This Weekend at Sevenoaks RFC

It’s another action-packed weekend of rugby at Sevenoaks!

🏉 Senior Fixtures:

• 1st XV travel away to face Westcombe Park RFC. Kick-off at 2:00pm.

• 2nd XV are at home, taking on Deal RFC. Kick-off at 2:00pm.

• Senior Women are in action at home on Sunday, taking on Canvey Island Valkyries. Kick-off at 2:00pm.

Get down to Knole Paddock to support our teams or travel away to Westcombe Park to back the boys in navy & hunting gold!

📺 Autumn Internationals:
The clubhouse will be showing all the Autumn Internationals live on the big screens!

Saturday:

• Ireland v Fiji – Kick-off: 3:10pm

• Wales v South Africa – Kick-off: 5:40pm

• Italy v New Zealand – Kick-off: 8:10pm

Sunday:

• Scotland v Australia – Kick-off: 1:40pm

• England v Japan – Kick-off: 4:10pm

It’s the perfect weekend to enjoy live rugby and catch the international matches in the clubhouse. Bring your friends and family, and let’s make it a great one!  

Up the Oaks!

The Mighty Oaks Holiday Camp has been in full force this week!

🌟 The Mighty Oaks Holiday Camp has been an incredible success this week, with 40-50 boys and girls—both members of SRFC and players from other clubs — joining in the fun each day! 🏉

From rugby skills, and decision-making rugby games to kick tennis, football, world cups, and other sports, there’s been no shortage of action and challenges for everyone! 💪

A huge thank you to our fantastic and experienced coaching team, including current 1st XV players, for bringing their expertise and energy each day!

And a special shoutout to our Academy Girls & Boys for volunteering and helping to inspire the next generation. 👏

Mark your calendars - the next camp is February Half Term! 🗓️ Keep an eye out for our early bird special offer coming in January 2025!

📣 Join Us at the Clubhouse for the Autumn Internationals! 🍻🏉

This Saturday, 2nd November, the clubhouse doors open from 2pm, and we’re ready for an afternoon of rugby! Come down and enjoy the games, a drink, and the camaraderie of fellow members.

📺 Match Schedule:

* England vs New Zealand – Kick-off at 15:10

* Scotland vs Fiji – Kick-off at 17:40

Come along, relax, and enjoy the games with us!

Welcome George Flatman to Sevenoaks RFC!

Dear Members,

I am delighted to announce that George Flatman has accepted the offer to join Sevenoaks RFC as our new Community Rugby Partner in partnership with his business, Spartan Sports Development. In addition to this, George will serve as our Coach Educator and 2nd XV Lead Coach.

George brings a wealth of experience from his time at Dartford Valley RFC, where he served as Director of Rugby, Community Rugby Partner, and Coach Educator. His expertise in coaching and developing young players will be invaluable as we continue to nurture talent within the club.

As our Community Rugby Partner, George will be delivering coaching to local schools, promoting the game of rugby, and signposting girls and boys to Sevenoaks RFC. His efforts will help build a strong connection between the club and the community, encouraging the next generation of players to get involved in the sport.

As the club’s Coach Educator, George will lead our coach education programme with the objective of supporting the development and upskilling of our Mini and Youth Coaches. This will be crucial in ensuring that all of our young players benefit from top-quality coaching and guidance as they grow in the game.

In addition to his work in the community and with our coaches, George joins the Senior Men's Coaching team, where he will be coaching across all aspects of the game with our coaching team to strengthen our Attack, Defence, and Set Piece, while leading our 2nd XV on match days to provide first-class support to our players.

Please join me in welcoming George and Spartan Sport Development to the Sevenoaks family. We are excited about the partnership and the positive impact it will have on the club and our community.

Kind regards,

Adam Bowman

Director of Rugby

Sevenoaks RFC Members Receive Discount at Harveys Menswear

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Harveys Menswear, a leading local independent retailer in Sevenoaks Town Centre. As part of this collaboration, all Sevenoaks RFC members are entitled to an exclusive 10% discount on purchases at Harveys Menswear, available upon presentation of their membership card.

This initiative is part of Sevenoaks RFC's ongoing commitment to enhancing the benefits available to its members while supporting local businesses. Harveys Menswear, known for its excellent selection of high-quality menswear and personalised customer service, is a valued addition to the growing network of local partners offering rewards to Sevenoaks RFC members.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with a respected local business like Harveys Menswear,” said Adam Bowman, Commercial Director at Sevenoaks RFC. “This collaboration not only brings added value to our members but also strengthens our community ties in the town.”

