As we approach the new 2026/27 season, we should be filled with hope for the health of our club. The first XV consolidated its place at the highest level it has ever played for a sustained period of time, and at hopefully the optimum moment we have recruited a coaching staff that will bring not only experience of higher level rugby but also fresh ideas and approach to re-invigorate our senior mens’ teams.

An added bonus for us is that through endeavour and a fantastic season built on hard work & great teamship, our second XV will ALSO play league rugby in Counties 2 Essex, only 2 rungs lower down the RFU ladder than our firsts. This season will see them compete with first XVs of other local Essex clubs. For supporters of CRFC, that means that for virtually EVERY week of the RFU calendar it will be possible to watch a Chelmsford team at Coronation Park playing quality rugby. And from what I have seen myself first hand the squad are more than equal to this task. Courtney and her team in the clubhouse will have a busy year ahead!

Our women’s first XV are playing in NC2 south east (north) and have signed up for the community cup this season. Continuing to build the squad with new players, having linked up well with the ARU ladies team in the last few years they are expecting to be able to give good game time to all. Womens’ and girls’ rugby has become so important at the community level in recent years (rightly so) and with recent initiatives are continuing to welcome both new and returning players to the game.

Youth rugby at Chelmsford last season was clearly on fire, with many squads achieving wonderful success on the pitch with much silverware being accrued (too numerous to do justice to here!), but hopefully and more importantly growing in the love of rugby, the values of our game and the bonds and lessons for life it brings.
Our colts, women and men play a triple header pre-season fixture at Ipswich Rugby club on 22nd August.

The minis – where it all begins – continues to grow with hundreds of aspiring Henry Pollocks and Ellie Kildunnes hooning around on a Sunday morning, having the time of their lives, my grandson amongst them (soon to be followed by his little brother and sister, hopefully)

I am extremely privileged to become the next in a storied line of presidents of CRFC – this is of course tinged with sadness at the recent loss of Peter Jordan, our last President, former club Chairman & ferociously active committee member and clubman. I truly hope to fulfil the faith he placed in me as I take up the reins so kindly and supportively offered by him. You were an inspiration to many, Peter.

We live by our volunteers, our most precious commodity, and welcome with open arms anyone who feels they can contribute in any way, big or small, to the life of the club. Don’t be shy! Step forward and approach either myself, a committee member or your team’s coach.

The club committee continue to ensure & grow the health and life of the whole club, and Gabby Rowe, our chair, is a ball of energy directing a team of enthusiastic committee volunteers – continue to give them all the support you can!

I hope to see as many of you as possible on the touchlines, and quite possibly at the bar for the third half?

Yours in rugby,
Crouchy