After a fantastic five try win against Diss last weekend our 1st XV are pumped up and raring to go and visit Saffron Walden to extend their perfect start to the season. With 2 bonus points under their belts already, our players are looking for a third and their opponents tomorrow will feel the full force of that determination. Saffron Walden are yet to win a game this season however having finished mid-table last season, they're not to be underestimated. Only losing 3 home games in 2017 Saffron Walden are sure to put up a good fight, so if you're free, come and cheer on our boys and give them that extra boost! The game kicks off at 3pm and you can find the directions here.

Our Raven's travel to Canterbury to take on their 2nd XV as our players strive for their first win of the season. Despite the results, our Ravens have fought valiantly, putting in some huge performances against the likes of Shelford RFC and Bury St Edmunds. After two successful training sessions this week we're sure our players have got it in them to bring home the win this weekend. If you're traveling to the game it all kicks off at 3pm and you can find the address here.

After a HUGE win over Stowmarket last weekend, our A XV are itching to get on the pitch this weekend. They travel down the road to Brightlingsea for their game tomorrow and much like the 1st XV, they're looking to build up a winning streak. We seriously recommend you check out this local derby so head down to Strangers Corner for the kick off at 3pm.

We've got 2 exciting home games for you up at the fortress that is Mill Road tomorrow. Our bar will be open so come over and join us for a drink and some great local rugby.

After a home walk over last week, our Cavaliers are raring to start their season as they host Harwich and Dovercourt. After putting the work into their preseason training this summer, the players are in top form, so make sure you come over to Mill Rd to support them. You'll catch them on pitch 2 at 3pm.

Also at home are our Roundheads as they welcome Woodbridge IIs. The Roundheads started off their season last weekend with an exciting victory at Ipswich, beating them 24-29. With some club heroes such as ex-Captain Roy Abrehart playing, you're in for a treat so head down to Mill Road for the 3pm kick off.

The Youth Rugby season gets under way this weekend as our new Colts Academy side take to the field at Mill Road on Sunday. Our boys have been working hard all summer and with many set to make their Colts debut, they want all the support they can get Sunday morning as they host Woodbridge. The game gets under way at 12pm noon so we'll see you there!

#COMEONCOL

Senior Rugby: The Preview, with John Smith

From now on, Senior Chairman Jon Smith will be writing a review of the 1st XV's last game and a separate preview to the next game. These articles will give you the behind the scenes low down on what goes on with our 1st XV and in an insight into the inner workings of our club. Jon's review of last weekend is already up on the website here. In this week's preview Jon sums up our University Exiles game and looks ahead to the 1st XV's encounter with Saffron Walden tomorrow.

"It has been an extraordinarily busy week in senior rugby at Colchester RFC. Having reviewed the 38-14 home victory over Diss and generated some points for progress, we hosted an RFU sponsored ‘University Exiles’ game at Mill Road on Tuesday evening.

The Exiles team contained largely Under 21 players, a fair spread of age groups and levels of experience. From the current senior section Rory Miller, Troy Palmer, Jack O’Sullivan and Lewis Williams amongst others took to the field for the Exiles and they were up against an experienced A XV full of seasoned campaigners. There was a ‘sociable’ feel to the game and the Exiles ultimately came out on top when Senior Colts Jack O’Sullivan and James Pattis combined with Pattis running the ball over the tryline in the final seconds of the game. It was good to see some familiar faces on the field – it was particulary please to see the return of Dan and Matt Hexley to Colchester, both former Colts captains. I have always been a big fan of Dan and his ‘style’ of rugby and I reminded him that there will always be a place for him at Colchester!

This week the 1st XV are preparing for a trip to Saffron Walden. We have only faced Walden on six occasions since 1987-88, Walden have won two, Colchester four, and our last meeting (2009-10 season) saw us edge a tight game 25-16 at Mill Road. Saffron Walden have lost their opening two games of the season. On the opening day of the season suffering a 29-50 home defeat to Eton Manor, then an 11-try 68-0 defeat to North Walsham at Scottow. Saffron Walden are coached by former Shelford and Cambridge scrum half Danny Hunter; they will be organized and very keen to bounce back from their two consecutive defeats and our boys will need to be precise and play to their strengths to ensure that we get the right result.

The last ten minutes of the victory over Diss showed exactly what our boys are capable of. The “Try-Lights” (available to watch here) showcase our offensive capabilities. The sixth try in particular, scored by James Crozier, was sublime. To execute a move at such pace takes exceptional skill and for me the kick from Brett Cutbush was the moment of the game; it was perfectly weighted and you will see from the video that James Crozier didn’t need to adjust his line of running – the placement and weight of the kick was perfect. Crozier simply retained his line and waited for the bounce. It’s easier said than done and wouldn’t look out of place in higher echelons of the National League! If you haven’t seen this try please take the time to have a look; it’s 35 seconds well spent!"

You can read Jon's full report, including an exclusive look at the 1st XV line up on our website here.