Whether shopping for everyday wear, formal attire, or the perfect outfit for match day, Sevenoaks RFC members can now enjoy exclusive savings at Harveys. Simply present your valid Sevenoaks RFC membership card at the store to receive the discount.

About Harveys Menswear

Harveys Menswear is an independent menswear retailer based in Sevenoaks, offering a wide selection of premium clothing, footwear, and accessories. Known for their quality products and personalised service, Harveys is a favorite destination for style-conscious shoppers in the region.  

RFU Article - Mzwandile Mali XV Tour

Township teens' tour to Sevenoaks creates memories for life

A group of boys from schools in South Africa's Eastern Cape undertook the journey to Kent, but the motivation goes deeper than a simple tour.

Please click on the image below to read the full RFU article covering the Mzwandile Mali XV Tour!

First Aid Education Session for Coaches and Staff

At Sevenoaks RFC, the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and community is always a top priority. We are proud to share that our outstanding medical team recently delivered its first comprehensive First Aid education session of the season to our mini and youth coaches, as well as clubhouse staff.

A huge thank you to Vicky Di Placito (Trauma Lead), Rob O'Loughlin (Doctor), and Harry Holder (Head of Medical Services) for their excellent work in organising and delivering this essential training. Their expertise and commitment ensure that our club remains a safe environment for everyone involved.

New Scrum Machine Now Available

Dear All,

I’m thrilled to announce that our brand new scrum machine has arrived and is ready for use! This fantastic piece of equipment is available for all Youth, Academy, and Senior members to help develop their scrum capabilities.

A massive thank you to all members who generously contributed and made this possible. Your support has ensured we continue to invest in the future of our players.

Please remember to take care of this valuable asset by ensuring the protective cover is placed back on after use. Let’s all work together to look after this great bit of kit!

Kind regards,
Adam Bowman
Director of Rugby

Celebrating a Fantastic Mighty Oaks Business Breakfast: Inspiration from Kylie Grimes and Athlete Media Group

Last Friday marked another outstanding Mighty Oaks Business Breakfast at Sevenoaks RFC, where we had the privilege of welcoming an exceptional lineup of guest speakers. Our sponsors, The Athlete Media Group's Mark Middlemas, alongside triple Paralympian and Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Champion Kylie Grimes MBE PLY, shared insights and inspiration with our club’s sponsors, partners, and local businesses.

The highlight of the morning was undoubtedly Kylie Grimes, who captivated the room with her incredible human and sporting journey. Her powerful story, of overcoming challenges and reaching the pinnacle of elite sport, resonated deeply with everyone present. Kylie's energy, resilience, and drive were nothing short of inspiring, and the feedback she received was off the scale! It was a true honor to have her share such a personal and motivating message with us.

Mark Middlemas of Athlete Media Group also brought valuable perspectives, and the combination of business and sporting insight created a rich dialogue that left our partners energized and ready to embrace new challenges.

We were delighted to see so many of our sponsors, partners, and local businesses come together for this brilliant event. It’s these connections that strengthen not only the club but also the wider community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the event. Our next Mighty Oaks Breakfast takes place on Friday 6th December, where sponsors CHS Networks will be discussing all things “AI”!

Sevenoaks Rugby Club Extends Partnership with Sevenoaks Medical Centre

Sevenoaks Rugby Club is delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with Sevenoaks Medical Centre. Solidifying a commitment to player welfare and community health, this renewed collaboration will ensure the continued provision of high-quality medical support for the club's athletes, both on and off the field.

The partnership, which has been in place for several years, provides the club's players with access to expert medical care, including injury prevention strategies, rehabilitation services, and general health support. The extension further cements the club's focus on player well-being, as it continues to build on its success both locally and regionally.

In addition, all Sevenoaks Rugby Club Members will also now benefit from discounts on various health services provided by Sevenoaks Medical Centre, KIMS Hospital in Maidstone and LycaHealth Orpington.

Sevenoaks Medical Centre is a leading healthcare provider in Kent, offering a range of medical services, including specialist consultations, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. Known for its commitment to patient care and community engagement, the Centre is dedicated to supporting local initiatives and ensuring high standards of health and wellness. Recent investment of a new MRI scanner demonstrates Sevenoaks Medical Centre’s commitment to the local community, all of whom can benefit from prompt access to high quality diagnostics from September.

