Happy New Year, Everyone!

We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and enjoyed the festive break. Here’s a quick recap of our recent league weekend and festive fixtures to bring everyone up to speed:

1XV Match Recap:
Our 1XV game at YM was unfortunately cut short after just 12 minutes due to a serious-looking injury to Melon. Thankfully, despite the scare, the diagnosis points to a suspected broken shoulder, and we’re relieved that there are no more severe consequences. Melon is on the mend, and we wish him a speedy recovery!

A massive thank you to everyone who stepped up during this challenging situation, with special appreciation to Beth and Dan from SportsMedEast. Their incredible support in awful conditions during the lengthy ambulance wait was above and beyond. The match has now been rescheduled for Thursday, 25th January – mark your calendars!

2XV Marching On:
A huge congratulations to our 2XV, who secured another impressive victory, keeping their promotion push firmly on track. It’s a great “problem” to have had 26 players available for selection on the day – a testament to the depth and strength in the squad. Shout-outs to Josh Marram and Disco Rick for all their behind-the-scenes efforts to make this possible!

Festive Fixtures:
If you managed to catch the festive action, you’ll know it was a weekend to remember:

• Simpson Cup: On Friday night, under the lights, the Chairmans XV – made up of students and expats – faced a Club XV in a thrilling clash. The 31-31 draw was a fitting end to a highly competitive and entertaining game, adding another great event to our social calendar.
• U21s Tournament: On Saturday, our U21s, featuring former Colts, finished as runners-up in a four-team tournament at Ipswich. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces back in the blue and black. Here’s hoping some of them are available for this weekend’s games – this is exactly what the U21s legacy is all about!

Looking Ahead:
We’ve got two big, winnable games coming up this weekend, with both teams aiming to continue their promotion push. Let’s bring the energy and show our support for the lads – Let’s go, Bridge!

Fixture Update:

Our next home game is this weekend, 4th January.  The 1XV will be playing against Wisbech. We will be hosting a celebration luncheon for Adrian Johnson who played a huge part to the club. Due to COVID and therefore we were restricted as to what we could do, therefore it seems fitting now to remember in the way, we at Hatchely Barn know how.

The lunch will be a 2 course of Hog Roast with sides – if you’d like to attend, please advise Tim Johnson directly on on email: chairman@woodbridgerugbyclub.net

The 2XV will be away to Colchester which is also set to be a great game for those that are able to make it there.

Super Saturday: 18th January.
Last year, we hosted an ex-players lunch where we had a double header of both the 1XV and 2XV and the day was a huge success, for those that might remember!! So successful, we can’t wait for another double header!  The 2XV game initially scheduled at Clacton on will now take place at home as part of a doubleheader, coinciding with the ex-players’ lunch. It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting day – we promise NOT to run out of beer this time so don’t miss it!

As always, we thank you for your support which has been fantastic this season so far….long may this continue!!

They’re here! 

Our first batch of Woodbridge Rugby Club Warriors calendars has arrived, and they look absolutely fantastic—thanks to the amazing collaboration with Sam Few Photography 

 A4: £12
 A5: £7
 Desktop: £5

ALL profits go to cancersupportsuffolk, so every purchase supports an incredible cause. 

If you miss out on this first batch, don’t worry – turnaround time is about 10 days, and we can order plenty more. But don’t wait too long—these make the perfect Christmas present for rugby fans! 

Order forms will be at the rugby club, or message us directly to reserve yours.

Thank you for supporting the Warriors, Sam Few Photography, and this wonderful cause! 

🎄 A Special Day to Celebrate, Support, and Give Back! 🎄

Andy Rankin has been a cornerstone of our club for many years. From coaching our U6s all the way through to the Colts, to being the go-to guy for securing international tickets for our members, Andy’s contributions have been nothing short of incredible. You might even have seen him rocking out in the fantastic band The Flaming Cheeks!

See our events page for more information

🎄Tis the Season – 7th December 2024 🎄

Over the last few weeks we have seen some highs and lows of this great game by our great squad.  The next couple of weeks are going to be testing and tiring as we lead up to the big day that is Christmas…So let the festivities begin, back our boys and join us at Hatchley Barn where our Warriors take on The Crusaders, and this is always an exciting game!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank FENRIDGE LTD, whom are our sponsors for this Lunch.

See our events page for more information

🏉 Woodbridge Rugby Club Heritage Shirt – Now Available! 🏉

We’re thrilled to offer you the chance to own a Woodbridge Rugby Club Heritage Shirt. This is more than just a shirt; it’s a celebration of nearly 50 years of rugby and community spirit.

Be part of our rich history and proud future by wearing this iconic shirt with pride. Whether you’re on the sidelines, at an event, or simply out and about, show your support for the club that has been at the heart of our community for decades.

