The 1st XV are the only team in action this week after a cancellation for the Ravens. They will be taking on Westcombe Park, a team the boys are determined to beat. The game kicks off at 3pm on Pitch 1.

The 1st XV are looking to start how they ended last week’s game after having all the possession and territory to pile the pressure on against Westcombe Park who currently sit at third place in National League 3 with 3 wins from 3.

As the 1st XV are the only team in action this Saturday it means more support as we look forward to seeing all players there from all our others teams.

If you are coming to support our players you can win a free meal for 2 by wearing as much Colchester RFC merchandise as possible, if you'd like to add more stash to your CRFC collection then check out the club shop as there is a new special offer every week! This week a CRFC beanie hat & classic scarf for just £15! For this week only!

Skipper Liam Pickett says ... "Please come on down and support. It makes all the difference!"

Not able to make the game? Do not fear! We cover all our 1st XV games on Twitter @ColchesterRFC and SnapChat @colchesterrugby where you'll be able to get live updates and see the action unfold.

Youth on Sunday

We've got plenty of exciting games on display this Sunday. Our youth and mini teams are the future of this club so come over and watch the next 1st XV in the making!

England v Australia this Saturday

We will be showing the final England game in the clubhouse although we reckon you'll be able to see just as good a game if you pop out and watch our home sides this weekend (but then we're biased!). The last game of the Old Mutual Wealth series will be kicking off at 2.30PM.

Supporters of the Week!

As promised last week, we’re taking pics of supporters with full CRFC kit on to go into a raffle for exciting prizes.

Pictured are this week’s winners Adam and Charlie Smith who will be joining us for lunch this Saturday.

They’re pictured snapping up their bargains at last Sunday’s mega Christmas Market.

They’ll join dad and club workhorse Jon Smith as guests of gold sponsor Strident Technology who do all the club’s IT stuff.

To coin a phrase ‘You’ve got to be in it, to win it’ so buy yours in the shop or outside at ‘Burger the Hut’ at the special price of £15 for both our beanie hat & classic scarf or £20 for our 2017 bobble hat & college scarf! Get yours ASAP and cheer our boys on! #ComeOnCol

❄ Christmas Club Shop ❄

As here at CRFC we're the giving kind, we've got a different Christmas deal EVERY WEEK for you to enjoy at our club shop. This week we are offering you a retro beanie hat and classic scarf for just £15 or our new bobble hat and college scarf for £20!

There's a full stock list here, so have a browse and see if you can eye up any Christmas presents for the CRFC fans in your family- better still, come in and look in our shop yourself!

Be sure to stay tuned and keep an eye on our website so you don't miss future deals!

Throwback Thursday

It's everyone's favourite time of the week as we travel back in time to bask in the glory of the olden times!

This week’s #throwback was submitted by Neil Hamilton who after seeing the inspiring story of Roy Abrehart earlier this week found this newspaper clipping of Roy. We can only assume he is running (we are yet to confirm this at this time) in support of scrum half Scott Harries. In the distance Martin Spurr and Captain Danny Blacklock.

We would like to reiterate that this photo was not taken on Saturday! Contrary to popular belief. However, we are trying to work out what year this article is from so if you have any idea please do get in touch!

We are always happy to receive photos however old or new they are! If you think you have something worthy of our Throwback Thursday please do get in touch!

Who are the Patrons?

This Saturday is the Patron’s second lunch. For people who aren’t aware of who they are or what they do, or want to become one themselves you can find out here..

Formed four years ago by veteran half-back combo John Powell (pictured right, a LONG time ago) and Colin Perkins, the CRFC Patrons programme provides a route for individuals can support the ambitions of CRFC.

We now have over seventy Patrons who pay a minimum of £200 to support the progression of the 1st XV. Their contribution goes towards coaching, travel, physio, rehabilitation and all the other costs of playing in national leagues.

In return Patrons get a match day lunch with drinks reception, recognition in the clubhouse and on the web site plus a free entry into a raffle for two international tickets. Plus of course, a warm glow from making a real difference to the club they love.

Our target is to get to 100 Patrons. If you are interested in joining our merry band, please email John Powell or Colin Perkins here.

Volunteers at Lunch

At CRFC we always appreciate our volunteers and to show our thanks we invite three to a free lunch at every home game.

This week we have Mac who, after being groundsman for nearly fifty years (!), has helped with the maintenance of the club-house and assisting with the mini & youth kit

Kevin Rixon has helped organise almost everything on match days from kit and match balls to referee liaison.

Mike Greaves is the man in charge of the busy Club Shop and has been for many years. His help especially during this busy Christmas period is always appreciated.

Child safety

A reminder on our Safeguarding Policies

In the light of recent media reports regarding football and child abuse we would like to remind people that CRFC has many strict safeguarding policies which can be found here.

Our Safeguarding Officer Jon Smith has created an overview of what we do at Colchester Rugby Club to ensure everyone from spectators to players have a safe, enjoyable experience.

If you have any worries or questions do not hesitate to contact Jon Smith.

Mixed Touch Tournament #Can'tTouchThis

We will be holding our first in-house touch rugby tournament on the 12th December. It will be a round robin tournament and there will be a prizes for:

Best male player
Best female player
The winning team
Best team name
Best Christmas outfit

*so get creative!

To enter a team you’ll need to have 6-8 players. Then send us the names of the players on your team and your team name by the 5th December.

Do not worry if you cannot find a team - players that can't find a team will be put into a BaaBaas team on the day!

Sponsor Spotlight

In addition to our regular members who turn up for home lunches week in week out we are also pleased to welcome club sponsors Whitehall Resources, Collier & Catchpole and BDG Design together with their guests.

We are also joined by regulars Strident Technology and Maguire Roofing who have taken advantage of our new Flexi-Lunch offer. Special mention too to C3 Imaging who print our match programmes as part of their sponsorship agreement.

Vacancy: Press Officer

A vacancy has opened up for the position of CRFC Press Officer.

Applicants must:

+ Have good English and communication skills
+ Be outgoing to find news
+ Confident with digital and social media
+ Have a keen interest in rugby

You will be responsible for updating, creating new and engaging content for CRFC’s website, marketing campaigns and social media channels. Supporting traditional and other marketing at club matches and events during weekends.

This is a PAID position. If you would like to apply/ know someone and want a copy of the job description go to the web site or get in touch with the Club Secretary, Maggie Whiteman.

Watch out, our Marketing Apprentice is about!

Matt will be at the lunch tomorrow so Sponsors beware!

If you have any questions or queries about sponsoring the rugby club please do talk to him. He will be looking to talk to you to so you’ve been warned!

Matt is enrolled on the Digital Marketing & Social Media apprenticeship at Colchester Institute and will work on all aspects of CRFC’s marketing mix. His post is funded by Strident Technology in the first of many innovative ways that club sponsors will support the recruitment and development of CRFC players.

Matt has played for CRFC since the under-6s and was scrum half in last year’s unbeaten A XV. He wishes to point out that he is better than his twin brother, James, who occasionally graces the club with his presence.

Colchester Rugby Club gets Social...

At CRFC we have a wealth of online outlets filled with great content, so make sure you check out our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Snapchat: colchesterrugby.

Good luck to all our players in action this weekend!