Old Alleynians RFC

With just under a month until the first league game kick off’s it’s been fantastic to see so many old and new faces at training this summer. We now have a strong support structure of coaches, with a wealth of experience, helping us bring more focus to our sessions. After a couple of disjointed years due to the pandemic, we’re now looking ahead to an uninterrupted season of exciting competition within the new league structure.

As the first month of pre-season is now done and dusted, it’s been great to see over 85 lads at pre-season with only a handful deciding to hang up their boots (notably Tom Shanahan after 134 1^st XV caps) or moving on to pastures new. The first two blocks of pre-season were focused on bringing back fundamental skills, game related fitness but most getting everyone enjoying playing again! As we move forward, we try to ensure everyone gets the most out of each session whilst bringing some structure around our game. Pre-season fixtures against two sides with level six 1^st team’s - Belsize Park (20/08) and Beckenham (27/08) - will enable us implement these and provide visibility for the many new players who have joined the club over the summer.

Last season the 1^st XV were disappointed to narrowly miss out on promotion through the restructuring of the league. Having been in the reckoning for much of 21/22 and putting in strong performances against many of the top teams it was an experience we feel we have learnt from and with a strong squad compete again this year.

For the 2^nd XV, after a number of years playing in Invicta A, they will now enter the RFU league structure giving us another opportunity for promotion. The league remains a relative unknown with some strong 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd teams involved so we’re hoping with the talent available, and the close links between our 1^st and 2^nd XV squads, the team will likewise be a contender.

Our 3^rd and 4^th XVs will continue to provide a strong developmental structure for younger players making their transition to the adult game, as well as providing playing opportunities for those who are unable to consistently commit to training and/or who wish to enjoy a more sociable level of rugby.

Even with a healthy roster of sides are always keen to attract players of all ages, at both ends of the experience and commitment spectrum, who want to enjoy their rugby and mix with a great group of players. If our pre-season is anything to go by we’re hoping it will be a really enjoyable year for everyone involved at the club.