Welcome to season 2011-2012. With the Rugby World Cup less than a week away, here at HRFC we are thinking of the great game nearer to home.

REGISTRATION

Last weekend heralded the beginning of the season and we are asking you to spread the word and 'bring a pal to rugby'. Please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to come and try rugby at HRFC over the next few weeks.

If you haven't already done so, please print off the membership forms and return with payment ASAP. Hand it in to your age group’s admin rep or send to Claire Belfield, 2 Aplins Close, Harpenden, AL5 2QD. Remember: it's cheaper to pay before the end of September, as the subs increase thereafter.

SHOWERS

After our major fundraising project, the new boilers (and gas supply) were installed over the summer- it is now how hot water on demand! Many thanks go to Peter Woodthorpe for driving this project to completion.

NEW DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

I am pleased to announce that our new Director of Rugby is Moses Rauluni, a former Saracens’ and Fijian scrum half. Moses is currently away on World Cup duty but you will soon see him around the club.

SENIOR RUGBY

This season, the Senior Squad will be coached by Bobby Graham and Phil Cooper. I hope that players and spectators will give them their full support.

We will be running a Fifth XV dubbed the ‘Occasional Veterans’. Training is not necessary but if you are interested in playing, please contact the captain, Paul Ryan on PaRyan@winns.waltham.sch.uk

NATIONAL PUB SEVENS

The 46^th Annual National Pub Sevens took place on Sunday 28^th August. White Hart Marauders defeated Samurai Barracudas in a thrilling Cup Final and a great day was had by many supporters. Huge thanks go to Tony Johnstone and David Rapley for their sterling efforts in organising the event and to all the volunteers who helped.

VOLUNTEERS

HRFC is run almost entirely by volunteers. Getting involved is a great way to make new friends, be involved in the smooth running of the club and help produce the rugby players of tomorrow. Please let your team coach know if you are willing to help with the team’s admin, car park rotas, coaching or want to help with a fundraising event. Don't moan, get involved!

VACANCIES

There are vacancies for bar staff at the club (preferably age 18 and over). Anyone interested in joining his fun team should contact John Hills on 07785960353 or email: johnrhills@btinternet.com

SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Each Sunday morning we will be serving a full English breakfast at the club, together with toast, tea and coffee for £5 per person. Served between 8.15 and 9.30am it is the perfect opportunity to have pre-training/match ‘meetings’ or simply fuel up before a mornings rugby.

SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE CLUB

Why not avoid the cooking and washing up by having a roast lunch with your family at the clubhouse prepared by our fabulous chef Will? Lunch will be served on the last Sunday of each month during the season. The first one will be held on Sunday 25^th September from 1.30pm. Menu: Soup, Roast Beef (all the trimmings) and Sticky Toffee Pudding. All for £12.50 per person! To book, please contact John Hills (as above).

WORLD CUP MATCHES

Come and watch England play without distractions but with plenty of bacon butties or a full English at the clubhouse. First match is England v Argentina on Saturday 10th September at 9.30 am, breakfast served from 8.30am.

Don’t forget, many of these details can be found on our website: www.hrfc.com

Wishing you a great season (and please pay your subscriptions promptly!)

Jonathan Edwards

Chairman