After a big bonus point win against Old Wimbledonians and a walk over bonus point win against KCS our 1st XV remain second in the table just four points behind Cobham. This Saturday we travel down to the Sussex coast in what is always a difficult fixture before we host return to the Island to take on London Cornish on Saturday 7th March 2pm kick off.

Last week we received the news that we have been drawn away to Paignton RFC in the Quarter Final of the National cup on Saturday 2nd May. If we win down in Devon we have been given a home draw in the Semi final against either Thurrock. RFC or Cheshunt RFC. The final is being held at Twickenham so potentially very exciting times ahead at the end of the season.

The Super 2s continue to have amazing season with a very narrow loss to Esher 2s away in Hersham showing how far we have come.

Mini and Junior Update
It has been a frustrating start to the year with the very wet weather having a big impact on our pitches. The pitch committee have had to take some difficult decisions to cancel junior training to preserve the pitches for matches. The good news is this has worked and following a much needed period of dry weather the ground team have been able to work on them this week and as long as the weather is kind we are looking in good shape for the rest of the season.

Thank you for everyone’s support and understanding during this difficult period. ( the new MUGA courts can’t come soon enough).

In other mini and Junior section news the Valkyries are pleased to announce U12s coach Michelle Taylorson has been invited by the RFU to support an England Rugby initiative to mentor female coaches working in the 14-18 age groups.

Michelle has been helping coach our girls with husband Ian for the past four years and secured her England Rugby Coaching Award in June 2024, but it turns out that was simply not enough.

Having passed her Level Three Mentoring Award in August last year, she will now combine her coaching duties at Vandals with supporting the expansion of the female mentoring workforce for a new mentoring programme due for launch in May and June.

Her role, supporting the expansion of the female mentoring workforce, will involve being deployed by England Rugby to work with an age-grade club coach twice per month across the season with a focus on supporting the development of catch and pass skills.

That support may include session observation, co-coaching, modelling, 1:1 and group feedback, and small workshops depending on the coach’s needs.

The mentoring programme strongly supports the wider coaching pathway with the aim to improve player experience and retention, while helping coaches to continue with their development having completed their formal qualifications.

Well done Michelle and good luck with the new role!!!!.

A reminder of our core Values as players, parents, coaches and supporters......

Unfortunately there have been a few unfortunate incidents of poor behavior ( mainly by opposition parents and coaches!!) in recent weeks and the rugby committee would like to remind players,parents, coaches and supporters of the values that’s set Rugby apart as a sport and that at the Vandals we want to live and breath these values.