Pre Season Warm Up Games
Our pre season campaign is now in to week three and the groups are bonding well and building towards the new season. In preparation we have Westcombe Park on Thursday 13th August at Warner’s bridge 8pm KO.
On Saturday 22nd August we welcome Sevenoaks to Warner’s bridge where we have a trio of games. Our Colts, Priors and Saxons all in action. Staggered kick off’s to be confirmed.
Our last game will see a selected squad travel to Harlow on Saturday 5th September.
Please come and support us as we build towards what will be two very exciting league campaigns.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
This October, Matt Clarke and Kevin Brown, both long time club members will be taking on the incredible challenge of trekking to Everest Base Camp to raise money for Havens Hospices, a charity that has provided exceptional care and support to both of their families during some of life's most difficult moments.
Havens Hospices cared for Matt's dad over 10 years ago and, more recently, supported his mum with compassion, dignity, and kindness.
They also cared for Kev's mum in her final days, ensuring she was comfortable and surrounded by the very best care.
The care and support their families received will never be forgotten, and this challenge is Matt and Kev's way of giving something back to a charity that has meant so much to them both.
The trek to Everest Base Camp will test them physically and mentally, but they are taking on every step with the hope of raising vital funds so Havens Hospices can continue providing outstanding care to other families when they need it most.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.
Thank you for supporting Matt and Kev on this journey and for helping Havens Hospices continue the incredible work they do.
Summer BBQ
We are holding a Summer BBQ at the club on Saturday, 8th August from 4pm!
Tickets are £25 per adult / teenagers aged 13 and over, which includes “posh” BBQ and welcome glass of Prosecco or Buck’s Fizz (soft drink for over 13’s).
Kids tickets (ages up to 12) are £5 each but for families of 2 adults and up to 4 kids you can buy a family ticket for just £60!
There will be a live band with dancing and the bar will be open until late.
This will also be a chance to MEET THE SAXONS SQUAD and our new Director of Rugby / Head Coach, Sid Hoult, before the start of the season!
Please buy your tickets in advance so we can cater accordingly, you won’t be able to just show up on the day!! Tickets MUST be bought by 30th July
To book tickets email - officesrfc@gmail.com
Entertainment - DJ Mickie G compare from 4.00pm to 4.45pm. Arthur Doo and the Toerags live band British Folk Music with a twist 4.45pm to 5.45pm5.45pm to 630pm DJ, Sam Fraser singer/song writer 6.30pm to 730pm, DJ 730pm to 8.15pm, The Raven Band COVERS from 8.15pm to 930pm, DJ from 930pm to close.
SouthSend meet Princess Anne
Whilst playing in this years Tag Fest (sponsored by Essex Rugby Wooden Spoon Charity) the team were introduced to Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Welcome From The Director Of Rugby
Director of Rugby Welcome
A very warm welcome to Warners Bridge, the home of Southend Rugby Club.
Having been a player here for over ten years and Head Coach for the previous eight, I am incredibly proud and honoured to be appointed Director of Rugby at this fantastic club. Southend RFC has been a huge part of my life and is built on strong values, passionate people and a proud rugby tradition. It is a privilege to lead the next chapter of our journey together.
My vision is simple: One Club. One Direction.
We will continue to build a culture where standards drive performance and performance drives success. I am excited to continue the work that Josh, myself, our coaching staff, players, volunteers and management have worked so hard to establish over many years. We have built strong foundations, but there is still much more to achieve. The challenges ahead are exciting, and I look forward to seeing what this talented group of players can accomplish together.
The work starts now.
Reflecting on Last Season
The 2025/26 season was one of highs and lows but ultimately the club's most successful campaign in recent years. Our Saxons finished 4th in Regional 1, producing some outstanding performances both home and away throughout the season.
The upcoming Regional 1 campaign promises to be even more competitive. New grounds await, fresh challenges lie ahead and the return of Eton Manor will reignite a healthy rivalry that many of us have enjoyed over the years. With a young, talented squad strengthened by some exciting additions, we are looking forward to seeing how far this group can go by playing ambitious, intelligent rugby.
Our Priors finished 9th in Counties 1 Hertfordshire. While the league position only tells part of the story, the squad once again proved its importance within our rugby programme by preparing players for senior rugby. Several players stepped up to make their Saxons debuts, highlighting the strength of the development pathway we continue to build.
We're also delighted that the Priors have now returned to the Essex league structure and will compete in Essex Counties 1 this season. This is something the club has worked towards for a long time and provides an even stronger platform for player development and progression.
Developing Home-Grown Talent
One of the areas I am most proud of is the continued development of our own players.
