Dear Members,
The season is well under way, and there’s plenty to share this month, from a first look at our new kit to news from across the teams and dates for your diary. A big thank you to everyone playing, coaching, volunteering and cheering from the sidelines – it’s your support that makes Royston Rugby such a welcoming club!
Royston Rugby Club Committee
NEW KIT IS LANDING!
We are thrilled to unveil a sneak preview of our new club kit and to say a huge thank you to our incredibly generous sponsors Stress Group (Main Sponsor), BTP Professional Pest Control, Kingshott School, E.C. Crow Brickwork, and 1st Vacuum Glass, who have signed up to support Royston Rugby for the next three years.
The header image for the news article is our Home kit, which all our teams will wear – from the seniors down to the U7s – and there will be an exciting new Away kit too, as well as supporters jerseys to buy. The new shirts represent a significant investment in the club and give our teams a fresh, consistent look for the seasons ahead.
To support the club’s long-term sustainability, Minis families will in future buy their child’s playing shirt rather than receive a club-issued shirt each year. We know this is a change from the current system, so it will be introduced gradually: players can continue wearing their existing shirt this season and will only need the new shirt for the start of next season. However, if you do want to buy one straight away, you will be able to.
Children’s shirts will cost £26.09 and larger shirts (age 14 upwards) £36.90, excluding any personalisation. We know lots of parents have already been asking how they can buy one, and full ordering details will be available very soon.
SENIOR WINS AT THE HEATH
What a start for our senior sides! The First XV have opened their Counties 1 campaign with three hard-fought wins over Datchworth, Biggleswade and Fullerians, while the Second XV edged Hatfield QE 43–42 in a home thriller at the start of the month. Next up, the First XV will be welcoming Hemel Hempstead to the Heath on 24th October, and the Second XV will host Mill Hill at home on the same day. Keep up with all the fixtures here on the website.
MINI & YOUTH SEASON START
The Mini & Youth season is up and running, with teams enjoying their first matches at clubs across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Even better, we’ve welcomed lots of new faces across the age groups. There was a special guest appearance at a recent Minis training session too, as players from the First and Second XVs dropped in to meet the children and show where the Royston player pathway could lead.
Know someone who might enjoy giving rugby a go? New players can join us free for their first three weeks, so bring a friend along!
CONSULTATION UPDATE
A big thank you to everyone who responded to our consultation on long-term pitch provision. We had a fantastic response and are now working through all the feedback. We’ll share the findings soon.
GODFREY NEEDS YOU!
Our legendary President, Godfrey Everett, clocks up around 30 voluntary hours every month keeping nearly five acres of rugby pitches in shape - tackling everything from mole damage and re-seeding to white-lining. He’s 77 and you’ll still find him there every Saturday from 10am to 12pm and sometimes during the week, come rain or shine.
But his joints are not what they used to be and he needs help! Regularly or occasionally, even a few hours a season makes a real difference – you just need to bring a bucket and garden spade if possible and contact Godfrey on 07847 232 799 or join the WhatsApp group for updates on what’s needed. Thank you!
PLAYING OUR PART ON THE HEATH
We’re very lucky to call Therfield Heath our home and to share this special public space and nature reserve with the wider community. By looking after the Heath together, we can help everyone enjoy it.
The Heath Café is always welcoming of rugby club members. Just a reminder, however, that it is a separate entity to the club, and its loos are for paying customers; otherwise, please use the facilities in the club changing rooms. And rugby boots stay at the door, please!
Fancy doing your bit, with a free drink thrown in? Join the Friends of Therfield Heath monthly litter picks, with the next ones on Sunday 8th November and Sunday 13th December. Meet between 9.30am and 10.30am near the tennis courts and Heath Café; all equipment is provided and volunteers receive a free drink voucher! Visit the Friends of Therfield Heath website for details.
A quick parking plea: Busy training and match days can get a little snug, so please park close to neighbouring cars and leave as much room as possible for others. Better still, share a lift if you can!
CLUB SHOPS
For new club kit and merchandise, we have two online shops:
1. Akuma club shop (password ROYSTON) – for drill tops, socks, jackets, bottoms, midlayers, boot bags and holdalls. New shirts will be available very soon!
2. Sumup store – for umbrellas, ties, bobble hats and fundraising event tickets – all profits from our Sumup store go directly to the club.
There is also a second-hand boot and kit shop outside the changing rooms on many Sunday mornings throughout the season - run by volunteer Anna Coakley - the proceeds of which all go back into the club.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
• FRIENDS OF THERFIELD HEATH LITTER PICK: Sunday 8th November
• PUB QUIZ: Saturday 14th November
• KJAR CHRISTMAS FAYRE: Sunday 22nd November
• SUPPORTERS LUNCH: Saturday 28th November (TBC)
• FRIENDS OF THERFIELD HEATH LITTER PICK: Sunday 13th December
• MINIS CHRISTMAS PARTY: Sunday 20th December
• MINI & YOUTH TOUR: 30 April – 3 May 2027
