Rugby is well and truly back at Kelham Road. Our senior men’s season kicked off on 6th September with a tough fixture against our near neighbours and long-standing rivals, West Bridgford. Despite a close and hard-fought contest, we came up just short, losing by a single converted try. Since then, we’ve had two more fixtures, and while the elusive first victory of the season still awaits us, the commitment and effort from the boys has been fantastic.

What has been especially pleasing is your support. Attendance at our pre-match lunches are well up on previous years, and the atmosphere around the club has been superb. Thank you – it makes a real difference.

Looking ahead, our Women’s fixtures begin in just nine days, on Friday 3rd October, with what promises to be a very special evening under the lights at Kelham Road. Our newly promoted Women’s 1st XV face Mellish, before the 1st and 2nd XV men both play league games at home the following day against Matlock and Southwell 2nd XV. Friday night rugby at Newark always creates something memorable – and we would love to see as many members as possible down to support the women as they launch their new campaign.

We are thrilled with the growth of the Women’s squad this year – training numbers are strong, and several new players have joined, adding real depth to the side. Our aim this season is to integrate Women’s fixtures into Friday/Saturday weekends wherever possible, so keep an eye out for more of these great occasions.

It is also fantastic to see our Mini and Youth sections thriving once again, with strong numbers across both boys’ and girls’ teams. Our Colts look well placed to build on last year’s brilliant cup-winning success. A gentle reminder though – we would ask all parents (and senior men, too!) to please ensure your membership fees are paid. This helps enormously with the smooth running of the club.

Off the pitch, we are hugely grateful to the many local firms who have supported us through player sponsorships, tiered sponsorship packages, and advertising boards. Their generosity allows us to continue investing in facilities (which are looking excellent, even after a dry summer), to grow our schools programme, and to pursue our ambition of appointing a Senior Coach Developer.

Newark continues to attract attention on the national stage. Following our successful hosting of the RFU National Touch Festival in the summer, we have now been chosen to host the BUCS University Championships on 6th December – an event which will see over 300 players at the club. We hope to see some familiar faces among them, with former Newark juniors now playing high level university rugby.

Newark is not a club that intends to stand still. We are already beginning to plan for the future, with projects to expand our changing facilities, improve floodlighting and parking, enhance roadside signage, update our IT and communications, and to improve the main bar. To help fund these projects, we will soon be relaunching our 100 Club and Half Back Draw – more details to follow shortly.

Finally, on behalf of everyone at Newark Rugby Club, I’d like to wish England’s Red Roses the very best of luck this weekend. I know many of you will be there to cheer them on – and what a day that promises to be.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Yours in Rugby,
David Godfrey
Chairman, Newark Rugby Club