I hope this finds the HRFC community well and ready to brave the new season at Neilson Park. I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and commitment to our club at all levels. We have a strong committee operating behind the scenes of the club who are spearheading multiple improvements at all levels.

We continue to produce a strong minis section with over one hundred and fifty players turning up every Sunday for training and ultimately over time this feeds high quality players into the senior teams.
Our minis tournament attracted teams from across the Lothians, Edinburgh and the Borders and earlier this year supported over 1200 visitors to Haddington RFC– another great turnout.

The youth section has been renamed “Haddington Rugby Academy” in order to provide continuity across the club. Further, our Development Officer, Graham McInnes continues to make great progress nurturing players within the Haddington Rugby Academy with an ambitious programme across the cluster primary schools and Knox Academy.
We know strong communication really helps parents and all Haddington Rugby Academy team communications will continue on the SPOND app, coaches will invite members to the app where training and game notifications can be scheduled in advance.

The senior team got off to a great start last season by winning seven out of eight games, however post-Christmas our form faltered and we experienced a disappointing final run and finished third overall in National League East One.
This coming season we have a new coaching set up with ex-player and captain Rhodri Thomas promoted to Head Coach and working alongside him is Luis Arola as forwards coach – I wish them every success in the coming year.
Connor Munro, will maintain captaincy for a fourth season and is committed to driving the First XV forward.
The seconds unfortunately only managed to participate in a handful of games due to call offs from other clubs however the new league for this season looks more positive.

It pleases me to report that due to a huge amount of work by members across the committee and the club we continue to have strong financial foundations.
The sustained drive from the club committee ensures that HRFC remains in the black for another year and we are continuing to invest in the clubhouse and rugby training equipment. Over the summer we have invested over £5000 into rugby training equipment to support all age groups across the club.

All member and non members wishing to hire the club as a venue for functions should contact the club via the website. We offer very competitive rates for all styles of parties and events including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate meetings.

Our key sponsors are recognised in our match programmes and online via social media coverage and a new clubhouse Sponsors Board, we are grateful for their ongoing support.
I would encourage patronage to all our sponsors where possible and we will be sharing who they all are over the coming months via social media posts.

Goatfest our annual music and beer festival was bigger and better this year, a great event which the entire town benefitted from, it generated significant club funds and planning is now underway for next year’s event on 17 May 2025!
A huge thanks go to the Goatfest sub-committee and the army of volunteers who together make this happen.
After meticulous planning and enormous effort last season witnessed the re-launch of the HRFC 7’s tournament, a great day for all the family. Keep an eye out on our website and socials for details on next year’s HRFC 7s which is being held on 26 April 2025.
This season’s tournament will be the 99th anniversary of the first 7s hosted by Haddington RFC in 1926.

Membership subscriptions are now due and can be paid online through our website: www.haddingtonrfc.co.uk
Please click on Shop for all subscription details.
This includes all minis, Haddington Rugby Academy, senior teams and non-player/family memberships.

Players of any age and any ability are always welcome, get yourself along to HRFC. Training commences on the following times, simply turn up.
• Mini Rugby: primary 1 – 7 inclusive: Neilson park Sundays 10.30am – 12pm during school term time.
• Haddington Rugby: S1-S6 during school term time- games on Saturdays.
• First XV & Seconds: Tuesday/ Thursday – games on Saturdays.
• The clubhouse is available to book for private functions – enquiries can be made through our website or follow us on Facebook for the most up to date news.

I remain committed to ensuring Haddington RFC stays at the heart of the local community and please note we are fully supporting the Fun Run at Neilson Park to support Our Community Kitchen on 21 September. In addition we have a food donation box for Lammermuir Larder in the club house for all members.

I wish to see the club go from strength to strength and ultimately be competitive across the senior game with one eye still on promotion!

Respectfully, yours in rugby,

Scott Brownlee
President HRFC

(m) 07917753602
(e) tals@msn.com