It’s not quite the big kick-off yet , but senior rugby gets underway again on Saturday with a practice match against Shipston at Moorefields starting at 2.15. Shipston are one league ahead of us, so they will provide a good test of our state of preparedness.

The league season starts the following week (6 September, KO 3.00) with the first team away at Droitwich and the seconds visiting Berkswell & Balsall. The latest draft of the fixture list is attached - the only change is that we have drawn Old Leamingtonians in the RFU Communities Cup competition. The game will be played at Bericote Lane on 20 September. This new competition replaces the Papa John trophy which has now ended.

Another upcoming event is the fist VP lunch of the season which will be prior to the Worcester game on October 11. Pleaswe get your places booked with Charlie Gardner.

Warwickshire RFU, as our constituent body, and the various league organisational committees have sent out lengthy details of the playing arrangements for the leagues, how to handle postponements, discipline and off-field behaviour etc - and the punishments that will apply if we get anything wrong! Specifically, we have been asked to inform our members about touchline behaviour and showing respect to referees and officials and the opposition. We are required to take steps to ensure that players, coaches, members and spectators conduct themselves appropriately an do not behave in any way that is improper, offensive or abusive , threatening, indecent or insulting. One specific we are asked to mention is that no-one is allowed onto the pitch without the permission of the referee and whilst this is clear enough for players, coaches and paramedics, there is no such approval for spectators, spare players and parents and enthusiastic offspring. Unless you are playing or specifically allowed support you must remain behind the touchline barriers at all times

Our intrepid physiotherapist Hayley White is taking-on her first ever half marathon in the Great North Run on 7th September – now less than 2 weeks away! As someone who loves rugby and cares deeply for those living with Motor Neurone Disease, she has chosen to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (in memory of Doddie Weir). If you would like to support Hayley please use the following link
Donation link: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/hayley-white-aef30

We still have some tickets left over for the England game against Australia on 1 November at 15.10. The price is £117 and given how the Aussies rallied in the final Lions game and against South Africa last week I am expecting the final tickets will now so get your applications in.

Jessfest
Also this weekend, on Friday (5-11) and Saturday (12-11) we are hosting the annual Jessfest, in memory of Jessica Pardo, a former women’s player for both ourselves and OLs. This is support of Jessica’s Promise charity - to help children and young people access sport, no matter what their circumstances. The fest will be two days of live music, street food, family fun and sports such as walking-rugby (Kick-off 12.30 on Saturday) and women’s-rugby (kick off 4.00) plus rounders, crafts etc. Everyone is welcome and tickets are free and can be obtained from the following link and on social media - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jessfest-tickets-1275212828899
We are expecting a big crowd. Camping is available at Old Leamingtons on Bericote Lane

Johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com