News from Chair James Finlason - April Newsletter

We are now in April, the month that sees most teams conclude their seasons. However, there is still plenty of action left, with opportunities for wins, losses, and enjoyment. Many of our junior teams are participating in festivals, advancing to cup finals, or competing to win their leagues. Crucially, our Women’s 1st XV are on the brink of promotion. They can officially claim the title in their final game on 19th April at Aylesford Bulls. We encourage all supporters to show up loud and proud to cheer them across the finish line.

Regarding the men's fixtures, the 2nd XV will face the Jersey Royals in the Sussex Senior Plate final at Horsham on 25th April. The Men’s 1st XV also have exciting matches lined up in May, including the Sussex Cup Final and an RFU Cup Semi Final.

While success on the field is welcome, we must always prioritise the core reasons we play: enjoyment, health benefits, and camaraderie. This means maintaining mutual respect both during play and away from the pitch is paramount.

I recently shared a message on the community Whatsapp group addressing the disturbing rise in abuse toward match officials, which has regrettably resulted in fewer available referees, a consequence felt by most teams this year. Should you observe any such behavior, please report it immediately to club officials for appropriate handling.

The Club Ball has unfortunately been cancelled. The Old Ship Hotel moved up its refurbishment schedule, forcing us to postpone the event, after our attempts to secure an alternative venue were unsuccessful. This setback motivates us to deliver an even bigger and better event next year, and……..

…….don't miss the Hove Rugby Club Summer Fair, which will be held at the Rec on Saturday, 9th May. Last year’s club day brought all sections together for a truly memorable and successful occasion. With new activities being introduced, we anticipate this year’s fair will surpass last year’s success. If you are interested in helping with the organisation or running a stall, full details are available on the dedicated fair page on our website: Hove Rugby Club Fair.