This season has once again shown that our academy pathway is thriving. Academy players have progressed into the Priors, first-year seniors have earned Saxons debuts and several Colts have represented both the Cardinals and Bishops. These achievements are a credit to our coaching staff, the commitment of our players and the pathway we have created throughout the club.
Our ambition is simple: to provide every player with a clear route through the club, giving them the opportunity to fulfil their potential and one day represent the Saxons.
What Success Looks Like
Success isn't measured solely by league tables.
Of course we all want to win rugby matches, but true success will also be measured by the environment we create, the players we develop, the standards we uphold and the pride people feel when pulling on a Southend shirt.
We want our players to enjoy their rugby, our supporters to feel connected to the club and everyone involved to contribute to a culture that people are proud to be part of.
The People Behind the Programme
No rugby club succeeds without the people working tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition.
Tracey Gilson is quite simply the backbone of our playing group and affectionately known as the club's "mum". Whether she's preparing food after training and on match days for our players and visiting teams, or feeding the hundreds of Mini and Youth players, parents and supporters who come through our doors each weekend, her dedication and care never go unnoticed.
Donna Munroe and her team behind the bar are equally integral to the club, providing a warm welcome and outstanding service to members, supporters and visiting clubs on match days and at events throughout the year. Together, Tracey, Donna and their teams create an atmosphere that makes Southend Rugby Club feel like home.
Their generosity, commitment and willingness to go above and beyond embody everything that makes Southend Rugby Club such a special place.
I'd also like to recognise Andrew Wilkinson and our Tuesday Working Party. Week after week they volunteer countless hours maintaining and improving our clubhouse and facilities, ensuring they remain somewhere our members, visitors and opposition clubs are proud to visit. Much of their work goes unseen, but it is fundamental to everything we do.
Supporting those volunteers is an outstanding coaching, medical and performance team whose commitment provides our players with the very best environment to develop.
The continuity within our coaching group gives the club stability, consistency and trust. Andrew McClintock, Warren Lewis, George Phelps-Knights, Mark Sexton, Ed Mkudu and Daniel Legge continue to challenge and support our players every week.
Cat Malcolm remains Head of Strength & Conditioning and plays an essential role in preparing our players to perform at their best. Our medical team, led by Beck Daisley and Amy Smith, continues to provide exceptional care and support, with Karen Short offering additional expertise whenever required. We are also delighted to welcome Omar Amran after gaining valuable experience with us during his studies last season.
Jon Hicks continues his excellent work as club chiropractor, while Peter Scott remains Team Manager—a role he performs tirelessly and with unwavering dedication to both the squad and the club.
More Than Rugby
One of Southend Rugby Club's greatest strengths is that we are far more than a rugby team—we are a community.
SouthSEND, led by Ally Gavin and his incredible team of volunteers, remains one of the club's most valued programmes and the highlight of many people's week.
The Saints continue to grow with exciting ambitions for the future of our women's and girls' section, while the Sea Lions go from strength to strength with increasing numbers and an expanding fixture list.
Our Mini and Youth section also continues to flourish thanks to the outstanding work of our coaches, volunteers and parents. They provide hundreds of young players with the opportunity to learn, develop and enjoy our game every single week. They are the future of Southend Rugby Club.
Looking Ahead
We have an exciting opportunity ahead of us. By working together and committing to high standards both on and off the field, I am confident we can continue building something that everyone associated with Southend Rugby Club can be proud of.
Thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and passion to this club. Whether you're a player, volunteer, coach, sponsor or supporter, you all play a vital role in our success.
I look forward to meeting many more of you throughout the season and beginning this next chapter together.
One Club. One Direction.
See you at Warners Bridge.
Sid Hoult
Director of Rugby
Southend Rugby Club
Andrew Wilkinson
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our much-valued colleague and friend,
Andrew Wilkinson
Andrew was a dedicated member of the rugby club staff and has made an enormous contribution to
the club during his time here.
His presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with
him.
On behalf of the entire club, we extend our sincere condolences to Andrews family, friends and loved
ones during this difficult time.
Andrew’s contribution to our club will not be forgotten, and his memory will remain an important
part of our rugby family.
Rugby Summer Camp at Southend Rugby Club for players aged 12–16.
Dear Southend RFC member
We are delighted to be partnering with SOL Sports Coaching to offer an exciting Rugby Summer Camp at Southend Rugby Club for players aged 12–16.
This action-packed camp is designed to help young players develop their rugby skills, build confidence, make new friends, and enjoy fun games and competitions in a safe, supportive environment. Sessions will be delivered by experienced, DBS-checked and First Aid trained coaches, ensuring a positive experience for players of all abilities.
