From the Touchline

Three Wins, Plenty to Build On

Last Saturday’s 26–19 victory against Bracknell secured another valuable five league points and continued our winning start. It was pleasing to come through a competitive game, with plenty to build on.

We have demonstrated how dangerous we can be with ball in hand, particularly when we generate ruck speeds of two to three seconds. Since week one of pre-season, we have spent a huge amount of time on the detail around the tackle and breakdown. Our ruck speed was not consistently where we wanted it last Saturday. Credit to Bracknell, whose work in the tackle slowed our ball. Executing those skills more accurately and consistently will help us turn more opportunities into tries.

Our error rate rose to 43%, compared with 32% at Wimbledon. Greater accuracy will help us convert more of the opportunities we’re creating. We also conceded 11 penalties, up from six, mostly around the breakdown. Returning to our benchmark of eight or fewer will help us control games and sustain pressure.

Our challenge is to bring intensity, accuracy and discipline consistently for 80 minutes, with our bench bringing fresh energy and driving our processes.

Our 2nd XV had a cracking away win against Canterbury 2nd XV, putting them top of Counties 1 Kent. Our first win away to their 2s in several years is a result the players and staff can be proud of.

A huge thank you to our medical team: Harry Holder, Head of Medical Services, Dr Rob, Ant, Ste, Abi, Dan, Jade and Amber. Their work caring for the squad and getting players back on the pitch is hugely appreciated. I think I speak to Harry more in a week than I do my wife!

We hope you’re enjoying Inside the Oaks, getting to know the players and hearing their reflections and weekend previews. Thank you to Reporter Jon, who’s behind the camera asking the questions!

We’re expecting a tough match against Farnham today. The challenge is to build on our winning start, and we know the level of performance required.

Thank you to our supporters, sponsors and everyone getting behind the Oaks. Your backing and noise at the Paddock make a real difference.

Enjoy the match, and come on you Oaks!

Adam Bowman
Director of Rugby

Inside the Oaks | Episode 3: Louis Bouverie & Elliot Wright

Match reaction, weekend previews and getting to know the Oaks!

Inside the Oaks returns with Louis Bouverie and Elliot Wright—last Saturday’s 1st XV and 2nd XV Men of the Match.

In Episode 3, we get to know the players, hear their reaction to last weekend’s wins against Bracknell and Canterbury II, and look ahead to Saturday’s fixtures:

🏉 1st XV host Farnham RFC at the Paddock
🏉 2nd XV travel to Gillingham RFC
📅 Saturday 17 October

Watch Episode 3:
https://youtu.be/ZXpywmIhJLE

Louis is proudly sponsored by IdealMats Ltd and Elliot by Auctus Advisors LLP. Thank you to both sponsors for supporting our players this season!

See you on Saturday—whether you’re supporting at the Paddock, making the trip to Gillingham or cheering on the 1st XV online via our live stream. Come on, Oaks!

🚨 OCTOBER HALF-TERM SORTED – BOOK NOW! 🚨

Our Mighty Oaks Multi Sports Camp is back — with special half-term prices!

Looking for a fun, active way to keep your child entertained this October half-term?

🏉 Rugby
⚽ Football
🏏 Cricket
🎯 Team Games & Challenges

Join us at Sevenoaks RFC, giving children the chance to stay active, build confidence, develop skills and make new friends in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

📅 Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 October
👦👧 Open to boys & girls in Years 2–9 / U7–U14
⏰ Camp runs 09:30–15:30

💥 3 days — £90 (was £150)
💥 Single day — £40 (was £50)

✅ Early drop off available from 08:30
✅ Late pick up available by 16:30
✅ Open to members & non-members

Early drop off & late pick up: £15 for one day or £30 for all three days, including both.

Proudly sponsored by The New Beacon.

🎟️ Book now:
https://sevenoaksrugby.com/mightyoaksholidayrugbycamps

🏉 MAKE A DAY OF IT AT THE PADDOCK!

Join us for a matchday lunch before cheering on our 1st XV — good food, great company and a big afternoon of rugby!

