In these testing times, I wanted to update all members on the good work being done by senior rugby, both before and since the fantastic news of our Promotion to London Premier, Level 5 rugby. In these uncertain I think its even more important than ever to make sure positive news is circulated to everybody 6-66yrs (Or older!) in our club. So hear goes...

GOOD NEWS UPDATES -

Currently 90% of this years squads across 1XV and Extra 1XV have been retained for the upcoming season. Being involved in a successful season has undoubtedly helped us in retention this season, and a few more of the squad, we hope will follow suit, over the coming weeks.

Some new faces have already joined the ranks and a post regarding 'NEW SIGNINGS' will follow this article. We all look forward to seeing these players come in and add, to what is and already very talented bunch.

I have also been working on next seasons 'Coaching Structure' for the above groups, I am pleased to announce that David Marshall, former Combe player and Canterbury RFC Coach, has joined the team as backs coach for the 1XV. A little more about and from David...

David played for Westcombe Park RFC between 2002-2009 and was part of the squad who gained promotion to Level 3 following the playoff v Tynedale in 2007. Also had playing spells in South Africa and Australia as well as further National League experience at Canterbury RFC before retiring from playing in 2013.

'I began my coaching career at Canterbury RFC as attack coach in 2017, helping the club secure promotion to National 1 in 2019. Following 3 years at Canterbury looking forward to returning to Combe and working with Rob and the players as we look to continue building an environment that will keep helping the club moving upwards in the National Leagues where it has a proud history.'

In addition to David joining senior coaching team at Combe, we have made some other notable additions to our back-room staff. The 'ever-green' James Lindfield has finally called time on an excellent rugby career, but has stepped up to Assistant Manager of the 1XV, under the guidance of JWT's watchful eye, they are sure to look after the team in the best way. James a player of real quality with, numerous national league experience, honours with Kent and England Counties, and a stalwart with 'his club' Combe, will bring a huge level of experience and we may just keep him registered for a rainy day!

Great news also, Simon Kielty, who has been working with the Extra XV (As well as our U8s!) for a number of weeks now, and has agreed to continue his management and coaching role with us again next season.

Joseph Simpson, who, for the past two seasons has done a fantastic job the Extra XV has agreed to continue in the role as player/Coach. Joe has been promoted this year and has the imminent arrival of his first born due in August. Hence stepped back slightly from the leading role he has been accustomed too. We all look forward to his involvement next year both playing and coaching and wish him the very best in his biggest role yet, 'fatherhood'!

I can also inform the Combe faithful that interviews are underway with a number of candidates for the Lead Coaching role within the Extra XV. More 'Good news' announcements will be made in the coming weeks, so watch this space!

In addition to all of the work being done on retention, additions, structure and planning for a new campaign the club has been looking at improving facilities for all members.

The Operations and Management committee's have agreed for the development work of resurfacing, seeding, levelling the training area on the mid tear at fortress combe. This will involve sinking any rising stone, top soiling and levelling the surface and seeding. We look forward to seeing our groundsman creating a pristine surface for all teams to use through the season ahead.

I have applied for the Natwest Rugby-force grant to support further improvements to our club house an outside space, so again please watch this space as we will be in need of our own in-club workforce to assemble to deliver on these improvements, once lockdown is over! I will also be looking at other ways to help fundraise for the club over in the weeks and months ahead.

A huge thanks to all that supported and donated to the just-giving campaign, to better secure our equipment and facility long term, we raised a staggering £1860.77. Thank you all!

There will be many more updates to follow in the coming days and weeks, to hopefully put some smiles on faces in these difficult times, but, most importantly stay safe, stay healthy, stay Combe!

Yours in Rugby,

Rob Lawrence
Director of Rugby WPRFC