Devizes RFC

🏉⚫⚪ A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN – SHEPPY’S UPDATE

Well, we’re a fair way into the season now, Christmas is creeping up on us, and I thought it was about time I put a few words together about what’s been going on at our great rugby club.

First off, what a start we’ve had on the pitch! Both our 1st and 2nd XVs are flying along, unbeaten in their respective leagues, and playing some cracking rugby along the way. A huge well done to all the players, coaches and everyone involved. There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes, and it’s lovely to see that being rewarded on a Saturday afternoon.

One thing that’s particularly pleasing for me is seeing our 3rd XV getting out on the pitch twice already this season. It’s been many years since we’ve had three senior men’s sides turning out, and I think that’s something we can all be very proud of.

A special mention must go to Buzz and the lads for putting in the effort to make it happen. Getting a team together isn’t always easy, as anyone who’s ever tried to round up 15 rugby players on a Saturday morning will tell you! Well done, boys.

Of course, we’re very aware that some of our neighbouring clubs are finding things tough at the moment, particularly when it comes to player numbers. We’re fortunate to be in the position we’re in, but I firmly believe we’ve all got a part to play in looking after grassroots rugby. These are good local clubs, full of good people, and we must do what we can to help them out. Rugby is a small world, and we’re all better off when our neighbouring clubs are doing well too.

It’s also lovely to see our Ladies’ rugby getting going again. The girls will be training every Wednesday from 6.45pm, and I’d really encourage anyone who’s thought about giving rugby a go to come along. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve played for years or never touched a rugby ball before. You’ll be made very welcome, and that’s a promise.

Our Walking Rugby group is also going strong, meeting every Friday evening at 6pm at Devizes Leisure Centre. Another great example of how there’s a place for everyone in our rugby family, whatever your age or ability.

With the England Autumn Internationals upon us, we’ll be showing the games live down at the clubhouse. So if you fancy watching the rugby with a pint and a bit of good company, you know where to come. It’s always nice to see the clubhouse busy, especially when England are playing!

Now, one date I’d really like you all to make a note of is Saturday 12th December.

We’ve got our inaugural Christmas Lunch, alongside the Vice Presidents’ Lunch, with the 1st XV taking on Chippenham IIs at home that afternoon.

Tickets for lunch are £30 per person, and I’d love to see a good turnout from right across the club. Players, former players, VPs, supporters, friends and family – you’re all very welcome.

There’s no 2nd or 3rd XV fixture that weekend, so it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get together, enjoy a good feed, watch some rugby and perhaps have a Christmas drink or two afterwards. Christmas jumpers are encouraged, although I can’t promise mine will be particularly fashionable!

Finally, a little thank you from me.

I’ve been around this club for a fair few years now, and one thing I’ve always believed is that a rugby club is about far more than 80 minutes on a Saturday.

It’s about the friendships, the families, the youngsters coming through, the old boys putting the world to rights over a pint, and all those people who quietly give up their time to keep the place ticking over.

We’re lucky to have what we’ve got at Devizes, but it doesn’t happen by accident. So to our coaches, volunteers, sponsors, players, supporters and everyone who lends a hand, thank you. It really does mean a great deal.

Let’s keep looking after each other, keep enjoying our rugby and, most importantly, keep making Devizes RFC a club that people are proud to be part of.

I look forward to seeing plenty of you down at Chivers’ Ground over the coming weeks.

Cheers everyone, and up the ‘Vize! 🐗

Mark ‘Sheppy’ Sheppard
Chairman, Devizes RFC