Bratwurst, Lederhosen and Steins of beer.. it can only mean Oktoberfest is back!

One of most popular lunches is back and places are filling up fast! Coupled with the fact that the Brentwood game is set to be an almighty clash, you will not want to miss this lunch!

Saturday 23rd of September is our Oktoberfest lunch with a German themed menu of sausages, strudels, pâté and Stein glasses of beer available!

In order to secure your place, book yourself in with Maggie today, just email her here.

Milsoms' Man of the Match

CRFC is delighted to announce a new agreement with the Milsoms Hotels and Restaurants group. As part of the ground-breaking CRFC Recognition programme Milsoms have provided ‘Man of the Match’ vouchers for every 1st XV game this season. Each entitles the deserving player and his partner for a very special evening at any of Milsoms’ fantastic venues.

“Recognising partners as well as players was top of the list from a recent survey of the 1st XV squad,” explained Club Secretary Maggie Whiteman, “we can’t think of a better way of saying ‘thank you’ for the commitment of playing at the top level than an evening at Milsoms’.

“CRFC is an amateur club so any way we can reflect the time and work put in by our elite players is wonderful,” added Senior Rugby Chairman Jon Smith. “This is the first of many such agreements and will be key to recruiting and retaining the players we need to compete at National League level.”

“We are delighted to be associated with Colchester Rugby Football Club and look forward to welcoming both players and partners for their special time together,” Paul Milsom added.

Support your club and get a free pint? Take a look at our new Patrons scheme...

Established some years ago by two former 1st XV Captains, the CRFC Patrons Scheme is a revenue generator to support our 1st XV squad and helps pay for items the Club finds harder to afford from our other income sources. This can include after training food, physios and legitimate travel expenses. It is a great way in which individuals can help sustain our 1st XV at the current level and provide a springboard to move higher back into the National Leagues.

For £250* per annum, you'll get

- Membership of CRFC [if not already a member
- Free entry to all 1st XV matches at Mill Road
- Patron’s name alongside the shirt number in each Match Programme
- Patron’s name on the Patron Board in Clubhouse
- An invite to one of 2 home games with a pre match complimentary private reception and lunch
- Entered in a Draw for 2 complimentary tickets to a Pre Xmas England game

So, that free pint we were talking about..

Brand new to the patrons scheme, if your shirt scores a try during a home game, or is awarded Man of the Match, you'll get a free pint! You must be in the bar after the game when the announcements will be made in order to receive your beer, so make sure you're at every 1st XV home game and cheer on your number!

*£185 if already a VP, Life Member or Retired / Unemployed.

Colchester RFC's Fireworks Evening: 5th November

We've got exciting news as we launch our new, annual Fireworks evening for Colchester RFC Supporters and their families!

We're packing Mill Road full of delicious food & drink, fairground rides, fun activities, and most importantly; FIREWORKS on Sunday 5th of December.

Keep an eye out on our website and social media as we reveal in due course all you can look forward to on that day. However, we can confirm there will be a Forwards vs Backs eating competition so rally up your teammates to get involved so we can finally put to rest who's the best!

You can purchase an adult ticket for £7, child ticket for £5 and a family (2 adults, 2 children) for £20. Tickets will be available from the bar from next week onwards, and you can also reserve you tickets by emailing here.

No Such Thing as a Free Lunch? Not at Colchester RFC

If you join the CRFC Double Centurion Club then you can choose one of our club lunches to attend*, and we’ll treat you to a three-course meal- on us!

We still have plenty of numbers available in the DCC and if you sign up before next Saturday you will be entered into September’s Draw which boasts a 1st prize of £250 and a 2nd prize of £50.

Why would you want to join?

+ It’s only £5 a month (less than an [expensive] cup of coffee!)
+ You’ll be entered into monthly draws with prizes of £250 and £50
+ The October draw 1st prize is £750 and April’s draw 1st price is a whopping £1,500!
+ Best yet, all the profits go straight back into Colchester RFC

So now’s your chance, find Kim today or email her at kim@amnesiaflowers.com and bag your ticket now!

*Subject to availability

Stock up on all your CRFC stash at our Club House Shop

Our CRFC club shop is open Wednesday and Thursday evenings 7pm-8pm and Sunday mornings 9.30am to 12.30pm for you to grab all the CRFC goodies you need.

We've got playing kit, hoodies, socks, gumshields, new hats and scarfs and much more all ready for you to buy. With the weather getting colder, we recommend you check out the shop so you can stay warm in CRFC style!

Colchester Rugby Club gets social...

There's plenty going on across our social media all the time. Keep up to date with all CRFC news, rugby content, events, and video highlights. If you head over to our YouTube channel you can witness the five magnificent tries that earnt our 1st XV their bonus point win against Diss!

So, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the loop. You can also find videos of all the tries from this season and last on our YouTube channel and all the behind the scenes action and live game highlights are on our snapchat: colchesterrugby.

Good luck to all our players in action this weekend and we look forward to seeing you at Mill Road soon!