NEWS RELEASE

Members were welcomed to the Club’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 10 June 2026; and asked to pause for a moment of reflection to remember those who had passed during the past year.

Minutes of the previous AGM on 11 June 2025 were unanimously approved without any questions.

Club Chair, Sarah Tunstall gave a report on the activities across all sections of rugby. All teams from U6 to U16 in Minis and Juniors had a great year with their hard working Coaches – player numbers were up and many successes were attained in various competitions. The World Cup led to increased interest in the Girls and Women's game and new opportunities are being developed for the Girls to train and play, building connections to local schools and the wider community. Work has continued in supporting the Colts and their potential transition to senior rugby: eg a new U23s group is starting up to keep them involved and provide opportunities eg for Students to come back to rugby.

Senior Men’s teams had a mixed season: the Blues turned it around and finished in a promotional Play-off position; however the Stags weren’t as successful and have gone down a Level, but better fortunes are hoped for with their new player/coach, George Robinson-Slater. Both Women’s teams had another great season with the 1st XV finishing third and the 2nd XV winning their league and gaining promotion. Sadly, the coaching team is having to change and active recruitment currently is underway to fill the gaps. The Social teams enjoyed their outings during the year: the Faded Blues (walking rugby) claiming an unbeaten record; and the Bulldogs (Vets) raring to go when opportunities arose.

Looking ahead, a big change is coming as we move to Gilbert as the new kit supplier: the partnership will see an online shop and direct deliveries/returns provided. The basic kit design will stay the same so there will be no need to replace anything.

Treasurer, Peter Lambert, presented an update on the financial position which is now stable and sustainable. Targets remain to make a Profit to enable investment back into Rugby and to generate cash to cover Capex. Various improvements have been made to the Clubhouse and facilities, and going forward, a further investment is being considered to install an irrigation system for the pitches.

Regarding the Elections, all Officers and Committee members apart from the Treasurer, had offered themselves for re-election which was unanimously approved by Members in a series of votes.

Officers - Sarah Tunstall as Chair; Christine Morrell as Secretary.

Committee - Brian Trott (Men’s Chair); Nicki Gray (Women’s Chair); Neil Lockhart (Juniors Chair); (Simon Best (Minis Chair); James McCarthy (Vets and Touch); Ross Smitheman (Coaching coordinator); and Lauren Price-Richards. Rhiannon Dargan (Girls rugby) and Alistair Gray remain co-opted to the Committee.

President - Trevor Coles was stepping down and had nominated Ivan Sliwinski as his successor, outlining Ivan’s active history with the Club since first playing Colts rugby in 1973, through to being 1st XV Captain and then taking up coaching roles; and now as an ardent supporter.

Vice President - Richard Larkin also offered himself for re-election which Members approved.

Trustees - Robin Varley’s term had ended: he was duly re-elected for a further 3 years and will continue to serve on the Board alongside Lee Newton, Andy Street and Don Cameron. .

Members also confirmed for Steven Barnett to be granted Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his involvement with and commitment to the Club for over 40 years, including as a first team Player, time on the Committee and as Chairman; as well as serving on RFU committees.

There was no other Agenda business and the meeting closed with a couple of questions from Members and an appeal from Trevor Coles for any memorabilia from the Club’s history to be donated for the Centenary celebrations in 2028/29.

The next scheduled General meeting is the Financial AGM, to be held before 30 November 2026.

Christine Morrell
Secretary
Email via: www.newburyrugby.co.uk/contact

12 June 2026