With the on-field aspects of our Centenary Season now firmly behind us, I thought it would be good to look back on our many successes and achievements as we celebrated our 100-year history, whilst also looking forward to what remains of our Centenary year and what lies ahead in 2025/26.

In this email you will find the following useful information -

Rugby: Jamie Briggs, our Chairman of Rugby, provides a synopsis of our on-field activities across all sections.
Women and Girls' Rugby: Julie Briggs brings us up to date with our Girls and Women’s Rugby sections as we embrace the excitement of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
JB Update: The latest news on JB’s journey.
Diary Dates: Details of remaining events in the last two months of our Centenary Season (Annual Dinner, AGM, Golf Day).
Centenary: A summary of all that has happened this year so far, and exciting projects yet to unfold (Centenary Book, 100th Birthday Party, etc.).
Next Season: A look ahead to 2025/26 and an introduction to next year’s President.
Situations Vacant: Details about some important volunteer roles that need filling and the opportunity to step up and help your Club.
And finally…: A few miscellaneous items of interest.

1. Rugby

We have had lots to celebrate on the field during our centenary season.

Our sport is an amateur sport, and the primary objective of our great club is to offer a welcoming, safe and friendly environment to play any of the wide variety of Rugby that is on offer, with the focus firmly on having FUN!

It is worth taking this opportunity to recognise how diverse our Rugby Club is, offering Walking rugby, SEND, Touch Rugby, Girls & Boys Rugby from U6 to U18, Senior Men’s & Women’s Rugby, and Men’s Veterans (the famous Banbury Old Nicks).

Rugby would not be as successful at Banbury without the dedication and commitment of our amazing coaches, administrators, volunteers and employees. There are a lot! And many who have contributed over many years, thank you. Please keep Saturday 19th July in your diaries as the club would like to say “thank you” on our volunteer’s day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you as, without you, our Club would not function as effectively as it does and impact positively on so many people in our community.

On the field the 1st XV finished seventh in the league, one place better than the previous season. Another strong start to the season then fell away post-Christmas.

The 2nd XV won their League and gained promotion back into Counties 2 Tribute Ale Berks Bucks & Oxon West. Their season culminated in them beating Abingdon in the County Shield Final at Bodicote Park. Both fitting achievements following JB’s catastrophic injury.

The 3rd XV had a solid season and will play next season back in Counties 3 Tribute Ale Berks Bucks & Oxon North.

The men’s Veterans, Old Nicks, won the County Cup beating Bicester/Oxford Harlequins 45-34 in the final.

Women’s and girls’ rugby is once again gaining momentum with a leadership team supporting the growing numbers. It was particularly satisfying to see 400+ girls attend our 10s Festival in April and we intend to make this an annual event. The Women’s Rugby World Cup in England will no doubt help increase numbers again.

The Minis and Juniors continue to grow and develop and had a fantastic festival attended by 110 teams with 1178 players all enjoying the game we love. We are renowned around the country for delivering fantastic Mini Tournaments and we certainly delivered again this season, thank you and well done to the U12s led by Charli Walker and Elaine Huckson.

Outstanding individual achievements this year include Isla Pomroy who represented England Girls U18s. Junior Denny represented England Boys U18s in the Six Nations and had an outstanding tournament making the team of the tournament. And he is a ‘year young’ for that age group! Junior has been selected for the England U18s to tour South Africa this summer along with Sonny Goode. Congratulations to both boys and I’m sure you will join me in wishing them the very best of luck.

A stand-out mention to the U17s that have had 11 players represent Oxfordshire and a further 8 that have played Academy U17s and U18s for Gloucester & Northampton Saints.

I cannot finish without mentioning John Baker. A long-term friend and stalwart of the club who epitomises what our club stands for. We thank you for everything you have done for the Club over the years John and look forward to being with you on your journey going forward. Don’t think you will be getting out of being on a committee or two!

I hope everyone has a restful summer before we start again.

Come on the Lions!

2. Women and Girls' Rugby

We are very excited to report the formation of a “Girls’ and Women’s Leadership Group” which is making good progress, focusing on recruitment, retention and development of players. We have encouraging numbers in our U12 and U14 Girls’ sections which are thriving, and we look forward to following these age groups on their journey to Women’s Rugby.

With the Women’s Rugby World Cup just around the corner, we are expecting to see increased numbers across the board. Working closely with Jamie, our Community Coach, and harnessing his targets in primary and secondary schools, we are very busy planning and preparing.

Our Women’s section has seen numbers increase dramatically of late, led by our excellent team of coaches. Special mention to Keith Oakes and Russel White for their endless enthusiasm, passion and commitment.
We held our second 10s Festival for Girls in April where we hosted 450 Girls on a wonderful sunny day with some great Rugby being played. We are aiming to continue to build on this success by making the festival an annual event. Many thanks to all those involved in the planning and execution of the event – a fabulous team effort!

