As our summer holidays fade into the rear view mirror and Rugby World Cup fever builds throughout the Country, there's an obvious 'buzz of rugby excitement' at Havant as we launch our National, Regional, County, Academy, Junior, Mini and Walking Rugby campaigns for the 2025/26 Season.

It is obvious that much hard work (as always) has been undertaken on and off the pitch over the summer to get our players, teams and squads prepared. My thanks as always to the managers, coaches, medical and support staff for their Herculean efforts to get us to the start line.

I wish all Teams 'good luck' for the season and look forward to hearing how your adventures unfold.

As most will be aware, there is significant churn within the Club House Management Team at the moment with Paddy and Johnny moving on over the summer . We have welcomed Kerry as our new Operations Manager and are in the final stages of recruiting a new Marketing, Sales and Events Manager who will join us early in the season. As you can imagine, it is a huge challenge for the new team to 'spin up' for the start of the season and our focus is firmly fixed on a successful National League home fixture against Oxford on Saturday.

As a Club we are constantly adjusting our 'levers' to find the right balance to best enable our rugby operations. Post the review at the AGM, we will be aligning with other clubs operating within National League 2 and consequently charging a £10 gate entry for this season. Havant RFC Members will continue to qualify for a free season ticket for home League game entry. If you have not yet got your membership, you are encouraged to sign before this weeks match. Members will also continue to benefit from reduced food and beverage costs at the bars and cafe (currently @15% for 2025/26 season). Please see the website for full membership benefits.

As mentioned there is significant churn within the Club House at the moment and there are some minor technical issues yet to be resolved around updating and linking our GMS, Fanbase, and Membership card systems. If you are impacted at all, my request to you as members is to 'lean in and assist' where you can, and please be patient when necessary as we find resolution to problems as they arise.

If there are any queries, please look out for our 'Members drop in night' this Thursday where our Club Secretary will be available to assist with membership issues.

An finally, whether it be on or off the pitch I ask you all to uphold the core values of Rugby, namely Teamwork, Respect (be it to players, officials or club staff), Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

Yours in Rugby
Nigel
Chair