Places are limited and we expect spaces to fill quickly. To secure your child’s place, please book online using the link below:
https://sol-sports-coaching.classforkids.io/camp/16
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
We look forward to welcoming your child for two fantastic days of rugby, learning and fun this summer.
Kind regards,
Southend Rugby Club
SOL Sports Coaching
Sealions Recruiting Update
On Saturday 18th July The Sealions are joining this years Gay Pride march in Southend High Street and manning a stall in the shopping centre. They will be encouraging other attendees to join the club and enjoy rugby with our team. Support from members would be welcome and help to recruit new players.
Please contact Matt Driffill at matthew.driffill@gmail.com
They still need some volunteers who can help man a stall or watch to come and march the parade with them… the more the better!
These are some details:
The March starts that the top of pier hill.
Meet up is 11:30 with some speeches and march off at 12:00
They will meet in Warrior Square car park at 11am. Then walk to the meeting point.
There is a stall in Victoria shopping centre that we will need manned, this needs to be set up before 10am so anyone who can help do that would be great they have brought a game for people to play and try.
Introducing SRFC’s new Director of Rugby:
“Proud and honoured to be appointed Director of Rugby. My vision is simple: one club, one direction. We’ll build a culture where standards drive performance and performance drives success. Excited to begin the next chapter, and take on the challenge ahead and to see what we can achieve together. The work starts now.”
Saints Awards Night
✨AWARDS NIGHT ✨
What a night, we celebrated the saints 25/26 season and all of our achievements!
Thank to you to the social committee for organising, thank you to our sponsors for your never ending support, thank you to the partners and families who support and put up with us for the season(mostly when we complain about our aches and pains) thank you to @southstreetbar for hosting and being a amazing venue
To our coaches, we completely adore you and appreciate everything you do for us, thank you to @mattgame01 for always being there to tape us up 😂 and finally, to the saints we couldn’t do this without each and every one of you, what an incredible group of women 🤍🤎🩷
Long Service Award - @randall1212
Top Try Scorer - @terigear91x
Newcomer forward of the year - @helg2011
Newcomer back of the year- @sylviahalfead
Most Improved Player - @kirstystuart_
Best Moment of the Season - @izzy_richh
Forward of the Year - @callielaing
Back of the Year - @alsopjade
The Saints Award - @brindle_lucy
Players Player of the Year - @maryotasowie
Coaches Player of the Year - @05xella
What a night, what a team 👏🩷🤎🤍
156 Year Celebratory Summer BBQ
Saturday, 8th August from 4pm!
Tickets are £25 per adult / teenagers aged 13 and over, which includes “posh” BBQ and welcome glass of Prosecco or Buck’s Fizz (soft drink for over 13’s).
Kids tickets (ages up to 12) are £5 each but for families of 2 adults and up to 4 kids you can buy a family ticket for just £60!
There will be a live band with dancing and the bar will be open until late.
This will also be a chance to MEET THE SAXONS SQUAD and our new Director of Rugby / Head Coach, Sid Hoult, before the start of the season!
Please buy your tickets in advance so we can cater accordingly, you won’t be able to just show up on the day!! Tickets MUST be bought by 20TH JULY.
To book tickets email - officesrfc@gmail.com
Please then send payment to Southend RFC
Sort code : 40-28-11
Account Number : 81616234
Reference : Name x number of tickets (Adult or Child) eg Fred Smith 2A 1C or Fred Smith 1 family
Teams Confirmed for 26/27 Season
An old rivalry will be renewed, new grounds and clubs to visit. New challenges, New memories to be made.
One Of Ours
Congratulations to Harry Elliot who was selected to play for Coventry U17s last weekend playing against Cambridge RFC winning 59-12. Harry’s been selected again to play against Ealing Trailfinders today 2:30 KO at Brunel University.
Harry joined Southed at U14s age group and has represented the club at U15s, U16s and Colts. Harry is versatile forward, excelling in the back row, 2nd row and front row.
He moved to Moulton College 6th form, to pursue a career in professional rugby which is where he was picked up by Coventry Rugby club which is a professional championship team.
Congratulations Harry the club will be watching your rugby journey.
Players Supper and Awards
On Thursday 2nd March 2026 over one hundred players and team representatives enjoyed a fine supper and good company at the Club. M&Y, The Sea Lions, The Saints, The Social sides and The Priors and Saxons spokes people got up between courses and reported on their season and events. At the end of the evening centenary caps were presented to those that had played over one hundred games for The Saxons.