Debbie Anderson, General Manager at Sevenoaks Medical Centre, highlighted the Centre’s dedication to supporting local sports teams:

"We are delighted to extend our partnership with Sevenoaks Rugby Club. Our priority is to ensure that players of all levels, receive the best possible care, enabling them to perform at their peak while minimising the risk of injury. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the club and supporting the well-being of the players and members."

Adam Bowman Director of Rugby at Sevenoaks Rugby Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the continued collaboration:

"At Sevenoaks Rugby Club, we pride ourselves on the welfare of our players and ensuring they have the best possible care, whether it is on match day or during training. The extension of our partnership with Sevenoaks Medical Centre means we can continue to provide top-tier medical support, which is crucial for our players' performance and recovery. We are excited to see this partnership grow as we look towards another successful season."

Exciting Development for Youth Players at Sevenoaks RFC!

We are thrilled to announce that our youth players recently benefited from a Strength & Conditioning and Nutrition session, expertly delivered by Porteous Performance. This session was made possible through the generous support of the North Bank Foundation.

Even more exciting, Porteous Performance will be running a series of these sessions with our Youth players throughout the season, helping them continue to build strength, resilience, and knowledge on nutrition and performance.

If Mums, Dads, or players are interested in group-based or one-to-one sessions with Porteous Performance, please don’t hesitate to reach out - porteousperformance@yahoo.com

Let’s keep supporting the development of our young athletes!

#OneClub

RIP Nick Evans

I am sad to advise you that former 1st team captain Nick Evans died in hospital in France last weekend.

Nick joined Sevenoaks in the late 1980's and together with his wife Isobel was prominent in organising the club tour to Australia on 1992.

In the mid 1990's he took what was meant to be a 30 month sabbatical from the police force in order to pursue his love of skiing with Izzy in France. They never returned permanently to the UK, eventually becoming ski guides in Andorra during Winter and running a bed and breakfast near Narbonne in the summer.

Nick was diagnosed with Leukaemia several years ago and was severely compromised after catching COVID. They moved house a couple of years ago to be nearer the hospital in Toulouse, where he underwent many treatments.

I am sure that there are many people in the club who still remember Nick and Izzy warmly and will think of Izzy in this difficult time.

We will update this post with any information about a memorial service.

Introducing the Sevenoaks Rugby Club Academy Coaching & Management Team for Season 2024/25

Dear Members,

We are delighted to introduce the excellent team behind our Academy Coaching & Management for the U16-U18 Boys & Girls. This group is committed to providing our young players with best-in-class coaching and support, ensuring their growth both on and off the field.

Academy Boys Coaching & Management Team

• Paul Dawson - Academy Boys Head Coach

• Angus Southon - Academy Boys Defence & Forwards Coach

• Sean Derrick - Academy Boys Forwards Coach

• David Bomphrey - Academy Boys Transition Coach

• Martin McCann - Academy Boys Transition Coach

• Toby Walter - Academy Boys Team Manager

Academy Girls Coaching & Management Team

• Justine McDonnell - Head of Youth & Academy Girls, Academy Girls Head Coach

• Richard Jepson - Academy Girls Team Manager

• James Smith - U16's Girls Head Coach

• Alex Dennis - U16's Girls Team Manager

• Carl Eden - Academy Girls Assistant Coach

• Cerys Harper - Academy Girls Assistant Coach

• Phil Mockford - Academy Girls Assistant Coach

• Jason Murray - Academy Girls Assistant Coach

• John Broadfield - Academy Girls Assistant Coach

• Rob Furr - Academy Girls Assistant Coach
  

This talented group is at the heart of our academy, committed to guiding and inspiring our next generation of rugby athletes. Please join us in welcoming and supporting them as they continue to drive excellence within Sevenoaks Rugby Club.

Best Regards,

Adam Bowman

Director of Rugby
Sevenoaks Rugby Club

Paul Dawson

Angus Southon

Sean Derrick

David Bomphrey

Toby Walter

Martin McCann

Justine McDonnell

James Smith

Phil Mockford

Go well Zak!

Good luck to our very own Zak Skinner, currently in Paris waiting to take part in the 100m race and long jump event, both in the T13 category.

