Welcome to East Grinstead Rugby Round Up. If you are reading this on the website, or via Facebook, please sign up to receive this Newsletter via email, which contains loads of pictures and other content, please email m.marriott@btconnect.com and we will add you to the list.

SENIOR RUGBY
Saturday was a wonderful sunny day, with the delicious smell of the new BBQ wafting into both G’s and Heath supporter noses alike, as the anticipation mounted before kick off of this, the first round of the Papa Johns Shield. With one win apiece in the league this season, who would triumph? Could G’s emulate the 2’s, who knocked out Heath 2’s in the Sussex cup semi final last weekend? To find out, Click here: Match report

To see Ben’s pics of the game, follow this link: Match pics

Breaking news is that Hove have pulled out of the last sixteen clash, obviously nervous of another trip to a resurgent Saint Hill, leaving G’s a mouthwatering quarter final on the 26th April against Ashford or Cranbrook.

This leaves a much appreciated rest week over Easter for both 1’s & 2’s to rest battered bodies, before the 2’s cup final the following Saturday. This is against Ditchling at Crowborough RFC. It will be a cracker, so get it in your diaries!!

A MASSIVE THANK YOU
After head coach, Matt Ratana, was cruelly taken from us over four years ago, two of his coaches stepped up to try and fill the huge hole that was left at the heart of EGRFC. There began a fantastic journey of promotion, cup success and a club that started to breath again. These two men have been at the centre of this journey. Ryan both as player and coach, filling numerous roles over the seasons, but I think I can say, the way he has built and shaped both of our senior mens teams, showed he is a coach of great skill and intuition. Sandy has molded our forwards into an incredible set piece unit, with the 1XV scrum, by far the best in a very good league.

It is far better to leave a few of the players to sum up what these two mean to them as coaches and as friends...

1XV Captain Ryland Thomas writes:
“There are three people who have had an impact on my rugby life and Sandy Robinson is one of them! He has become an integral part of the beating heart at the club, a presence everyone knows. A conversation with Sandy is an unforgettable event - something everyone should experience.

I returned to Grinstead after a few years break following the sad passing of Matt Ratana. Sandy, for me, has been the embodiment of what Matt stood for and how he would have wanted the club to develop and grow. Honest, straight talking and all rugby! Sandy has been East Grinstead for me these past few years, whether its been upsetting the backs with his words of wisdom, or chuckling with the forwards about how dominant the scrums where the week before. He will be a large hole to fill come next season.

I can say from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the whole of East Grinstead Rugby Club, thank you Sandy.”

John Peaty adds:
“What I will remember most about Sandy is at training when he says “Come on boys, last scrum.” This is always followed by at least five more scrums! Thank you for everything mate.”

Ben Watkinson writes:
“Farewell Ryan. As you move on from your role here at East Grinstead RFC, I just wanted to say a huge thank you not only from me, but from all the lads you've coached, played alongside, and inspired over the years.

You've led the men's teams to incredible success, guiding us to multiple cup victories, undefeated seasons and promotions with passion, dedication, and that never-say-die spirit that defines this club. Whether travelling all over Sussex, Surrey and even further afield, running backs drills as a coach or coming over to the forwards to see whether your lineout dart has improved from the week before, you have given everything to the club since joining with Matt Ratana. Your commitment to the game and to us as a team never went unnoticed.

On a personal note, it's been an absolute privilege to play rugby with you. You've not only been a brilliant coach and teammate but also become a good friend. The memories we’ve made on and off the pitch and the countless hours on calls, lengthy WhatsApp chats and conversations in the bar after games I will always be grateful for.

Shoreham are very very lucky to be gaining you next year, and no doubt it will be a fantastic fixture when the 1st XV plays them next season. I look forward to seeing how far that hairline goes back before you decide to shave it off and make sure you avoid any wardrobe malfunctions caught on camera by a photographer at your new home.

You've become more than just a coach or teammate you’re Wahanau. We'll miss you massively, but your legacy will always be part of East Grinstead RFC.

Cheers mate”

Max Crawley-Moore says:
“Farewell, Ryan – Player, Coach, Leader, Legend!
Ryan has worn many hats during his time at EGRFC – 1st Team Player, Backs Coach, Head Coach, and Director of Rugby – a testament to both his outstanding skillset and the deep respect he commands within the club.

As a player, he was a pivotal part of our undefeated 2021/22 season and instrumental in securing promotion to Counties 1 in 2022/23. With 29 first-team caps and 28 tries, his try-to-game ratio is nothing short of phenomenal. Sadly, his playing career was halted by a serious knee injury (if only he’d learned to pass the ball!), though he’s since made a return to the field with the 2nd team – and it's been great to see him back in action.

Ryan first joined EGRFC under the guidance of the late Matt Ratana, and it’s clear Matt left a lasting impact. Under Ryan’s leadership, the team achieved promotion back to the London Leagues and fulfilled the very goals Matt had set – a legacy we’re incredibly proud of.

It’s a painful goodbye to the player, a gut-wrenching farewell to the coach, and a truly heartbreaking departure of the man behind it all.
We’ll miss your energy around the club (and now sadly have to rely solely on Morgan for all our balding jokes).

