It is both an honour and a privilege to be elected as President of such a prestigious club. I have been involved with our fine Club for over forty years and I’ve had the pleasure to watch many outstanding players, some of whom have gone on to distinguish themselves in the higher professional and amateur ranks. This includes international level and the latest of whom is our very own Trevor Davison, a huge supporter of the club. What is significant about all those that have gone on to achieve at a higher level is that they have all been forwards. In that knowledge you couldn’t be blamed for expecting a forward dominated game today. I hope you will be proved wrong. The Blaydon team of today play fast, open, exciting and entertaining fifteen man Rugby.

We are a Community Club in every sense of the word providing rugby playing opportunities for both men and women, boys and girls, of all age groups (6 to18 years). We even have a thriving ‘Walking Rugby’ team. Something for everyone, so why not get involved?

Our senior men’s team play in Regional 1 North East, the 5th tier of English Rugby. Our coaching team will be led again this year by Ralph Appleby who is looking to build on our solid 6th place finish last season. He will be assisted by Alex Tait and Charlie Maddison who bring vast Premiership experience with Newcastle Falcons to our coaching set up having both recently retired from playing. We are delighted to have the services of club men, Lee Hogarth and Chris Stewart, again for another season to support Ralph, Alex and Charlie in what we hope will be a challenge for promotion back to the National Leagues.

On the playing front we have retained much of the senior squad from previous seasons, with the welcomed return of Nathan Bailey from his 12 month sabbatical joined by new signings second row Alex Thompson and prop Kiran Hope. We also welcome a number of graduates from our youth system who will look to make their mark on senior rugby over the coming months, led by Ben Harrison who will look to follow in his dad and grandads footsteps in playing regular first team rugby at his home club.

Our Red Kites 1XV and 2XV teams play in the Women’s Championship 2 North and the Women’s NC2 North (North) leagues respectively. Both teams continue to go from strength to strength: last season saw the 1XV win the league and cup double, having won their NC1 league and the relaunched Durham County Cup. The 2XV reached the Plate final of the Durham County Cup, and while they were unfortunate to lose on that occasion, they won their NC3 league, meaning both teams have secured their second promotion in three seasons. The Red Kites once again sent a beach rugby squad out to Majorca.

Last season also saw 11 Red Kites pull on a jersey for Durham County, and were part of the squad that made the County Championship Final at Twickenham. Chris Morton and his team are doing a fine job in developing this section of the club, and we look forward to their future successes.
This year the youths focus is in promoting the club and to build on our growing reputation as a friendly family and community club with excellent coaching and high standards of safety.

The youth section has healthy numbers more than 230 and although at some age groups numbers could be better, we also have some teams which are examples of our success in attracting players and growing the squad sizes. We continue to develop the girl’s section at the club with numbers in all age groups.

A key function of the junior section is to develop young players to the best of their abilities and to prepare them for the opportunity to play senior rugby. Our aim is to ensure the lads and lasses keep playing rugby with their mates. We have managed to create a positive transition experience for players to adult rugby over the last few seasons. We have strong representation at the Falcons Academy, with no less than 7 players for the boys, whilst several of our U16s girls are also in the frame for possible Centre of excellence rugby.

We remain committed to providing rugby opportunities for all in line with the RFU core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

All of this rugby activity wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for our fantastic bunch of volunteers giving up their time to bring enjoyment to players young and old.

We are blessed with a magnificent clubhouse and grounds and as a result we play host to a range of community and social events from business meetings and weddings to ‘Family Fun Days’, circuses and food festivals, as well as our very own successful ‘Bonfire Night’. Unfortunately, with having such a large building and extensive grounds there is a downside to all this. With the ongoing cost of living and energy price rises our club, like many others is really suffering financially.

We need the help of all our members and our whole community to meet the challenges we face. As a consequence of this we are constantly on the lookout for new sponsors and supporters. If you’re interested in being part of ‘Team Blaydon’, please get in touch at contact@blaydonrfc.co.uk

Finally can I express a huge personal thank you to our loyal team of volunteers and our sponsors, your efforts and your financial support is very much recognised and appreciated.

For many years Blaydon has been at the forefront of rugby in the north-east and beyond, long may it continue. We are all part of ‘One Team Blaydon’ and together we will share in the success of all of our players and all of our teams.

Howie Gilfillan
President