Zak who is now 25, came through the club from minis and juniors through to the Academy with his twin Barnie. This isn’t his first Olympics, having previously competed in Tokyo.

He won bronze in long jump at the 2023 World Championships and started his career at Tonbridge Athletic Club.

We wish you all the strength in the world and know that we will be shouting at our screens for you - that’s surely got to be worth a few tenths and some extra centimetres in the sand!!

Zak will compete this Sunday and on the 7th September.

*****

Zak Skinner came an impressive 6th in 100m with a time of 10.97 seconds (get him on the ring!) and goes for gold in tomorrow’s long jump. 💪

New Committee Appointment!!

We are delighted to announce that Nick Thompson has joined the committee as vice chairman. Nick played a very high standard of rugby when at school, uni and in his earlier working years in Hong Kong.

When Nick returned to the UK he raised his family in the Sevenoaks area and was instrumental in taking two of his boys through the mini, youth and academy set up. He was head coach of the age group that reached the National final which included Ben Earl and many of our current 1st XV squad.

‘Nick will be an excellent addition to the management board both on the rugby and commercial side and we are delighted to have him join us’ says chairman Steve Fitzmaurice. ‘Thanks for stepping up Nick!’

Nick has been involved with many clubs over the years, including Otley, Durham and SG Valley as well as Hong Kong China Rugby ‘I’ve been part of the Sevenoaks rugby community for many years now and have seen the fantastic progression the dedicated committee, volunteers and most importantly the players have made! I look forward to playing my part in continuing that development for many years to come’

Pre Season - Senior Men's Squad - 2000 at Dartford Valley RFC

Next instalment in our pre season warm up games is this evening at Dartford Valley RFC, where our senior men’s squad run out against Westcombe Park RFC - kick off is at 2000 so pop along to get a taste of what’s to come this season!!

Introducing the Sevenoaks Rugby Club Senior Performance & Social Rugby Coaching & Management Team for Season 2024/25

We are delighted to share the dedicated team behind the coaching and management of our Senior Men's and Women's rugby teams at Sevenoaks Rugby Club. This group of skilled professionals is committed to providing best-in-class coaching and support, ensuring that every player, from our performance players to our social players, receives the highest quality experience.

Coaching Team

Adam Bowman
Director of Rugby & Head Coach
Adam leads our Men's coaching team with extensive experience and a deep passion for the game. As both Director of Rugby and Head Coach, Adam is the driving force behind our rugby strategy and performance, setting the standards and vision for our teams across all playing sections of the club.

Michael Hebden
Attack Skills & Backs Coach
Michael brings a wealth of expertise to the coaching team, focusing on developing attacking skills that sharpen our offensive edge and developing dynamic and effective backline play.

Dom Saunders
Attack Skills & Backs Coach
Working alongside Michael, Dom is an expert in coaching the finer details of our players attack. His coaching helps ensure our players exploit the right opportunities in the opposition's defense.

Paul Dawson
Defence Coach
Paul brings extensive expertise to our defense, creating strategies that make our teams resilient and disciplined, ensuring our teams remain formidable against any opponent.

Jamie Cullen
Defence Coach
Partnering with Paul, Jamie contributes his defensive expertise to build a robust, disciplined, and coordinated defensive unit, ensuring our teams are always prepared for any challenge.

Grant Scandling
Women’s Head Coach
Grant leads our Women’s team and his leadership is pivotal in driving the success and growth of our women's rugby program.

Brayden Porteous
Lead S&C Coach
Brayden brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, with the focus of improving our athletes physically and preventing injuries.

Management Team

Emily Burns
1st XV Team Manager
Emily ensures that our 1st XV operates smoothly, managing all logistical and administrative aspects so the players and coaches can focus on performance.

Vacancy Open

2nd XV Team Manager

If interested, please contact Adam Bowman.

Jack Rogers
3rd XV Team Manager
Jack is responsible for overseeing the 3rd XV, ensuring the team has everything it needs for a successful match day, fostering a positive and organised environment for our regular social players.

Miles Hayward & Hils Everitt
Acorns Team Managers
Miles and Hils supports our Acorns, ensuring that the team enjoys their rugby in a well-managed and encouraging setting, catering for both occasional and regular social players over the age of 35.

Adrian Futers
Club Registrar

Adrian is responsible for managing our registrations, partnering closely with the RFU, and ensuring that all our players are well-supported and that our registration processes run smoothly.

