THE RESULTS ARE IN!! 
You are invited to show/share your support to the beer festival, which you will now know is an annual fixture in our calendar.
Based on feedback and attendance figures from the past two years, we’ve decided to streamline the festival to two fantastic days this year.
The festival will take place on Friday, 6th June, from 6:30 PM (with a Sponsors Happy Hour from 5:30 PM) and on Saturday, 7th June, from 1:00 PM (with a Sponsors Happy Hour from 12:00 PM).
There will be live music, fantastic food to soak up the beer and not forgetting the now famous Touch Rugby Tournament that will take place on Saturday afternoon. We welcome back Charlie Law who will be hosting the popular MIC on the Terrace for our open mic session. Click on the image below so you can see the poster more clearly. EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!!!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are so reliant on wonderful volunteers for the duration – whether that’s pulling a pint, serving at the Spirit Bar or keeping a safe eye on the young ones as they bounce around on the bouncy castle or just help direct a visitor to what they need….we need you, simply!! Please contact us on beerfest@woodbridgerugby.net if you can help.
Staging an event of this nature naturally involves significant costs, even more so this year, sadly, and we are once again reaching out to our generous supporters for their assistance. We understand that economic conditions can present challenges, but we sincerely hope you will consider partnering with us again this year.
We have a few options to sponsor for the festival, and you can see below what is available. As of this week, we can offer a dual sponsorship on the cups along side Greene King, so splitting this cost 50/50 – this needs to be locked down in the next couple of weeks to get designs in place. Also the Gin & Rum Bar which will now be a specialist Spirit Bar has been taken.
If you are able to sponsor a cask this year, please do get in touch: beerfest@woodbridgerugby.net. To help us with the smooth organisation of the festival, we would be grateful if you could submit your sponsorship before the end of May.
Match Report: Woodbridge 2XV vs. Harwich & Dovercourt – The Match of the Century
It was a day of great expectations and lower-than-average tackle techniques as second-placed Woodbridge 2XV hosted third-placed Harwich & Dovercourt in the most eagerly awaited clash of this season, at least. For the record, Mistley RFC are still top, which is honestly none of our business.
Before the game kicked off, bets were being taken in the warm up on who would “take out” the giant Harwich had bought with them, a 7ft tall number 8 with biceps bigger than most Woodbridge players thighs, and who would seemingly dwarf even Eben Etzebeth…
The game kicked off with the usual absurd amount of aggression, as both teams clattered into each other like two shopping trolleys filled with bricks. It was clear that both sides had come for a game of rugby, not to mention a few early injuries. Maybe not to each other, but let’s be honest, who isn’t here for a bit of carnage? The first 10 minutes were an orgy of big hits and questionable decisions, before someone finally remembered we were here to play rugby and not just make each other’s bones rattle.
In the 11th minute, Scott Backhouse decided enough was enough and muscled through the Harwich defence like he was pushing a shopping trolley in a packed supermarket, breaking free after a solid scrum by Woodbridge No. 8, Henry Butler. Try was unconverted, because that’s just the way we do things here. 5-0 to Woodbridge.
The next 7 minutes were just a blur of brilliance from Sam Jackson, who scored, then scored again (because apparently Harwich had forgotten that they could actually tackle him). Both tries were unconverted, but let’s be real: does anyone really care about conversions at this point?
Then came the pass. In the 27th minute, Jackson threw a “NO YOU DICKHEAD!!”, “SAM WHAT THE F$$k!” “NO SAM!!!” “How in the hell did you do that?” “This guy doesn’t play this level”, 50-yard pass straight to Sam Cornebey, who somehow knew what was happening, and caught the ball, before running it over for another unconverted try. If that wasn’t ridiculous enough, Jackson then broke the line again, threw an inside pass to an almost full speed Barney Harper (who nearly scored but got dragged down, just to add drama), before popping it to Ed Johnson who did the exact same thing. Fortunately, Jackson finished what he had started, making it 22-0 in the 29th minute, with the conversion (finally) in, albeit perhaps by accident.
The score line started resembling a video game, with Backhouse barrel-rolling through the Harwich defence as if their defence had gone on a short break, making the score line even more impressive. But, of course, Harwich decided to show up in the 36th minute, finally scoring a converted try to make it 27-7. But don’t get too excited, Harwich fans; Woodbridge weren’t having any of it.
Tom Frohn then waltzed through the Harwich defence in the 38th minute like he was performing on strictly come dancing, and manoeuvring through players like they weren’t even there. It like watching Swan Lake, as he scored under the posts. After this majestic play, the dazed and startled referee asked for a 60 second pause while he digested what had just happened. Try was converted. 34-7 at halftime. It could’ve been 100-7, but we’ll just leave it at that.
HALF-TIME BREAK
The second half began like a bad sequel, with Sam Jackson picking up right where he left off—scoring again in the 44th minute after sidestepping three players to make it 48-7. Harwich tried to get a bit of respect back in the 56th minute with a converted try, but it was as useful as a chocolate teapot. 48-12.