📅 17 October – Farnham
📅 31 October – London Scottish
📅 21 November – Tunbridge Wells

OCTOBER LUNCH OFFER
Enjoy a FREE glass of wine or a pint with your lunch booking at any of these October matches:

🍽️ On the menu for Farnham this Saturday:

Starter:
Erbsensuppe mit Schinken
(Pea and ham soup)

Main:
Bratwürste mit Kartoffelpüree und Zwiebelsauce
(Bangers and mash with onion gravy)

Cheese:
Käseplatte mit Crackern
(Cheeseboard with crackers)

🍻 Bar opens 12:00 | Lunch served 13:00
🏉 Kick-off 15:00
🎟️ Members £30 | Non-members £40

Bring friends, family or colleagues and get behind the Oaks!

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

Club Membership Benefits with Sevenoaks Medical Centre

Your Sevenoaks Rugby Club Healthcare Benefits

As part of our ongoing partnership with Sevenoaks Medical Centre, (Part of KIMS Hospital) Sevenoaks Rugby Club members, sponsors and partners can access a range of healthcare benefits throughout the 2026/27 season.

Whether you need diagnostic investigations, a hospital procedure or access to a private GP, we are pleased to be able to offer these benefits through, Sevenoaks Medical Centre, KIMS Hospital, LycaHealth Orpington and The Royal Tunbridge Wells Clinic.

Accessing your benefits

These benefits are available to eligible Sevenoaks Rugby Club members, sponsors and partners for the 2026/27 season and will be valid for treatment booked before 31st August 2027.

If you are considering using any of the services above or wish to book a consultant appointment, please contact our dedicated team at partnershipssport@kims.org.uk

Emma Santer and Karen Mahoney will be happy to assist with your enquiry and provide any further information you may need.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to someone directly, Karen can be contacted on 01622 538239.

Important information

Please note that the discounts apply to the relevant hospital/service fees and do not include:

Consultant fees, Anaesthetist fees, Cosmetic procedures, Take-home medication/prescriptions

Terms and conditions may apply, and benefits are subject to the relevant service and treatment being eligible for the offer.

We are delighted to be able to provide these additional benefits to our club community as part of our continued medical partnership, helping our members and partners access quality private healthcare when they need it.

Sevenoaks Rugby Club
2026/27 Season

Men's Player of the Match 1st and 2nd XV

Our 1st XV and 2nd XV Savills Players of the Match from our weekend fixtures!

1st XV Vs Bracknell - Louis Bouverie

2nd XV Vs Canterbury - Elliot Wright

🎥 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | OAKS 1ST XV 26–19 BRACKNELL RFC

🎥 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | OAKS 1ST XV 26–19 BRACKNELL RFC

Three wins from three to start the 2026/27 league season! Relive the action from Saturday’s hard-fought home win against Bracknell RFC 🏉

Thank you to everyone who came down to support the Oaks, and to Warners Solicitors, our match highlights sponsor.

https://youtu.be/j8gGiUTplSU

#SevenoaksRFC #TheOaks #MatchHighlights

Our Weekend Results 🏉

🎙️ POST-MATCH REACTION

A hard-fought 26–19 win for the Oaks 1st XV against Bracknell RFC at the Paddock!

Hear from Senior Coach Paul Dawson, prop George Strainge and winger Cameron Cummings, with Reporter Jon on the mic 🎤

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VzBy6UgqetY

#SevenoaksRFC #TheOaks #ReporterJon

Can’t Make It to the Paddock? Watch the Oaks Live Online

Our 1st XV host Bracknell RFC at the Paddock on Saturday 10 October. If you can’t be there, you can watch the build-up and match live from wherever you are.

Live footage begins at 14:15, with kick-off at 15:00.

Watch live on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/aH8dFanHpgo?si=PC9AZcj6s414BwEz

You can also find the viewing link in our Instagram Story and Watch Live Highlight.

It was great to receive so much positive feedback about last week’s live stream at Wimbledon. After the technical difficulties against Maidenhead, we’re hoping for an equally good viewing experience at home this Saturday. Live streaming is still new to us, so thank you for your patience and support as we learn and improve.

We’ll be streaming 1st XV home and away matches throughout the 2026/27 season, so subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow the action.

Up the Oaks! 💛💙

From the Touchline

The Details That Make the Difference

It’s great to be back at the Paddock as our 1st XV take on Bracknell RFC. Two encouraging weekends have given us a positive start and a platform to build on.

