Colchester rugby club had a chance to thank the sponsors who have given invaluable financial support to the club over the past 12 months at a reception at Raven Park.

The evening was also a first opportunity for those present to meet and chat with the new men’s first team assistant coaches, as well as a number of players and to put questions to head coach Mike Haywood.

“Your support is the biggest thing,” Mike told the assembled sponsors, made up of a range of local companies and other organisations, as well as individuals.

“You guys are the reason we are able to do what we do on the pitch, and we greatly appreciate all the contributions you make to the club.”

Mike introduced his two new player-coaches, Jack Daly who has joined the club from Nat 1 side Blackheath and will be playing scrumhalf as well as coaching the backs, while Ben Kelland moves to Colchester from neighbours Bury, and will be the forwards coach as well as being a formidable presence in the second row.

The coach spoke about the club’s future plans, including developing links with the wider Colchester community, while on the pitch Haywood is looking to get as many players as possible to come up through the club system, from the minis and colts to the first team.
Following the team’s relegation from level four this season, Mike was bullish about the future.

“We know we are a National 1 side and that’s our vision. We want to get promoted, and we have the processes in place to do that. We have really good strength in depth in our first and second team squads.

“We had 50-odd guys play for the first team this season, including 20-odd guys come up from the twos to play for the ones. The biggest thing is giving those guys an opportunity, and in the process growing them as players.”

Off the pitch, Mike spoke about the need to improve the club’s gym facilities to boost player fitness and appealed to the assembled company for help in achieving that goal.

Just ahead of a buffet supper, general manager Claire Seller outlined the ever-increasing number of functions being staged in the clubhouse, cementing links with the local community while also raising essential revenue.

The club always welcomes new sponsors, and to discuss such opportunities contact commercial manager Bill Rhys Jones at bill.rhysjones@gmail.com.