Get yours today and wear it as a symbol of our shared heritage and the bond that makes Woodbridge Rugby Club so special. Join the tradition! 🏉💙

£50 per shirt

 Order by 20th December 2024

ORDER HERE

How to Pay

Bank Transfer to WRUFC
Sort: 20-98-07
Account: 10775916

Referencing your purchase is going to be key so here are some examples. Inital+Surname+Sleeve+Size

EScarrattSS36 – short sleeve 36″chest

🎉  Mark Your Calendars – 16th November! 🎉

Get ready for an epic day at the club filled with rugby action and thrilling races!

🏉 GAME DAY 🏉

Join us for lunch with the perfect autumnal menu

THE MENU

Carrot and Coriander soup with crusty bread.
Chicken wrapped in bacon, with a creamy mushroom sauce, baby potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Warm waffles with vanilla ice cream and fruit compote.

Our first match of the day with Kick Off at 2pm, The Woodbridge VETS take on Colchester

Kick off for the 1st XV will be at 3pm who take on Thurston!

£25 – Please reserve you space with by emailing chairman@woodbridgerugby.net by Wednesday 13th November 2024.

And to wrap it all up…

🐎 Annual Race Night!
Join us post-game for an evening of exciting horse racing, food, drinks, and great company. A perfect day to line the stomach, line the pockets, and soak up the autumn vibes.

Tag your mates and let’s make it a day to remember! 🍂

£5 entry + 1 bet AND food!!

Woodbridge Warriors vs March Bears

The 1XV Woodbridge Warriors head to March to play against the March Bears – a road trip indeed but the support, as always, will always be welcome and set to be a great game!!

Get signed up if you can!!

A great opportunity for those that want to challenge themselves by our Ambassador team – Northampton Saints – Friday 1st November and open to ages 6 – 16….

The U11s embarked on an exciting road trip on Saturday, 28th September, to compete in the prestigious Defender Cup, hosted at none other than the Northampton Saints Rugby Ground. With 16 teams from across the region and nationwide participating, it was an incredible opportunity for the young players of Woodbridge to test themselves against some top-tier competition. From the moment they stepped onto the field, it was clear that this was going to be a day to remember.

Woodbridge demonstrated immense teamwork throughout the tournament, with each player contributing to the group’s overall success. Every pass, tackle, and try was the result of a collective effort. Instead, they played with a strong sense of unity, embodying the true spirit of rugby—a sport where every player is essential to the team’s performance. This approach was key to their dominance in the group stage, where they won all their matches, conceding only 1 try right in the last 3 minute of their last match!. Their disciplined style of play, relentless energy, and support for one another made them a formidable side.

However, the Defender Cup isn’t just about victories on the scoreboard. In line with the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) values, the competition is judged on the five core principles known as TREADS: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. These values are at the heart of the game and are equally, if not more important, than the number of tries scored or matches won. Woodbridge’s U11 team took these values to heart, displaying them in every game they played. Whether it was offering a hand to an opponent after a hard tackle, encouraging one another on the field, or maintaining discipline during tight moments, the U11s consistently showcased the spirit of the sport.

Their commitment to these values didn’t go unnoticed. Coach Ian Bowley was named with the prestigious ‘Coach of the Day’ award, a testament to the dedication and guidance he has provided to this group of young players, who is excellently supported by Tom, Martin, Nathan and Tom. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, helps cultivate a culture of respect and teamwork. While winning games is always a thrill, for the Woodbridge U11s, having their coach recognized for instilling the right principles in his team was an even greater victory, it’s a proud moment when a coach’s efforts are acknowledged, and the award is a reflection of not only Ian and the coaches hard work but also the collective ethos of the entire squad.

The day wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the parents and guardians, who made the journey to Northampton to cheer on the team. Their enthusiasm from the sidelines created an atmosphere that fueled the players’ determination to perform at their best. The sense of community that surrounds this group is evident—parents, players, and coaches all coming together to create lasting memories and learning experiences.

After their own matches had concluded, the young Warriors had the special treat of watching the Northampton Saints take on Exeter Chiefs in what was a thrilling encounter. Witnessing professional rugby players compete at such a high level was an inspiring experience for the team, giving them a glimpse of where hard work and dedication can lead. Along with all other teams from the mornings tournament, they were all paraded round the pitch during half term, allowing them to soak up the atmosphere from the the pitchside, which perhaps one day, they may experience for the real deal!

For many of the U11s, this was likely a moment they’ll never forget—watching their idols in action and seeing the same core values of teamwork and sportsmanship they strive for every week on display in a professional match.

As the final whistle blew, and with some of the team heading home, a few determined players stayed behind, eager to collect autographs from their new rugby heroes. It was the perfect end to an already incredible day—an opportunity to meet the players they had cheered for and who had, in turn, shown them the professional level of the game.

