Start the League Season in Style at the Paddock

The league season is nearly here—and what better way to begin than with a brilliant afternoon of rugby, food and hospitality at Sevenoaks RFC?

Our 1st XV welcome Maidenhead to the Paddock on Saturday 26th September for the opening league fixture of the 2026/27 season.

The boys are shaping up nicely following an extended pre-season, and we cannot wait to see them back in competitive action. Numbers are already building well for our first match-day lunch, so book early and do not miss out.

Our excellent chef, Diane Pearce, will be serving a superb three-course lunch:

Starter
Cauliflower and St Agur soup, served with crusty bread and butter

Main course
Shepherd’s pie, Yorkshire pudding filled with roast lamb and gravy, peas and mint sauce

Cheese course
Cheese and biscuits

Saturday 26th September
Sevenoaks 1st XV v Maidenhead

Bar open: 12:00
Lunch served: 13:00
Kick-off: 15:00

Members: £30
Non-members: £40

Match entry is included with your lunch booking.

Book your place now:
https://sevenoaksrugby.com/event-bookings

Join us for what promises to be a brilliant opening day at the Paddock—great food, great company and the start of an exciting new league campaign.

Up the Oaks!

ALL IN FOR THE OAKS 2026/27

Sevenoaks RFC is delighted to welcome Howard Packman, Owen Boxall, Ruairi Cummings and Matthew Kelly to our Senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Howard Packman | Outside Back

Howard joins the Oaks following a sabbatical during the 2025/26 season, having previously played for Tonbridge Juddians until the end of the 2024/25 campaign. He brings considerable experience across the back three.

Howard is also entering his second season as our Boys’ Academy Head Coach.

Owen Boxall | Back Row

Owen arrives following a season representing Sale FC in National 1 and Rossendale in National 2 North. He previously played BUCS Super Rugby for Durham University.

Ruairi Cummings | Outside Back

Ruairi joins the Oaks following his graduation from the University of Birmingham, where he represented the university’s 1st XV.

He previously played for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge Juddians at Youth and Academy level.

Matthew Kelly | Back Row

Matthew joins us from Noosa RFC in Australia, having recently relocated to Sevenoaks. We are delighted to welcome him to both the local area and the club.

We look forward to seeing Howard, Owen, Ruairi and Matthew representing the Oaks in navy and gold this season.

Welcome to Sevenoaks, lads! 💛💙

More squad announcements will be shared soon.

3 Club Members take on 61 Mile Charity Ride

On Saturday 19 September, three Sevenoaks RFC members are riding the British Heart Foundation's London to Brighton Off Road Bike Ride: 61 miles from Apps Court Farm in Surrey, across the North and South Downs, finishing at Hove Lawns. It's Europe's largest charity mountain bike ride.

For Greg Smith, who coaches at the club, the reason is close to home. A few years ago his mum had a heart attack, followed by a double bypass. She recovered, and she's still very much around — something that's only possible because of decades of research the British Heart Foundation helped pay for. Bypass surgery, the drugs that keep her well, the scans that caught the problem: none of it came from nowhere.

For Dean, Greg and Oli, preparation has been, largely theoretical — between work, coaching and family, training has mostly consisted of good intentions and a nervous look at the route profile. All three expect to feel every mile.

They'll be riding in Sevenoaks colours, with thanks to the club and its sponsors for getting behind the ride.

If you can spare anything, it goes straight to the BHF, and Gift Aid adds 25% if you're a UK taxpayer: https://www.justgiving.com/team/dean-oli-greg-100

Sevenoaks RFC AGM!

As previously advised in recent newsletters, the date of the AGM date has been confirmed as 22nd September and will commence at 19:00 in the Clubhouse.

Rest in peace Mike Mauduit

We are deeply saddened to hear of the Passing of Mike Mauduit (Who many knew as Mouse) at the age of 97.

Mike was a well loved and familiar face at the club and had been a member of Sevenoaks RFC for close to 80 years having joined in the 1949/50 Season.

As a Player he moved up through the teams and became a regular in the 1st XV on the wing being both fast and an uncompromising tackler. (Pictured below From the 1st XV 1956/57 Season)

1st XV Team Photo 1956-57

A Lasting Memory for many at the club would be the during the 1980/81 Season When Mike was joined with two of his four sons in the Acorns squad. Mike’s son Chris recalls ‘‘It was without doubt the best season I had at Sevenoaks.  We had a very good team with a couple of Hunts, a sprinkling of Shirtcliffs and many other old hands plus some up and coming youngsters.  We only lost 4 games and it was very special to play alongside my father.’’.

