Eastern Counties Rugby Union

After careful consideration and consultation with clubs across England, the RFU has decided to delay the start of the competitive community game season until the week commencing Monday 21 September.

The RFU recognises this will be disappointing for clubs, players and volunteers who have been preparing for the new season, but the decision follows consideration of a range of factors.

🔗https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-and-media/statement-start-competitive-community-rugby-season?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaATsW9hwZG9mAmZkaWQWUMe9jGyhpSXJNYtSPzASsD6XYN5MOGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp461cA-t40iUOtrmOIqSd3UgE-HvlcpbPNPXmZJgIHr0C98pvfxbvMtsWj6f_aem_4w2UmicahRrhw6MjfC7q5w

📣Eastern Counties Rugby Union Appoints Steve Drawbridge as Joint Chair of Coaching 📣

Steve will join the Eastern Counties Coaching Committee, working alongside current Chair of Coaching Chris Capps-Jenner during a six-month transition period. At the end of this handover, Chris will step down from the coaching role to focus on his responsibilities as Eastern Counties Director of Rugby and Chair of Playing.

Steve brings a wealth of experience to the position, having played a leading role in rugby development across Cambridgeshire as both Chairman and Senior Lead Coach. His extensive knowledge of coach development and grassroots rugby will be a valuable asset as Eastern Counties continues to strengthen its support for coaches and clubs across the region.

Steve Drawbridge said:
“I’m delighted to be starting in this new role at Eastern Counties, I look forward to making a positive contribution towards Coach development across the Three Counties and for the opportunity to put my experience into this role”

During the six-month handover period, Steve will begin introducing a number of new initiatives aimed at enhancing coach development across Eastern Counties. One of his first priorities will be to establish a network of County Coaching Coordinators representing Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. This team will work collaboratively to support local clubs, identify coaching needs and help deliver the coaching strategy across the three counties.

Chris Capps-Jenner said:

“Steve’s appointment is a fantastic addition to the Eastern Counties team. His passion for coach development, combined with his experience and knowledge of the game, will help us continue to build a strong coaching network that supports clubs and coaches at every level. I look forward to working alongside Steve during the handover period and am confident he will take the coaching programme from strength to strength.”

Steve’s appointment reflects Eastern Counties Rugby Union’s ongoing commitment to investing in coaches, supporting clubs and creating positive playing experiences for everyone involved in the game

England rugby learning courses 2026/27

Log in or register to access a brand-new, personalised learning platform for coaches, match officials and volunteers, with tailored recommendations and a seamless mobile experience. Register now- englandrugbylearning.csod.com 🏉

Upcoming courses within Eastern Counties 🏉

🔗All courses are available to book on England Rugby Learning

England Rugby Learning is here 🚀

Log in or register to access a brand-new, personalised learning platform for coaches, match officials and volunteers, with tailored recommendations and a seamless mobile experience. Register now- englandrugbylearning.csod.com

Eastern Counties 🤝 Midlands East Growth Partnership

It was great to see 4 of our committee members attending the newly formed Midlands East regional partnership congress last week at Northampton Saints.

There are now 7 newly formed partnerships across the country, and it was great to meet those involved within our area.

It was a great chance to bring people together and begin shaping how we work collectively to grow the game.

We are looking forward to seeing the partnership grow and develop across the season.

How hot is too hot to play rugby?

Below you can find guidance and explanations on World Rugby’s updated heat guidelines.

🔗https://www.world.rugby/news/1001055/how-hot-is-too-hot-to-play-world-rugbys-updated-heat-guidelines-explained

Congratulations to one of the youth teams at Woodbridge Rugby Club Woodbridge Rugby Club

They won a session at the high performance centre of Northampton saints. Northampton Saints 😇

The session was part the our Clubhouse Renovation Project alongside Travis Perkins – the UK’s largest builders’ merchant. It saw more than 50 local rugby clubs enter a competition to win £5,000 worth of building materials to revamp their facilities.

Woodbridge Rugby Club in Suffolk were one of the winners, with one of their junior sides invited for a star-studded training session in Northampton.

They participated in drills, touch rugby and full-contact under the watchful eyes of Furbank, Hendy and Wright, who gave them tips and tricks.

What a great opportunity Travis Perkins ©

🚨 Two weeks to go! 🚨

Clubs are reminded to ensure they have registered for the Eastern Counties Discipline Conference.

If your club has not yet registered attendees, please do so as soon as possible.

If you have not received the original invite, please contact us at:
📧 [email protected]

✅ We encourage all clubs to ensure they are represented at this important session ahead of the new season.

Community Rugby Norfolk Rugby Referees Society

Join Matt Rozier (England Rugby Coach Developer) for a workshop for coaches of U14-U18 players.

Focussing on the development of high-quality coaching of catch and pass skills. Exploring how to use the game zone/skill zone model to introduce, develop and stretch players ability to catch and pass under pressure, at the “how to” and “what to” that will help make your sessions more effective.

🗓️Wednesday 17th June
📍Woodbridge RFC
⏰19:00
Book your place here - https://bit.ly/3Qgk3xi