Last Saturday, the 1st XV secured a 47–7 win at Wimbledon in our first away league fixture. Our discipline and defence particularly pleased me. We conceded six penalties, following five against Maidenhead - both within our benchmark of eight or fewer. That discipline helps us control games and sustain pressure. We completed 108 tackles, including 48 dominant tackles, with eight missed - a 93% completion rate. With only 19 points conceded across two games, those are strong standards we must keep working to meet and improve.

There were areas I was less happy with. Our lineout defence needs improvement, and our attacking lineout was sloppy in the first half despite an 88% completion rate. We took our foot off the gas after half-time, leaving another two or three tries out there. We must stick to our processes for 80 minutes, with our bench bringing fresh energy and driving intensity and accuracy.

Preparation matters too. Our day began at 11am with squad brunch, followed by a planned stop en route and arrival at 1.15pm. An on-pitch energiser helped shake off the journey before we walked through our pitch maps and began our warm-up - all timed to the minute. These details matter. Well done to Jon Noble for managing the day superbly.

Last Sunday, our Player Leadership Group and coaching team each reviewed our last block and previewed the next block: what’s working on and off the pitch, where we can improve and, crucially, how. These regular reviews keep players and staff aligned across all our XVs and drive performance through clear plans. I believe 75% of our time should focus on longer-term priorities that feed into our game model, with 25% responding to the previous Saturday.

Our 2nd XV earned a hard-fought 26–21 win against a good Heathfield side. Across our senior men’s squad, healthy competition and movement between our three XVs raise standards as we work towards our squad objectives.

Well done to Mark Reay, Howard Packman, the coaches and players of our Academy 1st XV on their 31–24 away win in the National Cup’s opening round—a proud result for the pathway that has produced so many senior players.

Thank you to our coaches, medical team, volunteers, sponsors and supporters. The Paddock is special on matchday, and your support and noise make a real difference to the squad.

Enjoy the match, and come on you Oaks!

Adam Bowman
Director of Rugby

Player Sponsor Spotlight: Tom Simmons & Stephen Manley

We’re delighted to spotlight Stephen Manley, sponsor of Tom Simmons for the 2026/27 season.

A huge thank you to Stephen Manley for sponsoring Scott and supporting him and Sevenoaks RFC this season. Individual sponsors play an important part in supporting our players and the wider club, and we’re grateful for their generosity.

We’re proud to have you backing the Oaks!

Inside the Oaks | Episode 2: Ethan Jones & Jarlath Hetherington

Match reaction, weekend previews and getting to know the Oaks!

Inside the Oaks returns with Ethan Jones and Jarlath Hetherington—last Saturday’s 1st XV and 2nd XV Men of the Match.

In Episode 2, we get to know the players, hear their reaction to last weekend’s matches against Wimbledon and Heathfield, and look ahead to Saturday’s fixtures:

🏉 1st XV host Bracknell RFC at the Paddock
🏉 2nd XV travel to Canterbury RFC
📅 Saturday 10 October

Watch Episode 2 for match reaction, a weekend preview and a chance to get to know Ethan and Jarlath.

Watch Episode 2:
https://youtu.be/qgK1hBnvs94

See you on Saturday—whether you’re supporting at the Paddock, making the trip to Canterbury or cheering on the 1st XV online via our live stream. Come on, Oaks!

Partnership Renewal with Sevenoaks Medical Centre

Sevenoaks RFC is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with Sevenoaks Medical Centre (SMC), continuing a valued relationship that supports the health, wellbeing and welfare of the Club’s players, staff, members and wider rugby community.

Through the partnership, Sevenoaks RFC players, coaches, staff and members continue to benefit from access to the expertise, facilities and services available through Sevenoaks Medical Centre.

This support is particularly valuable in helping the Club prioritise player welfare and ensure that its rugby community has access to high-quality healthcare and specialist expertise both on and off the pitch.

Speaking about the renewal, Adam Bowman, Director of Rugby at Sevenoaks RFC, said:

“Player welfare is central to everything we do at Sevenoaks RFC. We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Sevenoaks Medical Centre, whose expertise and support are hugely valued by our rugby community. We look forward to building on this relationship throughout the season and beyond.”

Emma Santer, Partnerships Manager at KIMS Hospital said:

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Sevenoaks Rugby Football Club. The club is such an important part of the local community, bringing together players, families, volunteers and supporters of all ages, and we are proud to play a role in supporting their health and wellbeing. Our partnership is about much more than supporting players on matchday. We want to make sure that the Sevenoaks RFC community has access to high-quality healthcare and specialist expertise when they need it. We look forward to building on the relationship over the coming season and continuing to support the club, its players and its wider membership both on and off the pitch.”