Mike on his 90th Birthday

The Funeral is being held at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Sevenoaks @11:00 on Tuesday 29th September. Afterwards a celebration is being held at SRFC where all are welcome to come and remember him.

Team Photo 1960/61

The AI Overload: Business Breakfast at Sevenoaks RFC

Sevenoaks RFC and CHS Networks are delighted to invite our members, supporters and businesses from across the local community to our next Business Breakfast.

AI in Your Business – Where Should You Start?

Taking place on Friday 2 October 2026, this practical session is Part 3 of the CHS Networks AI Series and Workshops.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the modern workplace—but with so many tools and possibilities available, understanding where to begin can feel overwhelming.

Over breakfast, the CHS Networks team will explore how businesses can adopt AI securely and effectively, including:

• Real examples of businesses already using AI

• How tools such as Microsoft Copilot can improve productivity and streamline operations

• The security, governance and compliance considerations behind an effective AI strategy

• Practical first steps to move your business from AI-curious to AI-capable

Whether you are beginning your AI journey or looking to maximise your existing investment, the session will provide valuable insights and practical guidance. There will also be an opportunity to connect with fellow business leaders from Sevenoaks and the surrounding area.

Event Details

Date: Friday 2 October 2026
Time: 8:30am–10:30am
Location: Sevenoaks Rugby Club, Knole Paddock, Plymouth Drive, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3RP
Cost: Free of charge

Advance registration is required.

Register Your Place

Complete the following form to reserve your place:

https://forms.gle/EkSRCWHX2taPf8QX8

We look forward to welcoming you to Sevenoaks RFC.

Senior Rugby Supporting the Next Generation

Our 1st XV prop, George Strainge, joined our U13s last Sunday to deliver a specialist scrum session as part of the Sevenoaks RFC Coach Education Series.

George brought a huge amount of front-row expertise to the session, supporting both players and coaches with the technical detail required to develop a safe, strong and effective scrum.

It was fantastic to see knowledge being shared across the Club and another great example of our senior players supporting the development of the next generation of Mighty Oaks.

A huge thank you to George for giving up his time and sharing his experience.

U23s Reunite for Entertaining Draw Against TJs

Our U23s enjoyed a fantastic game against TJs on Sunday 6 September, with 28 players currently away at university coming together to represent the club—including four sets of brothers!

It was brilliant to bring the group back together, remain connected with the Oaks and play out an entertaining 31–31 draw. Plenty of future Senior Men’s squad players in the making!

A huge thank you to Toby Walter for organising the fixture and bringing everyone together.

Our next U23s fixture will take place at the beginning of January.

New Sunday Menu!

Explore our new Sunday Menu and meet our new Chef Rodrigo Bejarano!

New Portable Floodlights for Sevenoaks Rugby Club

We are incredibly grateful to Sevenoaks Town Council, which has very kindly purchased eight portable floodlights for the club’s use.

The floodlights will be available whenever required and will be particularly valuable as we manage training areas and protect our pitches throughout the winter months.

Any coach wishing to use the floodlights should please speak with Adam Bowman, Director of Rugby, in advance.

A huge thank you to Sevenoaks Town Council for its continued support of the club.

Men's Senior Pre-Season Fixtures Vs Sidcup

This Saturday 5th September, Our Senior Men’s 1st XV and 2nd XV take on Sidcup.

The Fixture will be played at Dartford Valley Rugby Club, Cotton Ln, Stone, Dartford DA2 6PD

Men’s 2nd XV Kick off at 13:00

Men’s 1st XV Kick off at 15:00

Club Bar – Midweek Opening

Club Bar – Wednesday Evenings

The Club Bar will now be open every Wednesday evening, 6.00–10.00pm, alongside midweek training.

Card payments only.

Pinnacle Global Advisory Joins the SRFC Family!

We are delighted to announce Pinnacle Global Advisory as a club sponsor, marking the beginning of an exciting three-year partnership with the Sevenoaks-based corporate finance and advisory firm.

Pinnacle Global Advisory is a corporate finance firm that partners with entrepreneurs, investors and businesses to deliver strategic growth, capital and liquidity solutions.
Working across corporate finance, capital markets, commercial finance, startup and growth advisory and strategic consulting, Pinnacle supports businesses at different stages of their journey with tailored, execution-focused advice.

Adam Bowman, Director of Rugby & Commercial at SRFC, has commented: “We are delighted to welcome Pinnacle Global Advisory to the Sevenoaks RFC family. Jamille already has a strong connection with the club, and from our first conversations there was a clear alignment between Pinnacle and the values and ambitions of Sevenoaks RFC. Their commitment to a three-year partnership is a significant show of support for the club, and we are really looking forward to working with Jamille and the wider Pinnacle team over the coming seasons.”

