Tireless work gets Hastings and Bexhill RFC back on pitch

Throughout the Covid lockdowns, the committee have worked continuously to ensure the club is as fit as possible for the eventual restart. Government and Hastings Borough Council grants have enabled the club to install new boilers and to update much of the routine equipment required to train for and play rugby.

The loyalty of the membership in continuing to pay subscriptions has been greatly appreciated; it has meant utility bills have been paid and the general upkeep of the club’s facilities and grounds have been maintained.

The junior section (players aged 11-17) have been first to start training again this week over the next week or so the minis and seniors will return to action. There is the hope of fixtures against local clubs in May and June before the return to a full programme in September.

Plans are in place to re-instate the much loved Mini Festival of Rugby for players aged seven to 11 in the autumn.

An exciting new addition to the coaching and playing equipment is a video camera that tracks the ball throughout the game and training sessions. It will enable new senior coach Leslie Hunter to explain and highlight aspects of the game to enable the players to develop their skills.

Hastings & Bexhill RFC are a family club and have planned a summer event for families on July 3 including a barbecue, bouncy castle, other fun events and rugby related activities on a fantastic afternoon and evening of fun.

President Roy Wake has challenged chairman Jeremy Hohenkerk to select a XV to take on his team to mark the opening of the new season on September 4. It is hoped that this will become an annual event.

The Azur on St Leonards seafront will host a return to rugby dinner dance on Saturday, September 11. A three-course meal followed by dancing will open the season with a bang.

The club said: “As we move forward we must remember the core values of rugby; teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are the fundamentals of our sport; and in these times of difficulty we shall uphold them at all times.”