But at the end of the day, the real heroes were our very own U11 players. They displayed fantastic sportsmanship, skill, and, above all, a deep sense of camaraderie that made each and every one of them a winner. The team’s performance, both in terms of their results and their attitude on the field, is something they can be truly proud of.

A special thank you to A. Johnson for perfectly capturing the essence of the day and summing up the shared pride of everyone involved with this short video. The Defender Cup may be over, but the lessons and experiences will stay with these young players for many years to come.

The Wins!!

7-0 Old Scouts
6-0 Bugbrooke
3-0 Olney
4-0 Wellingborough
7-1 Biecester

It was a classic tale of David vs Goliath on a brisk Saturday afternoon as Woodbridge 1XV travelled two long, arduous hours to Wisbech, home of the hulking giants sitting atop the Counties 2 Eastern Counties, London & SE Division. Woodbridge, boasting a team that could generously be described as “patchwork,” featuring everything from wide-eyed debutants to wily veterans with more bruises than an overripe banana, prepared to face their toughest challenge yet. With a long injury list and players conveniently “unavailable” (perhaps hiding at the local pub), the odds were stacked higher than Wisbech’s 25-stone prop.

First Half: The Slumbering Giant Awakens

The game started like an episode of “World’s Strongest Man,” with Wisbech’s enormous pack thundering down the field, leaving Woodbridge’s valiant defenders looking like toddlers in the path of a steamroller. Their behemoth of a prop, seemingly built from pure protein shakes and kettlebells, barrelled over for the first try. Wisbech’s scrum-half coolly slotted the conversion from the sidelines, and it looked like Goliath had brought his A-game. 7-0 Wisbech.

But Woodbridge weren’t about to roll over. Staring down their giant opponents, they decided it was time to show that size isn’t everything. From the restart, Woodbridge’s Eddie Johnson pounced like a hungry cat at a buffet, stealing possession from Wisbech’s oversized forwards. Some quick hands and a silky offload from Sam Jackson set up Jake Hately to bulldoze through the Wisbech centres. Although dragged down just shy of the try line, Woodbridge won a penalty, and Tom Morris sent the ball soaring between the posts. 7-3.

Wisbech, visibly confused by Woodbridge’s defiance (and perhaps wondering if they’d accidentally switched sports), responded with another try out wide, though this time their kicker must have been dreaming of post-match burgers as the conversion sailed wide. 12-3.

Woodbridge refused to back down, earning another penalty after some agricultural tackling from Wisbech’s forwards. Once again, Tom Morris coolly slotted it, and Woodbridge were back within striking distance. 12-6.

Feeling their tails up, Woodbridge began winning the set-piece battle. In a David-esque turn of events, they shoved the bigger Wisbech pack off their own scrum ball. Even the referee, who probably expected this to be a Wisbech walkover, raised an eyebrow. A penalty for a high tackle followed, and Morris slotted yet another kick. 12-9.

But just as Woodbridge were beginning to think they might pull off the upset of the century, Goliath reared his ugly head again. Another massive Wisbech forward rumbled over the line, restoring their lead just before halftime. 17-9 to Wisbech.

Second Half: Woodbridge’s Finest Hour

After a pep talk that likely involved a mix of motivational clichés and promises of post-match beverages, Woodbridge returned to the field with a new level of ferocity. They attacked Wisbech with pace, skill, and, most importantly, belief. A slick backline move saw Joseph Sugu smash through Wisbech’s defence before flicking a no-look, behind-the-back pass (rumoured to be inspired by a YouTube rugby highlight reel) to Jake Hately, who darted over for a sensational try. Tom Morris added the extras, and Woodbridge were ahead! 19-17 to David!

For the next 30 minutes, it was trench warfare. Wisbech, furious at the idea of being beaten by a team they had probably written off as a Sunday social squad, threw everything they had at Woodbridge. But every time a Wisbech player was met with a tackle, it was as if Woodbridge had found an extra gear—or possibly borrowed one from the nearby tractor. Time and time again, they repelled Wisbech’s advances. The forwards crashed into rucks like men possessed, and the backs tackled anything that moved.

As the clock ticked down, it looked like Woodbridge might pull off the impossible. But with just two minutes left, Wisbech’s relentless pressure finally broke through. One last surge from their gigantic forwards saw them squeeze over for a heartbreaking try, sealing a 24-19 victory.

Final Whistle: Giants Prevail, but Heroes Emerge

In the end, Wisbech may have taken the win, but Woodbridge took the pride. Against a team twice their size and at the top of the league, they showed heart, determination, and a willingness to fight tooth and nail. Though Goliath may have won this round, David left the field with heads held high, knowing they gave the giants of Wisbech one heck of a scare.

And after all, isn’t that what rugby’s all about?