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    Northwich
   
Rugby Union Football Club
   -the community rugby club for Mid Cheshire

Formed in 1965

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© Copyright

News Archive

Archive News & press releases
Page set aside for archived news items relating to the club, sport in Cheshire or Vale Royal.

2008 click here

2004 Click here

2007 click here

2003 Click here

2006 Click here

2002 Click here

2005 Click here

Rugby School flyer[1]

Half Term Rugby School
Boys and girls are welcome to take part in a Rugby school during half term on Friday October 30th between 10am and 3pm.

For more information please contact Ian Grassby on 07752 447906.

To download this flyer in pdf format please click here

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- Saturday 19th December
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This year’s annual President’s Day will be on Saturday 19th December. As usual this will be a day to celebrate club glories and memories past and present as well as watch some great rugby and of course everyone is welcome to join us down at Moss Farm. This year the day will feature a North 1 West League with the 1st XV playing against Liverpool St. Helens with KO at 2.30pm. Liverpool St. Helens are the oldest rugby club in England and currently vying with Northwich for promotion places in a tightly fought league. They are a very strong side and will be looking for revenge after we won in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Before, during and after the match there will be refreshments available for children & adults alike and a veterans game is also planned against Knutsford with an early kick-off of 12.30 pm.

As always the club will also be inviting sponsors and VIP’s and they will be provided lunch from 1pm as the club’s guests. After the main game concludes, at around 4pm there will be presentation of man-of-the-match awards.

The bar will of course remain open after the game for beer & refreshments to meet the players and hopefully celebrate a league win. For more information about the day please feel free to contact Sam Naylor on snaylor@northwichrufc.co.uk or 07772 611274 or for sponsors and VIP’s please contact Colin Johnson on cjohnson@northwichrufc.co.uk. or 07831 785972. See you all there!

2009-Tour

2008-9 Tour in Spain
Places will be booking fast for the Seniors tour in May 2009. The cost will be £330 each, contact Robbo 07912 415018 or Rick Smith on 07791 709109 before the end of September 2008 to guarantee your place.   

Women win plate
The Women’s 10’s competition run at the Northwich Festival over the bank holiday weekend proved to be big success with Waterloo winning the tournament. Northwich had a great day though and won the plate competition. More pictures on the Women’s web site  

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Ladies team is hoping to change the game’s image.
Northwich captain Natalie Wilson hopes to get more girls giving rugby a go, ahead of the new season.
“We need more numbers,” she said. “It’s time to put a stop to the stereotypes, ladies rugby is not just big, powerful players who can run fast – there is a position on the pitch to suit everybody regardless of their ability.” and it’s new recruits she is hoping to attract this time. The team got together four years ago when a group of ex-University students decided to carry on playing after their graduation. They formed Northwich Ladies RUFC. “It seemed a natural thing to do,” said Wilson.
“We wanted to keep playing rugby together so we started the team on our own.” Now many of the original members have moved on, leaving space for newcomers. And Wilson is calling on girls who have partners playing the game every weekend to follow suit and sign up for scrums. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” she said. “I found out quickly that Saturday is sacred for rugby.” Former footballers have turned to rugby and never returned to the round ball, while others play to keep fit. An active social section keeps up spirits after a defeat. The team trains every Tuesday at Moss Farm from 7pm. If you would like to find out more about playing rugby for Northwich Ladies RUFC, call Natalie Wilson on 07788 502682.

Northwich Ladies RUFC have their own web site at www.northwichwomensrugby.co.uk. , plus don’t forget if your are under 18 you can still play in the U18’s girls team we run with Sandbach RUFC. More information about women’s rugby in the region or across the UK is at the following sites - Womens Rugby North West and the RFU for Women

2008-9 County Honours
Northwich RUFC have started early this year with County representatives. Two players have been selected to play at U18’s and both have played in all the county games against Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire. Well done lads.

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2009 Club Calendar is courtesy of the Womens XV
In a bold new venture the club’s 2009 calendar will feature the Northwich RUFC Women’s XV. Thanks to team captain Natalie Wilson, the team feature in ‘club kit’ (see cover page on left) to help raise funds to cover the running costs of the team. Copies of the calendar are already selling pretty fast so reserve your copy now for £10, directly with Natalie or Colin Johnson, by email using calendars@northwichrufc.co.uk or by fax on 0700 606 1106. Don’t forget to send details of your address and phone number and number of copies you want.

Calendar cover page featuring nine of the women’s team. Buy the calendar for high definition colour shots of the all the team.

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Three Northwich Women players make County grade
Three Northwich women players were selected to play in the recent Cheshire vs Lancashire county game on September 28th. Pictured here Natalie Wilson, Mel McPhillips and Hayley Coutts were thrilled to be selected and fly the flag for Northwich. They all threw themselves into the match held at Caldy Rugby club, but found it tough going against Lancashire, made up mainly from experienced and high ranking women’s teams Waterloo and Vale of Lune. Nevertheless are looking forward to the next county fixture. 
If you are over 18 and interested in playing rugby for the Northwich women’s team see the women’s web site for more information.  

