Dear Members,
Welcome to the first edition of our monthly newsletter. We hope it will help keep everyone better informed and connected throughout the season. If you have suggestions or news for future editions, or ideas for information you would find useful, please contact committee@roystonrugbyclub.co.uk.
MEN’S TEAMS
Fresh from back-to-back promotions, the Men’s teams head into the 2026/2027 season with momentum and plenty to look forward to. Pre-season training has been underway over the summer, bringing several new faces into the squads, and the club continues to actively recruit new players aged 18+. Anyone interested in getting involved as a player should get in touch with Head Coach, Jamie Green.
The 1st and 2nd XV Herts fixtures have now been released, with the campaign set to open against Datchworth on 26th September. Keep any eye on our socials for news on fixtures, results and match updates throughout the season.
Touchline support at The Heath and away from home has been great to see in recent seasons and will continue to make a real difference as the teams step up to the next challenge. Thank you for your support!
MINI & YOUTH SEASON START
Coaches are looking forward to welcoming Mini and Youth players back to The Heath for the start of season training on Sunday 6th September. All fixtures and training dates are now on Spond.
To help us get the season off to a smooth start, please complete Age Grade Registration as soon as possible, ideally by 5th September. You can find registration instructions and this year’s fees in the club email sent on 18th July and here.
GIRLS TEAMS
Girls’ rugby continues to grow at Royston, and girls aged 7+ are very welcome to come along to our girls-only sessions on Saturday mornings at 9:30am. Sessions will start on 12th September.
CURRENT PITCH CONDITIONS
Following a couple of wet winters and the dry summer, our pitches need some TLC. The good news is that we have secured grant funding for specialist pitch renovation work to be undertaken, but this will leave each of our pitches out of action at some point. The timing of this work will be weather dependent, and we are making contingency plans for some teams to train elsewhere while this takes place. Again, we will keep everyone posted.
FUTURE PITCH PROVISION
We know lots of you will have questions about how we are getting on with solutions for pitch provision in the long term. We are continuing to work constructively and positively with the local authorities on opportunities to strengthen and increase provision for rugby in Royston and we are still exploring the four options outlined in the last end of season reports. We will shortly be launching a member consultation on longer-term pitch provision, including a questionnaire, so please look out for a separate email about this.
FACILITIES UPDATE
Our facilities have had some welcome attention over the summer, with the changing rooms and container painted, and the floodlights painted and serviced. We have also been kindly donated new cabinets for the changing rooms. We are always on the lookout for members or supporters with practical skills who may be able to help with future improvements, whether that be plumbing, roof repairs, pitch maintenance or other jobs around the club. Please contact treasurer@roystonrugbyclub.co.uk if you think you can help, either regularly or ad hoc.
SECOND-HAND SHOP, MOUTHGUARDS & CLUB SHOP – INFO & DATES
6th September - the second-hand shop and boot exchangewill be open in the area outside the changing rooms during training on Sunday 6th September, selling pre-loved boots, shirts and other kit. There is normally a good stock of new socks to purchase as well. All proceeds from second-hand sales go directly to supporting the club. Please feel free to bring along pre-loved kit and boots to donate.
27th September – Voodoo Mouthguardswill be at The Heath on Sunday 27th September to fit and supply custom gum shields for anyone interested. Prices start at £50 with Royston colours, or for a little more you can personalise them with other designs including your name. Please register your interest to ensure there are enough for everyone, using this link. If you would like one but are unable to be there on 27th, please still register your interest – if there is enough demand, they can make a second visit on another day.
For new club kit and merchandise, we have two online shops:
- Akuma club shop (password ROYSTON) – for drill tops, socks, jackets, bottoms, midlayers, boot bags and holdalls.
- Sumup store– for umbrellas, ties, bobble hats and fundraising event tickets – all profits from our Sumup store go directly to the club.
RFU LEARNING FOR COACHES, FIRST AIDERS, OFFICALS & VOLUNTEERS
The RFU has launched England Rugby Learning, a new online learning site for coaches, first aiders, match officials and volunteers. It should make it simpler to find courses and resources, keep track of qualifications, and see the training that is relevant to your role. As well as courses on age-grade coaching and first aid, there are new courses on topics such as understanding neurodiversity in rugby. Coaches, first aiders and officials are encouraged to log in using their GMS details and make sure any required training or refreshers are completed ahead of the season.
FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEERS – WE NEED YOU!
There is currently a vacancy for a volunteer Fundraising Officer to help coordinate fundraising for the club. Fundraising makes a real difference to what we can offer, from supporting the running of events to helping invest in kit, facilities and the future of rugby in Royston. It has been great to see activity growing again through supporters’ lunches, and events such as ‘Boots and Beats’, raffles and the Pop-up Pub auction night, alongside the generous support of our sponsors (more exciting news on that soon…). If you could help, even by sharing ideas or supporting individual events, we would love to hear from you.
MINI & YOUTH TOUR 2027
Exciting plans are already underway for next year’s Mini & Youth Tour. We’ve had some really good feedback following the survey at the beginning of the summer. The form remains open and it would be great to have further input to help us shape the 2027 tour. Please fill out the Google form here.
YOUR HELP WITH A QUICK SURVEY
We’re keen to understand how people first hear about the club and what brings them to Royston Rugby. If you can spare a couple of minutes, we’d be very grateful if you could complete this very short survey.
Thank you, as always, for your support and involvement in the club. There is a lot to look forward to this season, on and off the pitch, and we are grateful to everyone who helps make Royston Rugby such a welcoming and active community. We look forward to seeing you at The Heath!
Royston Rugby Club Committee
