s-vs-90s-xmas-party/
- 5th December: live music Christmas Party with Repertoire Dogs at Harlow Rugby Club https://harlowrugby.club/events/christmas-party-with-live-music/
- 17th December: Christmas Party Night, Get into the festive spirit at Harlow Rugby Club’s Christmas Party on Thursday 17th December, from 7:30pm until 1:00am. https://harlowrugby.club/events/christmas-party-night/
- 12th December: Free Prostate Cancer Screening – You need to book now! Harlow Rugby Club, in partnership with CHAPS Men’s Health Charity and the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, is offering 96 FREE PSA blood tests. 10am–2pm at Latton Park. Booking is essential—no walk-ins. Reserve your place today: https://chaps.uk.com/event/353 Spaces are limited. Please share with anyone who may benefit. Get a test, enjoy a beer and watch some rugby!
- 19th December: Christmas Party 2026 at Harlow Rugby Club. Get into the festive spirit at Harlow Rugby Club’s Christmas Party on Saturday 19th, from 7:30pm until 1:00am. Now Sold Out! Book now for our additional Christmas party nights! https://harlowrugby.club/events/
- 26th December: Boxing Day Game tradition. The Boxing Day game is a beloved tradition at Harlow Rugby Club, and we can’t wait for this year’s exciting renewal! Want to join the action? If you’re a male over 18, please contact Paul Eynon pauloweneynon@gmail.com or Mex Clark harlowmex@gmail.com 07580 006388 who will get you a game.
Senior Fixtures & Form Guide
1st XV: Our men’s first team continue their hard-fought campaign in Regional 2 Anglia (Level 6). Showing great form and physical commitment through recent weeks and have a relentless back-to-back schedule due to the delayed start of the season. The squad is working hard to put on stellar performances in front of the large home crowds at Latton Park.
- Match report Finchley 24th October: https://harlowrugby.club/redmen-win-despite-tough-conditions/
- Match report Chelmsford 17th October: https://harlowrugby.club/harlow-win-again-as-the-club-honour-tony-hills/
- https://harlowrugby.club/1st-xv-match-reports-the-season-so-far/
| Recent Results: | Upcoming Fixtures: |
| Won away v Finchley 7-12
Won home v Chelmsford 43-19 Won away v Brentwood 28-33 Won away v Bury St. Edmund 24-50 Lost home v Thurrock 38-40
|
31st October home v Wanstead
14th November away v Woodford 21st November home v Braintree 28th November away v Cheshunt 5th December away v Wymondham 12th December home v Rochford 19th December home v Cheshunt |
Our version of corporate hospitality is our pre-match lunches. Bookings now being taken for all lunches. We kick off with lunch including a main course followed by a cheese board. Wine and port served at table. You can even sponsor the match ball for £150. To book please contact Alan Price alanandjanetprice@gmail.com
2nd XV: The 2nd XV remain the vital backbone of our senior transition pathway, battling hard every week and displaying incredible squad depth despite the usual weekly selection puzzles. Their commitment week in, week out embodies the true spirit of Rugby at Harlow.
| Recent Results: | Upcoming Fixtures: |
| Won home 26 v Barking 5
Won away v Bancroft 26-50 Won away v Romford 12-22 Lost home v Thurrock 17-27 |
31st October away v East London
21st November home v Thames 5th December away v Barking 12th December home v Pegasus |
Ladies XV: Competing with immense spirit and determination, our Ladies section continues to fly the flag for Harlow. Despite challenging travel schedules and hard-earned injury recoveries, their cohesion and attacking flair on the pitch continue to inspire the entire club.
| Recent Results: | Upcoming Fixtures: |
| Postponed v Tabard
Lost away v East London Vixen 15-10 |
1st November away v Kilburn Cosmos
22nd November away v Millwall Venus 13th December Home v Belsize Park |
3rd XV
We are working to get a 3rd XV up and running once more supporting our 2nd and 1st XV but playing their own games throughout the season.
The reason for trying to get this team together is to bring social and development rugby into the club, whether you want to play for fun , Develop or socialise I think playing in this Flex league is perfect for that!
This takes away any pressure from playing competitive rugby and commitment to training days mid-week although training would benefit you but that’s your choice and if you want to push yourself then off course the door is open for that too!
The aim would be to play two games a month. If you are interested, in the first instance please contact JB (Joe Barton) on 07494 912077.
Shirt Sponsorship
We have just four shirts remaining for sponsorship this season. For a £650 donation or +VAT for businesses your name can appear on the wall, screens in the club as well as in our 1st XV Match Programme. Thank you to those of you who are already support the club.
Final Reflections
As we head deeper into autumn and look forward to a jam-packed November although we have a full of rugby, community outreach, and festive celebrations, we pause and reflect on the loss of Tony Hills, the impact he had on many of us. He really did dedicate significant amount of his time, spare or not, to our club. To share one of many recollections from me which I remember with a smile. Tony would criticise my playing style in my playing days and wonder how 1st XV referees did not pick up on the way I bind when played number 8, he would lambast me in the bar and would certainly would pick me up when he refereed me in charity or fun games away from the league, he would warn me that I wouldn’t get away with it on his watch!
Even in his last few days he was still working for us ensuring our junior accounts were handed over, and we were able to operate. He was typical of so many and a pillar of what makes our club tick. Grass roots rugby is built on such people who dedicate their time for the benefit of us all.
I am continually struck by what makes Harlow Rugby Club so special. It’s not the algorithms, and it certainly isn’t the AI! It’s the people, the volunteers turning up in the regardless of everything going on in their lives, the parents supporting the minis and juniors, the senior squads putting their bodies on the line, and the community coming together at Latton Park.
Thank you all for everything you do to keep our club moving forward. Have a fantastic November, and I look forward to seeing many of you down at the club very soon.
Yours in rugby,
Paul Eynon
Chair, Interim Chair of Rugby, Colts Coach