Best of luck at Shoreham in your new role as Head Coach – we’ve no doubt you’ll smash it. And even if we don’t see you on the touchline or at the clubhouse, we can always count on your regular shirtless gym selfies to remind us you’re still around.

Go well, mate – you’ll always have a home at EGRFC.”

Jake Radcliffe commented:
“For over four years, Ryan has been a constant source of genuine support to every player, both on and off the pitch. He's been a huge part of what makes our club feel so welcoming and friendly. You’ve done Matt proud, mate — and you’ll be deeply missed.”

All good things must come to an end eventually and we wish you both well in your next adventures, Ryan as head coach at Shoreham RFC and Sandy taking things a bit easier. You are both so welcome on our touchline anytime!

But remember, the season is not over yet!! Another Ryan hat trick for the 2’s next Saturday would be most welcome (Then maybe a 1XV shirt for the quarter final????), and we all want to see Sandy’s scrum, taking a Kent side for a walk on the 26th!

AGE GROUP RUGBY
Sunday 13th was a busy weekend for all our juniors with the U7s and U9s away whilst back at HQ we were hosting our own festival for the U10s and 11s.

With the sun shining and some warmth in the spring air, we hosted 16 teams across the 2 age groups at home. The dry weather meant that our neighbours were able to extend their field for our overflow car parking which makes a huge difference. Our club staff were all on duty serving food and drinks to the visitors who were all enjoying the rugby and the sunshine.

U10s
With 2 home teams and 10 visiting club teams, we were able to have 2 pools playing 4 matches each. Both EG1 and EG2 teams went well again, notching up more ticks in the W column than L's.

Despite the hard ground, all the players went at it with their usual gusto, and thankfully we had no major injuries to report.

On EG1, we welcomed back Ethan Noyce and Cassius who excelled themselves, making some great runs, big hits and ran in some great scores with a timely winner from Ethan to settle the grudge match against Bognor. Amelia Floodgate and Albert Turner both filled the role of hard-charging forwards making some great runs through the middle of the defence with Amelia going through everyone from the halfway line to score in the corner.

Bradley Harding was everywhere with his trademark big tackles. Ollie Hayward, Hadley Gray and Theo Micheal showing the pace they have scoring some great tries. Harry Goldsworthy bravely played through the injury picked up on tour last weekend.

A few more passes out wide and we would have scored even more! The players all left the pitch happy and headed off to get a well deserved ice-cream whilst the coaches opted for a refreshing drink in the sunshine outside the club.

G2 hosted Haywards heath, Worthing. Tunbridge Wells and Hove in Pool 2 of our home festival.

Over the four games EG 2 played some of the best rugby we’ve seen all season, first to the ruck as well as some fabulous passing down the lines, with applause coming from both sets of supporters.

Cam Bell made his trademark piercing runs through the pack, constantly breaking the defensive line with some great offloads to set up a number of tries.

Gwilym Gulczynski was putting in some huge defensive tackles.

Jude Pullen was passing off the base well and making the scrum half position his own.

Mattie Evans, as always, running the opposition defense ragged with his mazy runs, with even the opposing skipper congratulating him on being the fastest player he had been up against.

Erikas Jonusas was his ever-reliable self, making big hits, strong counter-rucks and powerful runs all over the park.

Nate Driver, was dictating play , picking out some great passes to set the attack off.

Alexander Lunn, our very own tackling machine, breaking down a number of opportunities for the opposition.

Ollie Cook kept finding the right positions to block the opposing attacks and Eloise Broomham , in her first ever festival , showing great composure on the ball as well as great positioning awareness to be in the right place at all the right times.

The whole squad put in an amazing effort to come away undefeated over the mornings play .

The support from the sides absolutely contributed to the success of the day, acting as our 9th player!

U11
Finally, a highlight of the U11 season rolled around this Sunday, bringing with it perfect weather and an almost perfect morning of high-quality rugby.

East Grinstead U11s fielded two mixed teams, and with plenty of family and friends lining the touchlines and clubhouse, they embarked on a morning of dedicated, committed, and high-quality rugby.

The format this year was frantic and high-paced, and both teams quickly got into their stride. With an eye on next year's league format and larger teams, the respective coaches introduced some additional structure.

After some adaptation, both teams started to stretch their legs, with all players contributing and running in some wonderful tries. In Team 2, Harry put up some crunching carries, setting up Jude for a great try. Beau showed some sharp, clever running out wide, and Finn looked good on the ball, to name just a few. In Team 1, Sam scored twice by running into space from deep, while Justin ran hard, making some strong, hard yards. An audacious grubber kick from Bobby late in the day also helping the team make great progress down the pitch.

The final record for both teams was five wins and three losses from their eight games. But much more importantly, an absolutely wonderful day of rugby was had by all, with everyone contributing across both pitches. The coaches were delighted, and the players left with huge grins on their faces!

Big thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and to our many parent volunteers! Hugely appreciated.