Colts win Whitchurch Shield
The Colts won the Shield competition at this year’s Whitchurch U18’s tournament on Sunday 5th April. Good wins against Flyde, Oswestry and Bridgenorth secured the Shield, with only a narrow loss against Nant Conwy stopping Northwich going through into the main competition. See a full report and more pictures on the Colts team page.    

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Canadian tourist visit big success
Handsworth High School from North Vancouver enjoyed a two day sojorn in Cheshire during the last stages of their 2009 UK tour and were hosted by a mixture Northwich Colts and U16’s players. On Monday evening 29th March they played a mixture of Northwich players for an entertaining game of rugby watched by nearly 100 supporters. Well done lads, hope to see you again some day.  

Charity Tag for all!
Simon Clarke is organising a Charity Tag tournament event on June 10th down at Moss Farm from 4-8pm. Open to all age groups the team must have at least three female players in a squad of 10 ish. Free admisison but each team is expected to make a small donation to charity. If you want to enter please contact Simon Clarke on email at nrufc89@hotmail.com or Chris Jones at chrisjones@therfu.com

It’s a Knockout!
This the club will be entering teams into the Whitegate Charities ‘It’s a knockout’ event on Saturday June 13th. Please support the club and the Whitegate Charity (http://www.whitegatecharity.co.uk/). Northwich 1st XV were last years winners so please help support the club and have a great time, proceedings start early.

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2008-9 Club Awards evening
This years club awards evening at the Hartford Social Club was a big success. This year’s awards were as follows :
 

1st XV Player of the Year

Chris Heywood

1st XV Players’ Player

Stacey Hosking

1st XV Most Improved Player

Dave Farley

Jon Finch Memorial Award

Joel Barber

2nd XV Player of the year

Alistair Shimmin

2nd XV Most Improved Player

Lee Almack

3rd XV Player of the Year

John Talbot

3rd XV Most Improved Player

John Whelan

Ladies Players’ Player of the Year

Melanie McPhillips

Ladies Coaches Player of the Year

Julia Hopley, Rachel Phillips

Clubman of the Year

Rob Heath

2008-9 Club AGM
This years Annual General meeting will take place on May 20th at the Hartford Social Club at 7.30pm. All members of the Club are encouraged to attend this important meeting. The committee reminds everyone that only fully paid up members (2008/2009 season) who are over 18 years of age are entitled to vote on resolutions.The agenda will be issued on the day. Any members wishing to propose agenda items should send their proposal to trawling@northwichrufc.co.uk by 13th May. This is an AGM so topics should be of a constitutional nature and not operational issues, which should be handled by committees. Formal notice of the AGM is downloadable at AGM Notice (Word) or AGM Notice (pdf). - Minutes now online - click here (pdf)

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Toga Party
Natalie and BJ are organising the next fund raising event for the club. This will be a ‘Roman’ themed event with Fancy dress compulsory, a hog roast, ‘Roman’ games and Best dressed competition. The event will take place at the Green Bank Hotel on Saturday 4th July. The couple judged with the best costume will be crowned Emperor & Empress of Greenbankovia. The fun starts at 7pm, entrance on door will be £3.

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Northwich Festi2006-pic1val August 28th-31st
Preparations for the 25th Northwich Festival are well advanced and this years Bank Holiday weekend extravaganza promises to be the best yet. The four day Moss Farm based event involves non stop entertainment from Friday evening the 28th August and culminates on the Bank Holiday Monday with what is now regarded as one of the UK’s premier strongman events. The UK North Strongman www.ukstrongman-north.co.ukFinal will form the centrepiece of Monday’s activities and strongman organisers Mark Preece and Tim Pickering will bring together competitors from home and abroad. Four competitors have already qualified following an eliminator event held in Caernarfon earlier this month. A further four will be selected from the other eliminators. and these will be joined by four international standard invitees including Egor ‘The Terrible’ from Slovakia.

Cheshire FM (http://www.cheshirefm.co.uk/) will be heavily involved with this year’s proceedings and they will be organising one of the Marquee events on either the Friday or Sunday evening. Whichever date they do not choose will see a ‘Help the Heroes’ charity evening for what is a very worthy topical cause.

