Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary.

- Warren Bennis

At last there’s rugby on the TV and on the pitch again! It has felt like a long Summer, (even though the weather has had a distinctly rugby season feel about it!)

Since the AGM last month there’s been plenty of activity behind the scenes at the Club and lots going on outside on the pitch too.

Firstly, I should welcome our new signings, 15 in all – I know Darren Lloyd is excited about the quality in our squad and we can’t wait to get the season underway.

For details of the arrivals to the 2015/16 Clifton 1st XV team see here.

Of course, the Club has always been a springboard for players to go on to professional contracts and pursue a rugby career and we say goodbye and good luck to Charlie Foley (Moseley) and Rupert Freestone (Plymouth Albion).

A week ago today saw the boys play a ‘friendly’ against old friends Hartpury College, in magnificent sunshine the match finished 14-35 but the score does not reflect the competitive game and energy from the team. Things are looking good. Match photos.

This weekend the lads are team building in Devon (ice creams & rucks?)

Apart from the match itself my favourite part of the day was the morning’s club clean up – a massive thank you to everybody who helped out! I hope you enjoyed the cider and beef chili as a thank you!
Club Clean Up

The new committee has met a couple of times to get the season planning completed and a scheme of works and projects to improve the function room and prepare us for the Rugby World Cup is well underway – watch this space!

There will be some information coming soon with changes to subscriptions, Christmas party plans , RWC 2015 match events, and much more.

The next two games at home are another friendly on Saturday 22nd August against Welsh side Bridgend Athletic, KO is at 2.30pm – entry is free, come along and see the new team in action and how the bar improvements are going!

Then, on Sunday 30th August there’s a fantastic charity match taking place, with fun and activities for all the family, try and come and support the great causes.
Charity Day

Wednesday night’s multi-sport, non-contact sessions at 6.30pm are a great success. Run by the Club’s coach Andy White, they’ve been a mix of boys and girls from ages 6-16. Several of the senior players help out and it’s been great fun (although being out run by a 12 year old is humbling ☺)

Here’s to the new season!

Wyn

Dates for the diary:

National League Two South

Saturday 5th September Clifton Rugby v Worthing

Saturday 12th September Clifton Rugby v Dorking