On the whole, it was a great day. It is always great to enjoy a home festival and we can't do these without the volunteers and the club staff. As junior chairman, there is a lot of organising to do (and stress!!). I have had lots of wonderful feedback and thanks from our visitors, so it falls to me to send out some messages of thanks. To the club staff, Sarah, Kelly and their team, Liz Osterman at CoS for the use of their car park, and last but certainly not least, all the parents who sacrificed their time to help with the car parking, bar, programmes and everything else that made the day a pleasure.

I would also like to thank all our visitors, coaches, players and parents who made the trip. We hope you enjoyed your day and we look forward to welcoming you back in the 2025-26 season. Enjoy your summer.

Next weekend is Easter weekend. We have some training at home whilst the U10s are away at Brighton. Numbers will be light ahead of the last weekend of the season, where in a change from the usual, we will be hosting the mighty Richmond RFC at home on the Saturday.

SUNSHINE 7’s
The Challenge Packaging 67th Sunshine Sevens on Sunday 27th April, will be part of a great weekend for EGRFC. With both 1st and 2nd teams still in the hunt for silverware, and the 2nds playing in the Cup final on Saturday, there will be another opportunity for EG to win the Mens Open competition.

All last years winners will be returning to defend their titles.
Winners 2024
Men’s Elite - Lady Astor of Hever Trophy - Ramblin Jesters.
Men’s Plate winners - Shogun
Men’s Open - Eggchaser Lions
Women’s Open - Steve Cairns trophy - Lionesses
Women’s Plate - Wooden Spoon

In the elite competition we have the strongest field we have had for years, with fourteen elite sides competing to see if they can halt Rambling Jester’s dominance of the Lady Astor trophy. We will be welcoming some new Elite sides – Norway 7s – Vaquita Hammerheads and Saints 7’s, all top quality teams!

The Mens Open competition is looking good – look out for the Legacy 7… some real EG talent in there. In the Women’s, Wooden Spoon will be back strong as ever.

This year we are hoping for sunshine as the weather has not been kind the last few years. To brighten things up, and hopefully help the celebrations we will have local band Deadwoodz playing during and after the tournament. With Paella / Indian street food / and the bar open – let’s make it a great day.

Games start at 11.00 – entrance by programme donation – All games will also be LIVE STREAMING! Thanks to DiVision Digital.
Sign up for this today at: https://www.egrfctv.com

The Sunshine Sevens is the charity fundraising section of EGRFC which has raised funds for local Kids charities for 67 years…… Last year EGRFC supported the local community by donating ten local charities, schools and special causes - £42,000! Help us Help the Kids.

Next week we will give a bit more detail on the history and background of the sunshine Sevens – a very special event.

NEXT SEASONS KIT SPONSORSHIP
Logo spaces are fast running out on our new playing kit’s for next season, but a few slots on our junior and Intermediate shirts are still available. Can you partner with us? Our sponsors enjoy great benefits such as pitch side banners, seats at a 1XV game lunch, international ticket allocation, pics for your socials, write ups in our newsletter etc. We can tailor a package to suit any budget.

If you want to chat further, please email: m.marriott@btconnect.com

ANYONE FOR CAMPING?
BACK AGAIN FOR A 2ND YEAR - WHO'S IN?
After a very successful event in 2024, On Saturday 19th July, EGRFC (Junior Section) are putting on another overnight camping event on the training pitches - come along from 12pm and pitch your tent.

The main Bar will be open, along with BBQ to feed the family. Not to worry - toilet & shower facilities will be open overnight too! And breakfast will most definitely be available on the Sunday morning for all.

Cost per tent is £20 non-refundable (minimum one adult per tent), places are limited so please book via this link to secure your pitch: Camping tickets

We're hoping that the children will enjoy playing numerous games - along with the parents socialising!
Come along and join the fun!

Any queries speak to Stu on 07899 697091

G’s SOCIAL COMMITTEE
Our new Social Committee is meeting at the club tomorrow (Thursday 17th) at 6pm. If anyone wants to get involved, we would be delighted to see you there. This is primarily to discuss ideas that anyone has about holding events at the club and how we best implement these ideas.

For more info, or to chat further, please email Julie at: julie.mason@egrfc.com

BIG SUMMER KICK OFF
EXPERIENCE BIG SUMMER KICK-OFF AT ALLIANZ STADIUM
There is just one month to go until Harlequins return to Allianz Stadium as they face Gloucester Rugby for Big Summer Kick-Off, with both sides vying for a top four spot in the Gallagher Premiership.

Expect legends of the game, including the likes of Danny Care, and Joe Launchbury, along with Marcus Smith, Chandler Cunningham-South and other England Rugby stars take to the field in their famous club colours, along with a world-class performance from iconic rock band Feeder before kick-off. Not only that but the West Fan Village will be packed with live acts and entertainment all afternoon, including free fairground rides and a post-match takeover from sing-along band, Massaoke.

Tickets are now on sale for just £38 for adults and £26 for U18s. Groups of 10+ get 10% off.

Click here to get your seats: Summer KO tickets

OTHER NEWS
If you have any news about any aspect of our rugby family here at East Grinstead, get involved and email m.marriott@btconnect.com. See you next week!!