Glenn Waltham & Grant Scandling
4th Officials

Glenn & Grant are our dedicated 4th Officials for our 1st XV home games this season. They both play a crucial role in ensuring our matches run smoothly and efficiently, supporting both the team and the match officials on game days.

As we embark on a new season, we want to extend our deepest thanks to our incredible coaching and management team. Your dedication, expertise, and passion are the driving forces behind our club's success. Bring it on!

Adam Bowman

Michael Hebden

Dom Saunders

Paul Dawson

Jamie Cullen

Grant Scandling

Brayden Porteous

Emily Burns

Jack Rogers

Miles Hayward

Hils Everitt

Adrian Futers

Glenn Waltham

Thank You to Coventry Rugby Club

We are immensely grateful to Coventry Rugby Club for the warm welcome they extended to our team over the past couple of days. It was an incredible opportunity to have our Director of Rugby, Adam Bowman, and Attack Skills & Backs Coach, Michael Hebden, visit and engage with both the coaching & playing staff at Coventry.

A special thank you goes out to James Tyas for kindly organising this visit. His efforts ensured that everything ran smoothly and allowed our coaches to gain valuable insights and experiences.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Alex Rae and the entire coaching team at Coventry Rugby Club. Their hospitality and openness were remarkable, making our time there both productive and enjoyable.

Visits like these are invaluable as they foster the exchange of ideas and strengthen the bonds within the rugby community. We are looking forward to future collaborations and are excited to apply the knowledge and inspiration gained from this experience.

In addition to this visit, we are delighted to announce our partnership with Proview Sports and James Tyas for our analysis in the upcoming season. We are confident that this collaboration will significantly enhance our performance and contribute to our success on the field.

Once again, a big thank you to everyone at Coventry Rugby Club!

James Tyas (left) & Adam Bowman (right)

Pre Season Friendly vs Sudbury at Dartford Valley Cancelled

Unfortunately we have had to cancel the pre season game scheduled for tomorrow, 24th August as the opposition were unable to raise a full team. We have not managed to find a replacement game at this stage, but if anything changes, we will update this post accordingly.

Introducing the Sevenoaks Rugby Club Medical Team for Season 24/25!

Harry Holder

Rob O'Loughlin

Vicky Di Placito

Ant Martingell

Ste Fairest

Abi Leete

Jade Shaw

We are delighted to introduce the exceptional professionals responsible for providing best in class medical care to all members of the club for Season 24/25. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every member, from our youngest minis to our seasoned first XV receives the highest standard of medical attention and support.

• Harry Holder - Head of Medical Services
  As the leader of the medical team, Harry ensures that all aspects of player health and safety are managed effectively. With his extensive experience, Harry oversees the team and coordinates all medical services within the club.

• Rob O'Loughlin - Club Doctor
  Rob brings a wealth of medical knowledge to the team, handling everything from routine physical and mental health conditions to emergency care. His expertise is invaluable in maintaining the overall health and well-being of our players.

• Vicky Di Placito - Trauma Lead
  Vicky is a registered Anaesthetic and Resuscitation Nurse and is our go-to expert for managing and treating trauma on the field. Her swift and effective response ensures that players receive the best care when they need it most.

• Ant Martingell - Physiotherapist
  Ant is a skilled physiotherapist who focuses on injury prevention, rehabilitation, and keeping our players in peak condition. His personalized approach ensures that every player is prepared and ready to perform at their best.

• Ste Fairest - Physiotherapist
  Ste works closely with players across all levels, providing tailored physiotherapy treatments and helping them recover from injuries swiftly and safely. His dedication to player care is second to none.

• Abi Leete - Physiotherapist
  Abi's expertise in physiotherapy plays a crucial role in our players' recovery processes. She ensures that each player receives the appropriate treatment and support to get back on the field stronger than ever.

• Jade Shaw - Sports Rehabilitator
  Jade specializes in sports rehabilitation, guiding players through their recovery journey with precision and care. Her focus on functional recovery helps players return to play with confidence.

Together, this outstanding team ensures that all Sevenoaks Rugby Club members receive the best possible medical care. Whether it's on match day, during training or away from the pitch, our medical team is committed to supporting the physical health, mental health and performance of every member in the club.

Let's give them a warm welcome and our deepest gratitude for the vital work they do!

To make an appointment with the team, please contact Harry Holder -harryholderphysiotherapy@gmail.com