Bring on next season!

3. JB Update

I’m sure everyone is well aware of the devastating injury sustained by John Baker in November. There has been some progress since JB’s relocation from the JR to Holy Cross, but he remains ever hopeful of an early move to Stoke Mandeville where his rehabilitation journey can begin in earnest. Realistic estimate for this to happen is within three to six months. In the meantime, he continues to work on his self-ventilation and is delighted to have achieved an hour off the ventilator. He will be pushing to increase this over the coming weeks.

JB is also making good use of the technology he has been provided with, helping him to make valuable contributions for his employers, Hawkins, and to keep in touch with friends.

JB has also asked me to pass on his thanks for the outpouring of love and emotion during his attendance at the Ball. He and his family were humbled by just how much love there was in the room, which has created wonderful memories for him, Tina, Sean & Georgina. He is also deeply grateful for the fundraising efforts of everyone at the Ball, and those on the Jolly Boys Tour.

JB’s journey continues and we will update you further, in more detail, in a couple of weeks.

4. Diary Dates

We have three more significant events before the end of our Centenary Season. Details are as follows: -

Annual Dinner – Friday 22nd August| This will take the usual format and be held in the Clubhouse from 7pm. Tickets are £35 each and can be booked with Monty.
AGM – Wednesday 27th August | The 100th Annual General Meeting of Banbury Rugby Union Football Club will be held in the Clubhouse at 7pm. The Calling Notice will be issued via email in early August.
BRUFC Golf Day | This year’s Golf Day for the Barry Gilkes Trophy will be held at Kirtlington Golf Club on Friday 29th August. As in previous years, the day will include breakfast, golf and supper at the Club for a very reasonable £75. Please book your place with Monty.

5. Centenary

The Centenary Ball was a great success with over 430 people celebrating long into the night in two massive marquees. Our caterers did us proud, the band were superb, and the evening was topped off by the attendance of JB and his family. What a fantastic exhibition of what Banbury Rugby Club is all about.

The Centenary Wall is slowly starting to fill up but there are still places available – I would personally be delighted if we could fill the wall before the end of the season so if you would like to associate yourself, your family, or your business with the Club long into the future, please contact me. Bricks cost £125 each.

Work on the Centenary Book, “One Club, One Hundred Years” is nearing completion and we hope to have it available by the end of August. We will be publishing a limited edition of 100 hardback boxed version; all individually numbered with a unique embossed decal. These copies are £100 each and limited to one per person. There will also be a hardback version available at £50 each. If you wish to pre-order your copy, please contact Monty. The two previous books charting Banbury Rugby Club’s history at the 50- and 75-year points have formed the backbone to this book and also underpinned the video released at the start of the season. For any who missed it then, click on this link to enjoy our history and achievements: Banbury Rugby Union Football Club - One Club, One Hundred Years!

I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone and, whilst I am looking forward to a rest, I cannot start to tell you all how much I have enjoyed my presidential year, particularly as it coincided with our centenary. The Opening Match seems like only yesterday but when I think how many events we have enjoyed over the year it starts to make sense.

Anyway, thank you all for your support and I look forward to seeing you at our last three events this season, the Annual Dinner, AGM and Golf Day (see section4 above).

Here’s to the next 100 years!

6. 2025/26 Season

The Club is well placed to start our second century in true style. We have a large and growing membership and are able to offer ‘rugby for all’, living up to our strong ethos of promoting inclusivity and diversity. There are many opportunities ahead of us and we remain the envy of every Club that plays at our level or below – in fact many Clubs at higher levels wish they had the facilities and members that we are blessed with.

I will be handing over the presidential chain of office to Richard Tooth at the AGM, confident that the Club will continue to go from strength to strength under his stewardship. Richard has been a member of the Club for over 40 years, and I am sure he will have much to contribute on the touchline, in committee and at the Bar!

7. Situations Vacant

As is often stated, Clubs like ours rely very heavily on volunteers in order to survive and we have a few important roles that need filling. If you, or someone you know, is able to help in any of the following areas, or would like to know more about a particular role, please contact one of the Committee:

Facilities Manager | Point-of-contact for maintenance of the building and facilities.
Social Secretary | Event manager for Rugby Club social events.
Committee Member(s) | We are always looking for ‘new blood’ on committee. New faces bring fresh ideas.

8. Bits & Pieces

The 500 Club continues to be an important source of revenue for the Club. Monthly draws offer the opportunity to win prizes of £100 plus 3 * £50. Each number costs £5 per month. Please contact Monty for more details and/or an application form.
We are holding a celebration day on Saturday 19th July – open to all: -
And finally, look out for upcoming announcements regarding fixtures for next season and our new main sponsor…

In rugger
Monty

President, BRUFC