Harlow Rugby Club is entering an exciting new chapter. After months of planning, research, and careful legal groundwork, a dedicated group of long-standing members has launched a brand-new vehicle to support the club’s future: The Harlow Scrum Club.
The Scrum Club idea was floated by Jim Beaven and Ross Loveday, both proud members of Harlow RFC for over 50 years. Working alongside Life Member John Roberts of Whiskers Solicitors – the group has created a modern, transparent structure designed to raise funds for projects and good causes exclusively for Harlow Rugby Club.
With the blessing of the HRUFC Executive Committee and drawing on the invaluable legal preparation led by John Roberts, the Scrum Club has now been formally registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC). The founding board are Ross Loveday, John Roberts, Kelly Smith, Jim Beaven and Mark Leppard MBE, each bringing their own long-standing commitment to the club and community.
Harlow now joins a growing movement of community-funded rugby initiatives. Neighbouring clubs have operated similar schemes with great success for many years. Their experience demonstrates the real impact that coordinated, community-driven fundraising can have on youth development, club facilities, and the long-term health of the sport.
The Scrum Club is primarily a regular subscription membership programme, giving supporters a simple, meaningful way to invest in the club’s future.
In addition to membership, the Scrum Club welcomes donations, gifts, and legacies, including anonymous contributions. All funds raised – whether through membership or one-off giving – are placed in accounts managed and reported by the CIC directly to the regulator.
Alongside it sits the Spooner Fund, which continues its long-standing role handling ad hoc donations specifically hypothecated to Youth Rugby. These too may be made anonymously. Working together, the Scrum Club and the Spooner Fund represent two complementary pathways for supporters to back the areas they care about most.
You’ll soon be seeing the Scrum Club and Spooner Fund featured prominently across the club’s communications:
Every promotional channel – including email – will provide links to both funds, ensuring supporters can choose exactly how they wish to contribute.
After Christmas, letters of invitation will be sent to Life Members and Vice Presidents of Harlow Rugby Union Football Club, offering them the opportunity to become Founder Members of the Scrum Club.
If you’d like to receive your invitation before Christmas, or simply want to know more, you can email the team at:
📧 scrumclub@harlowrugby.club