With the new season underway, Sevenoaks RFC is looking forward to strengthening its relationship with Sevenoaks Medical Centre and continuing to work together in support of the Club and the wider local community.

Come On You Oaks!

Primary Schools Take to the Paddock

Sevenoaks RFC was delighted to welcome local primary schools to the Paddock on Monday 5 October for a Year 3 and 4 Tag Rugby Festival.

Following September’s Year 5 and 6 festival, it was fantastic to welcome younger pupils for another afternoon of rugby, teamwork and fun.

A huge thank you to Clare Strange for organising the event and to our club members who volunteered as referees. Their time and support help make these opportunities possible for local children.

We would also like to thank Sevenoaks Town Council for providing the pitches, alongside the teachers and school staff who supported the afternoon.

It’s always a pleasure to bring local schools together at the Club, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again soon!

Sevenoaks RFC & CHS Networks Bring Local Business Community Together for AI Breakfast

Sevenoaks RFC was delighted to welcome more than 60 guests to the Club for the CHS Networks AI Business Breakfast, bringing together sponsors, partners, members and businesses from across the local community.

It was fantastic to see the Clubhouse full and to have so many people connecting, sharing ideas and making new connections throughout the morning.

A huge thank you to our sponsors CHS Networks for supporting the event, and to our guest speaker from Westcoast Cloud for an engaging and insightful session exploring AI, its growing role within business and some of the practical opportunities it presents.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the morning such a success.

Events like this provide a great opportunity to bring our sponsors, partners and local businesses together, strengthening connections between Sevenoaks RFC and the wider business community.

We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Join the Sevenoaks RFC Business Community

If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or partner of Sevenoaks RFC and joining our growing business community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about sponsorship and partnership opportunities:
https://sevenoaksrugby.com/become-a-sponsor-partner

Or contact Adam Bowman at coachajbowman@gmail.com to discuss how your business can get involved.

🎥 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | WIMBLEDON RFC 7–47 OAKS 1ST XV

🎥 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS | WIMBLEDON RFC 7–47 OAKS 1ST XV

Two wins from two to start the 2026/27 league season! Relive the action from Saturday’s away win at Wimbledon RFC 🏉

Thank you to everyone who travelled to support the Oaks, and to Warners Solicitors, our match highlights sponsor.

https://youtu.be/35Y3sGmdHe0

#SevenoaksRFC #TheOaks #MatchHighlights

🏉 MAKE A DAY OF IT AT THE PADDOCK! 💙💛

🏉 MAKE A DAY OF IT AT THE PADDOCK! 💙💛

Two wins from two for our Men’s 1st XV! Help the Oaks carry that momentum into October—join us for lunch and get behind the boys!

🍻 OCTOBER LUNCH OFFER
Enjoy a FREE glass of wine or a pint with your lunch booking at any of these October matches:

📅 10 October – vs Bracknell
📅 17 October – vs Farnham | Vice Presidents’ Lunch
📅 31 October – vs London Scottish

With 50% of our senior men’s squad coming through our Junior and Academy sections, alongside players who have made the Oaks their home, this group has huge potential. Your support makes a real difference!

🍽️ BRACKNELL MENU | 10 OCTOBER
• Duck and orange pâté with crusty bread and butter
• Shoulder of pork with leeks and celery in apple cider gravy, served with mashed potatoes and French beans
• Cheese and biscuits

🍻 Bar opens: 12pm
🍽️ Lunch: 1pm
🏉 Kick-off: 3pm

Members £30 | Non-members £40

Bring friends, family or colleagues—everyone is welcome!

👉 Book your places:
https://sevenoaksrugby.com/event-bookings

See you at the Paddock!

🎙️ POST-MATCH REACTION

A 47–7 win for the Oaks 1st XV away at Wimbledon RFC!

Hear from Director of Rugby Adam Bowman, back-five forward James Kerton—an Academy graduate and former Academy captain—and experienced centre Duncan Tout, who joined the squad this summer, with Reporter Jon on the mic 🎤

Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/E6ecjXTFk8A

#SevenoaksRFC #TheOaks #ReporterJon