As we bring the 2025/26 season to a close, we reflect on another wonderful year for Sevenoaks Rugby Club. Following the celebrations of our Centenary Year, the 2025/26 season has been about building on that legacy, strengthening the foundations of our Club, and ensuring that Sevenoaks Rugby continues to thrive both on and off the field.
Our Club remains one of the largest and most vibrant community rugby clubs in the country, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, while maintaining the values that have defined us for more than 100 years.
First and foremost, we would like to thank everyone who contributes to the success of our Club. Our players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, sponsors, partners, parents, supporters and staff all play a vital part in making Sevenoaks Rugby Club what it is. Rugby clubs do not run on effort alone; they run on commitment, passion and community spirit. Once again, we are continually impressed by the willingness of people to step forward and give their time for the good of the Club. We will always welcome more volunteers and would like to single out Steve Brook for putting his hand up and advancing the Club’s lottery and as our Membership Secretary. If you are interested in volunteering yourself, we have several specific vacancies, including Disciplinary Officer, Senior Field Steward and Communications Manager, whilst the Monday Morning Club always needs more help with clubhouse maintenance.
On the playing side, the season has provided many reasons for optimism. Our senior men's programme continues to demonstrate both ambition and competitiveness, with players representing the Club with pride and determination week in, week out. Results will always fluctuate in a competitive rugby environment, however our standards of preparation, coaching and commitment remain exceptionally high. Particularly pleasing has been the continued pathway from our Academy into senior rugby, ensuring that talented young players have a clear route into adult competition. Seeing home-grown players progress through the age groups and into senior representative teams remains one of the most satisfying aspects of club life.
Our women's section continues to go from strength to strength and remains one of the outstanding, recent success stories of Sevenoaks Rugby Club. Increased participation, improved player development and growing visibility within the Club all contributed to another successful year. The continued investment in women’s rugby demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities for everyone who wishes to play the game. We are confident that the women's programme will continue its impressive trajectory in the years ahead.
The Academy, Youth and Mini sections remain the lifeblood of the club. Every Sunday during the season, Knole Paddock has been filled with hundreds of young players developing skills, building friendships and learning the values that rugby teaches so well. Our coaches and team managers deserve enormous credit for the countless hours they dedicate to ensuring players enjoy a safe, challenging and rewarding rugby experience.
Particularly encouraging has been the continued success of our player pathway. The emergence of Academy graduates into senior rugby and the opportunities created through Under 23 rugby, demonstrate that Sevenoaks continues to produce talented players capable of succeeding at increasingly high levels. More importantly, we continue to develop young people who embody the values of teamwork, respect, discipline and enjoyment.
Beyond the rugby itself, the Club has further strengthened its position as a central part of the local community. Throughout the season, the clubhouse has hosted a wide range of social and business events, bringing together members, supporters and local organisations. The Club's business breakfast events, community initiatives and holiday camps have continued to broaden our reach and deepen our connection with the wider Sevenoaks area. The strength of a modern rugby club is measured not only by league tables but also by its ability to serve as a gathering place for the community, and we will continue to fulfil that role exceptionally well.
Our commercial partnerships remain critical to the Club's success. We would like to extend sincere thanks to all our sponsors and business partners who continue to invest in Sevenoaks Rugby Club. Their support enables us to improve facilities, invest in coaching, maintain our pitches and create opportunities for players across every section of the Club. In an increasingly challenging economic environment, their commitment is greatly appreciated and never taken for granted.
The 2025/26 season has also seen continued attention given to the development of our facilities. Maintaining and improving a multi-pitch rugby site requires significant planning and investment. Throughout the year we have continued to advance the strength of our relationship with Sevenoaks Town Council, and together with them we have put a plan in place for the development and enhancement of the Paddock pitches. Recent investments in infrastructure and pitch improvements demonstrate our determination to future-proof the Club.
Financial stewardship remains a key priority. As a volunteer-led community club, we must continually balance ambition with responsibility. Our latest accounts show a significant turnaround, and our Club is in a more stable financial position, supported by membership subscriptions, sponsorship, events and the fundraising and donations of many individuals to our Centenary Fund. We will remain vigilant and the strong oversight we have put in place, is geared towards an increasingly secure financial future.
One of the defining themes of the season has been the continuation of the momentum created by our Centenary celebrations. Reaching 100 years was a significant milestone, but our attention has quickly turned to the future. The values established by generations of members before us continue to guide our decisions today. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have contributed to Sevenoaks Rugby Club over the past century, and it is our responsibility to leave the club in an even stronger position for future generations.
The strength of any rugby club ultimately comes from its people. Week after week, volunteers open and close the clubhouse, prepare pitches, organise fixtures, coach teams, administer registrations, drive players, sell raffle tickets and support fundraising activities. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the paid staff who work tirelessly to make Sevenoaks Rugby Club a place where players, members and sponsors feel welcomed and supported.
Much of the work, including by an incredibly hard-working and dedicated Committee, happens behind the scenes and will often go unnoticed. Our Club simply could not function without it. On behalf of everyone associated with Sevenoaks Rugby Club, thank you for everything you do.
As we now enter the 2026/27 season, we do so with confidence and enthusiasm. We have strong playing programmes, growing participation, dedicated volunteers, supportive sponsors and excellent facilities. Most importantly, we have a shared belief in what Sevenoaks Rugby Club represents. We remain ambitious, inclusive and proud of our place within the local community.
In closing, we would like to thank every member for their contribution throughout the season. Whether you played, coached, volunteered, supported from the touchline or represented the club in any capacity, you have helped make 2025/26 a successful and memorable year. Together, we will continue to build on our proud history and ensure that Sevenoaks Rugby Club remains a place where people can enjoy rugby, forge lifelong friendships and create lasting memories for many years to come.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you all at Knole Paddock next season.
Steve Fitzmaurice, Nick Thompson
Co-Chairmen
Sevenoaks Rugby Club
