Old Alleynians RFC

Further to the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that was held on the 30 April 2025, at which the ‘in-principle’ setting up of women’s rugby at Old Alleynians RFC was discussed with a resolution passed to delegate responsibility for this consideration and (if appropriate) approval.

Diversity and inclusivity by the addition of a senior women’s section has been an objective of the club for several years, whilst also providing a pathway to our existing girls section, which is one of the largest in Kent. 

With the recent opportunity to progress this, following an approach to consider the transfer of two current teams from another club, the first step in this process lay with the RFU.  I am pleased to communicate that the RFU has now considered and approved this.

We will now continue discussions regarding the implementation of the governance structures, financial and operational requirements necessary as part of introducing a new section into our club.  Final approval is still needed by the Club committee (as per the EGM requirement).  Pending this, we will be operating a women’s team in Championship South East 2 (Women’s Level 3) and NC3 South East from September 2025.  Helen McIntosh, as Head of Womens and Girls rugby, will continue to take the lead in this exciting club development.

We look forward to welcoming the senior women’s section into our Club. The addition of two new senior women’s teams is a milestone for us that further expands our offering and that I am sure will add to the success of the Club on and off the pitch.  Having met with representatives of the women’s teams, and sought to better understand the drivers for their request to transfer, I am satisfied that the addition of these teams to our Club can be operationally managed and will positively contribute to our objectives as a community rugby club.

As set out during the EGM, we are mindful of the potential for additional teams to put pressure on our facilities and pitches.  As you have hopefully seen with the development update circulated last week, we remain committed to addressing these challenges through initiatives that will have an impact in the short and long-term. The requirements of the senior women’s section now becomes an important consideration as part of those plans.

I look forward to introducing the senior women to existing members. I ask for your support in making them feel welcome to, and included in, our special Club.

If there are any questions or comments please, as always, get in touch.

Kind regards,

Phil

Phil Kent
Chairman