Jamille Cummins, Founder & CEO of Pinnacle Global Advisory, has commented: “As a local business, and as someone who has a strong affinity with the club as both a parent and coach, supporting the club is something that matters to me personally as much as it does professionally. Sevenoaks RFC is a cornerstone of the community, and the values it instils in players of every age are exactly what we try to bring to our own work at Pinnacle. We’re proud to be backing the club and look forward to a long partnership.”

Find out more about Pinnacle Global Advisory:
https://www.pinnacleglobaladvisory.com

ALL IN FOR THE OAKS 2026/27 💛💙

ALL IN FOR THE OAKS 2026/27 💛💙

We are delighted to welcome three new additions to our Senior Men’s squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

From left to right:

✍️ Ben Darch | Hooker
Ben joins the Oaks having combined ACE College rugby at Cardinal Newman College in Hove with 1st XV rugby for East Grinstead RFC during the 2025/26 season.

✍️ Jarlath Hetherington | Playmaker
Jarlath joins the Oaks from Dartfordians RFC ahead of the 2026/27 season.

✍️ Samuel Eaton | Second Row
Sam joins us following his graduation from Bournemouth University, having grown up playing his club rugby at Maidstone RFC.

We’re excited to welcome Ben, Jarlath and Sam to Sevenoaks and look forward to seeing all three in navy and gold this season.

Welcome to the Oaks, lads! 💛💙

More announcements coming soon… stay tuned! 👀✍️

New SRFC x OddBalls Reversible Bucket Hats

Our new Sevenoaks RFC x OddBalls Reversible Bucket Hats are now available to pre-order.

Featuring two Sevenoaks designs in one, the reversible bucket hat is a great way to show your support for the Oaks wherever you are.

The hats are adult size, with delivery to the Club expected w/c 7 September.

Once they arrive, we'll email everyone who has pre-ordered to confirm when their hat is ready to collect from the Sevenoaks RFC Club Shop.

Limited pre-order quantity available – order yours now.

Pre-order here:
https://sevenoaksrugby.com/pre-orders-limited-editions

Senior Men’s Match Update - Saturday 15th August

Following today’s RFU announcement delaying the start of the competitive community rugby season, our Senior Men’s fixture against Westcliff scheduled for tomororw / Saturday 15 August has been postponed.

With the Senior Men now six weeks away from our first league fixture on Saturday 26 September, we will use the additional preparation period to adjust our pre-season programme accordingly.

Further details will follow shortly.

RFU Delays Start of Competitive Community Rugby Season

The RFU has confirmed that the competitive community rugby season will be delayed until the week commencing Monday 21 September due to continued hard and dry pitch conditions.

This means no competitive league fixtures at Regional 1 and below, or in the Women’s leagues below PWR, will take place before 21 September.

Rugby training and friendly matches can continue, where pitch conditions, player readiness and safety allow.

Sevenoaks RFC Men’s & Women’s will now review their pre-season training and fixture programmes, with further updates to follow.

Read the full RFU statement:
https://view.marketing.rfu.com/?vawpToken=PCOMFHUQ7Z7U5L6SXKCGOU6JQY.510007

Duncan Tout Signs for Sevenoaks RFC

Sevenoaks RFC is pleased to confirm the signing of centre Duncan Tout ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Duncan joins the Oaks from Tonbridge Juddians RFC, bringing further quality and experience to the Senior Men’s squad.

A strong and talented centre, Duncan will add further competition and depth to the midfield as preparations continue for the new season.

We are delighted to welcome Duncan to Sevenoaks RFC and look forward to seeing him in navy and gold.

Welcome to the Oaks, Duncan.

All In for the Oaks 2026/27. 💛💙

Further player announcements will follow soon.

Two Further Academy Graduates Return to the Oaks

Sevenoaks RFC is pleased to confirm that two further Academy graduates have returned from university and committed to the Senior Men’s squad for the 2026/27 season.

Harry French
Zac Shirtcliff

Both players have progressed through the club’s Junior & Academy pathway and return to strengthen the Senior Men’s squad ahead of the new season.

With more than half of the squad continuing to be made up of homegrown players who have developed through the Sevenoaks RFC Academy programme, the club remains extremely proud of its pathway and the opportunities it provides for players to progress into senior rugby.

We look forward to seeing Harry and Zac back in navy and gold this season.

All In for the Oaks 2026/27. 💛💙