Then, like clockwork, Sam Jackson intercepted a pass from Harwich’s No. 10 in the 58th minute and sprinted down the field for another converted try. 55-12, and Harwich were probably wondering what the hell just happened.
Tom Frohn had another cheeky run into the corner in the 61st minute, but the try was unconverted. Still, who’s counting at this point? The score line was beginning to look like a rugby version of Monopoly – a game that only one team was winning, and that team was Woodbridge. In the 68th minute, Barney Harper ran through Harwich’s defence with such speed that it looked like he was being chased by a bear or maybe he is actually the real Flash…? Try unconverted, but it didn’t really matter.
In the 70th minute, Henry Butler capped off the performance by busting through the Harwich defence from a scrum play like he was a hot knife through butter. Try scored. Converted? Who cares?
Jackson put the final nail in the coffin in the 76th minute, finishing in the far corner after another strong run, making it 76-12. Harwich managed a token consolation try in the 79th minute (converted), but by then, the damage was done. The full-time score was a brutal 76-19.
Full Time Score: Woodbridge 2XV 75, Harwich & Dovercourt 19
It’s a huge Saturday for Woodbridge RFC, with both senior teams in action and the Six Nations on the big screen at the clubhouse!
🔥 1st XV – Away at Wymondham 🔥
The Warriors 1st XV head across the border to take on Wymondham in a crucial clash. Could a win put promotion within reach? Victory could also have big implications for the 2nd XV, potentially paving the way for their own step up next season!
💪 2nd XV – Home vs. Harwich 2nd XV 💪
Back at home, the 2nd XV take on Harwich in what promises to be a hard-fought battle. Get down to the clubhouse, show your support, and enjoy a great afternoon of local rugby!
🏆 Six Nations on the Big Screen! 🏆
After the matches, stick around for live Six Nations action on the big screen—rugby, beers, and a top club atmosphere guaranteed!
📍 Home Fixture: Woodbridge 2nd XV vs. Harwich 2nd XV – Kick off at 2pm
📍 Away Fixture: Wymondham vs. Woodbridge 1st XV – Kick off at 3pm
#OneClub #WRFC #PushForPromotion #SixNations
YOU have a vital role to play in protecting player welfare
It’s always worth reminding ourselves of the importance of player welfare regardless of level. We would therefore like to share this Player Welfare Check when it comes to concussion….Click on the image below for more information.
An hour spent on the RFU’s HEADCASE online concussion awareness training is an hour well spent. Not just for first aiders, match officials and coaches but also good for players (adult and age grade 13-18) and parents/guardians to know what concussion looks and feels like.
Woodbridge RUFC acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and vulnerable adults involved in rugby at our club.
It is EVERYONE’S responsibility at Woodbridge RUFC to report concerns. Woodbridge RUFC is committed to working in partnership with parents/carers and statutory welfare agencies in order to safeguard the young people at our club.
Woodbridge RUFC confirms that it adheres to all the RFU’s Safeguarding Policies and procedures, recommended practices and guidelines and furthermore endorse and adopt the statements contained in those documents.
These can be viewed at:
http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/safeguarding/
All coaches and adult helpers working with young people at Woodbridge RUFC will be made aware of good safeguarding practices and any poor practices will be addressed immediately.
Key Principles
For the definitions under ‘Child Protection’, a child is anyone under the age of 18 engaged in any rugby union activity. However, where a 17 year old male player is playing in the adult game it is essential that every reasonable precaution is taken to ensure his safety and wellbeing are protected.
The Key Principles of the RFU Welfare Policy are that:
Contacts
Woodbridge RUFC Safeguarding Team
To understand more about the clubs policy, you can see more information on our Safeguarding page: https://woodbridgerugbyclub.co.uk/safeguarding/
We’re about halfway through the rugby season, and what a season it’s been so far—action-packed, full of great moments, and made even better by the incredible support of our community!
Woodbridge Rugby Club would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all our members, players, volunteers, and supporters. Whether you’ve turned up to cheer on our teams, pulled on a jersey, bought a pint, enjoyed a club lunch, or grabbed a bacon butty—we appreciate every single one of you!
A special thank you goes to our sponsors, whose generosity helps keep the club thriving. Many of you have supported us for years, and we are truly grateful for your continued commitment.
Please take a moment to see our Sponsors Page as you never know you, you just might need what they have to offer!
Here’s to the rest of the season—let’s keep the momentum going!
#WoodbridgeRugby #OneClub #ThankYou
We’re note quite sure how to put the night into words! But it was an extraordinary day/evening….after a a day or rugby the party truly started. The Flaming Cheeks belting out at the classics, the club was HEAVING and the donations flowed and its tallying up at a rate of knots…final numbers and full summary of the event will follow soon. We think we can speak for the Flaming Cheek in saying THANK YOU!
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:
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! 