On Saturday 29th there will be two Rugby 10’s tournaments for Senior & Junior Colts & Ladies - see the Colts tournament page & Ladies team pages Womens for posters & entry forms for these events. Then Saturday evening will be the main music night with the up and coming band The Critchley Stance (web site) supporting the hugely popular Cheeky Monkey. More bands are joining all the time to make Saturday night a night to remember - keep an eye on all the bands taking part at the Festival site

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Sunday 30th sees the Novice Strongman event organised by Mark Preece 07974 157280, plus all day competition from scores of North West Dancing Troupes

Monday 31st To supplement the usual Bank Holiday Monday activities which kick off with a massive car boot sale this years Festival Committee have added a varied musical flavour. Mike Blake’s Transport Company of Little Leigh will be promoting up and coming local music talent and so far three acts are set to entertain what is hoped to be a bumper crowd. Male Duo ‘One Night Stand’ fronted by Colin Hickson ex Northwich RUFC player, female guitarist and aspiring Duffy/Amy Winehouse charismatic singer Helen Fuller who has a gorgeous voice, as well as promising four-piece female fronted original rock band, 'Dirty Little Minds’ are all booked to perform. All details at Festival site

If there are further acts out there or any local clubs or organisations who wish to appear then contact Sam Naylor on 07772 611274. The same invite goes to local companies or organisations who wish to promote themselves at this years ‘Best Value for Money Event in the Northwich Social Calendar

Club to host seminar on recruitment of Overseas players
Colin Johnson will be hosting a seminar at Moss Farm on Monday April 20th at 7pm., to share information and insights into the recruitment and retention of overseas players playing rugby in England. All interested parties are welcome. The agenda is as follows:-
-
The law in respect of visitors visas and recent changes
- The lengthening time scales to process paperwork & actions needed.
- Differences now between Australian/New Zealand players and those with Pacific Island passports.
- Players written contracts (they are becoming a necessity)
- Advice on making an offer.
- Advice on agency responsibilities and terms
- Recruiting UK and European based players.
- Accommodation and a case study
Please contact Colin if you’d like to book a place. Colin is at cjohnson@northwichrufc.co.uk or 01606 891229
Also see our International Player web pages. or download invitation.

England vs Argentina June 6th @ Old Trafford
The first rugby international for many years will be played at Old Trafford (yes Old Trafford) on June 6th. As members of the RFU, the club can get preferential tickets allocated although we have to make bookings by March 30th via the club. If you want to go but haven’t got tickets see your coach first on or before Sunday 29th at the latest (as tickets may have already been ordered) or contact Trevor Rawling on trawling@northwichrufc.co.uk . If you miss the deadline for preferential tickets you can book directly with Manchester United by emailing this application form to Manchester United - details are on the application form. Or you can speak to the ticket office on 0161 868 8000 option 9. 

Its rare to see a full international in the North West so lets give England our full support. Lots of Northwich members and players have already booked tickets.  

NRUFC-2008-9- Junior Tour Poster
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Junior tours will be in May 2009
The first weekend in May will be quiet in Northwich as all the mini and juniors teams go on tour. This year the U13, U14 & U15’s will be going to the Kingswood Centre in North Wales and the mini teams will be going to Blaydon near Newcastle. Aside from the chance to let off some steam and enjoy the facilities at the tour centres - this year the Kingswood Centres (www.kingswood.co.uk) - players get the chance to get to know their team members better and always come back better citizens. For players and parents who have questions about the tour please contact your team coach or manager, tour forms can be downloaded from the links below. Tour deposits of £30 are due by 23rd November.
Junior Tour - Signup form
Minis Tour - Signup form

ball 2009 poster

Spring Ball-tickets now on sale
Lets make this our largest annual Spring Ball on Saturday 14th March. There will be superb 5 course meal, raffles and top class entertainment with the live band ‘Soul Society’ and disco. Tickets are now on sale at £35 per head. We want to make this a premier event, so invite your friends along, why not make up a table and have a fantastic night out to really support the club and make this a great fund raising event. Hurry tickets are selling fast. Pop into the club shop or call Ken & Melaine Houghton on 01606 558677 or Ursula Heath on 01606 738288 or email us on springball@northwichrufc.co.uk                     January 2009

Colts make it to National Cup Competition
Thanks to a late rally in their league form, the Junior Colts have now been placed into the Northern Division ‘Shield’ Cup competition. They now face Wetherby Colts in the Quarter finals to be played on Sunday March 8th. Well done lads and good luck over in Yorkshire. Click here or Colts team page, results and pictures. 

Xmas & New Year message from the Club Chairman
As 2008 comes to an end it is time to take stock of our situation and although the 1st XV could have been in a higher position I think that overall the club is in good nick and that we can move forward collectively in 2009. Believe you me, compared to many other senior clubs, (other Chairman speak frankly to me), Northwich RUFC is in superb condition. All sections; seniors, juniors and ladies are motivated and well led. We are financially solvent and are a real community club. We have a dedicated and hard working committee packed full of talented volunteers who give up their time willingly to serve the club and in the Colts and older junior teams we possess some exciting future talent. Whatever you do for this club, in whatever role, I and the Committee want to thank you and ask you to keep participating and take us upwards and onwards in 2009. Thanks again for your contribution and keep on doing what you do for Northwich RUFC 'The Team of the Town.'
                                                                                                  January 2009