The club is delighted to report that Mike Gillies has agreed to Captain the 3rd (Barbarians) team for the upcoming season. Mike started in his native Warminster before becoming the ever present scrum-half for the Barbarians, playing well below his capable level. His leadership on the pitch and ethos will continue to be a great addition to the club and to all players within the side, both novice and seasoned.

With players both old and new returning back this term, the season looks bright for Maidstone's competitive social side. Not only is there an array of talent within the squads, but also the blend of corinthian spirit of players getting involved just to have fun. So, if you are a player returning to rugby or a player that likes a competitive and yet social game, then get down to training and see what it's all about.

Preseason is underway with nearly sixty players in attendance for the first week. Lead Coach George Flatman and Backs Coach Dave Charlton have been putting on versatile sessions, that cater for & include all levels within the club. These not only focus on fitness, but more ball in hand rugby orientated drills as well.

The first sessions included players from the latest crop of 18yr olds, all the way through to Veterans.

A club that trains together, wins together, so get on down and see what it's all about.

Training sessions are currently at the club Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.15pm. The popular Fatboys run by Club Captain Shaun Neaves and assisted by D.o.R. Pete Barford continue on Saturdays for sixty minutes from 11am.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting for Maidstone Rugby will take place at The Mote on Thurs 25^th  July 2019 at 8:00pm.

Minutes of the 2018 AGM and details of the agenda for this year’s meeting will be posted here in due course.

If any members have any points, topics or questions to be raised for discussion they should be submitted to the Hon Secretary in writing by Sunday 30^th June 2019 in order that appropriate actions and responses can be prepared.

Please make every effort to attend and have a say in the running of your club.

After two seasons, Melanie White will be stepping down as the Clubs Secretary.

If any club member is interested in the role, please contact Club Chairman Craig Tuffrey in the first instance. The role involves taking the Committee Meeting notes at the monthly meetings and updating the clubs online directory. From time to time, there will be documents for signing and discussions that will need your input in the capacity of a Club Officer.

The role would take up a few hours a month and would suit somebody with good administration skills and a good knowledge of the club.

After three years Neil Cole has stepped down from being the Veterans skipper. Neil worked tirelessly with his little black book of contacts to get a strong Veterans side out each week. Introducing the old favourites back of oranges at halftime and a pot of tea after the game, the Vets went from strength to strength. During the injury crisis of last year, they stepped up to help out up the club and even took some noticeable scalps along the way. Neil and his wife Sharon also worked behind the scenes to organise the Summer Balls for the club.

During his last season, Karim Neseyif was shadowing to take over the mantle as Captain. Karim has been around the club for several years, playing in the Barbarians before transitioning to the Veterans. The Veterans is the perfect, welcoming social side to fit into, if you want to get involved again with Rugby but feel the body perhaps cannot do what the brain is telling it to! They also run a cracking Tour every season, seeking out the finest ale establishments along the way.

The club wholeheartedly thanks Neil Cole for his great tenure and we look forward to seeing Karim at the helm.

The club is pleased to announce the recruitment of George Flatman as Lead Coach for next season. George will take on the role from July onwards, inclusive of roles as both our Forwards Coach and player. Dave Charlton's role will continue as Backs Coach.

After 14 years long service and an incredible amount of money gained for the club, Bob Hayton will be stepping down as Sponsorship Officer at the end of the season. Over the years Bob has built up a network of relationships that have benefitted the entire club. From shirt sponsors to Mike Tindall & Lawrence Dallaglio visits, his efforts have reaped such reward for the club. With his everyday work load becoming more pressing, coupled with the multiple hats he already wears for the club, he has reluctantly decided to pass one of hits hats on.

The club is obviously looking for a replacement as soon as possible. Bob will be on hand to help transition the existing relationships across to the new incumbents. With the groundwork laid over so many years, maintaining these relationships is key, but should not be to arduous if picked up quickly.

This is not a role that needs to be filled by one person and we do have a couple of volunteers willing to help out. However, the club still desperately needs a lead in which to coordinate the tasks and oversee the role. The club is also looking to offer a commission base for the Sponsorship role as an incentive to any and all volunteers willing to help the club.

If you are interested in coming on board, then please contact Bob Hayton in the first instance.

The only thing left to say is to thank Bob wholeheartedly for his efforts and persistence throughout his tenure, which without, the club could be in a far different place.

London & South East Division

London & SE Division 2 (SE)

Other Fixtures