There have been a number of changes for both sections with captains Chris Emmett retiring and Manon Bataille leaving to play rugby at a higher league level. The Club thanks both players for all their hard work and wish them every success.

The Men’s 1st XV will be captained by Allen Crawshaw with Ben Grant- Adamson being Vice Captain. The Dames Captain and Vice Captain will be announced shortly. The Dames coaching team is headed up again this season by Ray Cox. His support for the Dames since they were formed 10 years ago has been great. Ray is supported by Caroline Robinson (forwards) and Cherelle Jameson (backs), previous and current Windsor players.

These appointments again highlight the importance of keeping former and current players involved and importance of the Minis and Junior sections within the club as both players started playing rugby at Windsor RFC nearly 20 years ago.

The Senior Men’s squad also have a new forwards coach Jack Warren who will provide valuable support to Head Coach Andy Symons.

Jack’s recent experience has been as lead forwards analyst for London Irish and Bristol Bears and will be a great asset to the club

Please see below some comments from Men’s Captain Allen Crawshaw and Dames Manager Sharon Richards on their thoughts on the new season.

Comments from Allen Crawshaw

‘This season has potential to be one of the most successful and exciting seasons the senior section has had in the last few years with the 1st XV targeting promotion and the Dev. XV a top 3 finish. We have had a strong start to preseason with 35+ people at each session and the addition of Jack Warren (previously lead forwards analyst at London Irish and Bristol Bears).

The section continues to keep the strong record of colts and ex colts making the transition into senior rugby with any new players welcome at 7:30pm Tuesday and Thursday.’

Comments from Sharon Richards.

‘2023-24 was a successful season for The Dames, increasing our player numbers, improving our rugby skills, always playing with smiles on our faces and winning plenty of matches. For our 2024-25 season, we want to build on these achievements, focussing on player recruitment to further increase our squad size, introduce more women to our fantastic sport, further develop our coaches with opportunities to attend coaching courses, encourage our players to attend refereeing courses to understand the whistle side of our game, structured player development including individual position skills and the list goes on….(I won’t say anymore - I don’t want to spoil the surprises!).’

Other areas that we’ll give our focus and attention to, are supporting the ‘One Club’ culture across our club, fundraising for our exciting new clubhouse and offer support, encouragement and guidance to our future Dames…The Damsels!

We’ve got some exciting news in August….we’ll be announcing our new Captain and Vice-Captain for the coming season – keep an eye on our social media to find out who!

The future for the WRFC Women’s 1st XV is bright with plenty of fun, creativity, learning, support and new ventures along the way. I don’t know about you but I’m excited!

The Men’s 1st XV and Dames pre-season games start with a ‘Double Header’ against Union County RFC a touring team from the USA.

The bar will be open – Please come and support!

Ps- There will be a pre-season update on the Minis ,Juniors and Damsels next week.

Michael Crawshaw WINDSOR RFC Chair