THIS WEEKEND
men’s - 17th february
stoke on trent vs oxford quins ko 2:15pm oxford quins II vs wallingford ko 2pm gosford all blacks vs oxford quins iii ko 2:30pm
womEN’S - 18th february oxford quins vs coventry welsh ladies KO 2pm
The new Quins Supporters Club has been launched, replacing the Vice President membership.
One number* in the 100 Club Discounted bar prices Access to International Ticket ballot Early bird ticket access to Club functions Weekly electronic Match Programme Access to members only Facebook page
Quins Supporters Club
Join Quins Supporters Club & win up to £200 a month
£5 per month
Scan the QR code below or click here to sign up For further information contact president@oxfordharlequins.org The more members of the 100 Club, the bigger the prizes. Should the membership exceed 100 then additional numbers will be made available. All fully paid up Vice Presidents members will be given automatic membership. (*more numbers may be purchased for an additional £5 per month each) and a monthly draw with prizes of £100, £50 and £25
terms & conditions apply
BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM
oxford quins minis rugby festival Sunday 3rd March 2024
We are excited to announce that registrations are now open to 2024 Quins Minis Festival. The Festival is open to all clubs and schools from U7 to U12. £65 per team. For more information, please contact festivals@oxfordharlequins.org
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BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM
presidents welcome ron macdonald
I would like to congratulate our Women’s 1st XV on their excellent performance against Chinnor Kites where they won a hard fought encounter, winning by 0 – 33 over at Chinnor, which places us a very creditable 5th place in the Women’s NC 1 Midlands league. This Sunday they have a home fixture against Coventry Welsh Ladies and our 2nd XV are away to Tewkesbury Women. I can promise you a great afternoon’s rugby so please come and support.
Our Men’s teams have had a good start to the year with the 1st XV sitting comfortably at the top of Regional 1 Midlands and are away this weekend to Stoke on Trent. Our 2nd XV are away to Wallingford in a 3rd versus 4th place in the league which will make for an exciting game and our 3rd travel to Gosford. We are holding our 2nd Reunion lunch on the 2nd March, meeting at 12:30 to sit down at 13:00 prior to the 1st XV playing Kenilworth and the 3rd XV playing High Wycombe. All ex-players, VPs and Supporters of the Oxford Old Boys, Oxford Marathons and Oxford Harlequins and their partners are most welcome to attend. A twocourse meal with wine on the table will be provided at £20 for members of the Quins Supporters Club and £25 for non-members. We still have a few places available so please contact me at president@oxfordharlequins.org to reserve your place.
The Quins Supporters Club membership cards are now available for pick-up at the Club and will need to be shown to receive your discounted bar prices. We evolve, We are Quins, We are Oxford Quins.
Manor Farm, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 5LA
captain of vets james knox
One of several “hats” I wear here at Quins is as Captain of the illustrious Vets side, a collaboration between ourselves and our friends at Bicester RFC. This role probably gives me the most joy and the most stress in equal measure. Joy because I still get to pull the boots on and take to the pitch at the grand old age of 53, and stress because I suspect herding cats would be an easier job than pulling together a team of old buggers! Nonetheless, and despite my attempts at handing the job over to a younger member of the club, I am still here holding the baby after 18 years…. We have somewhere north of 50 players as part of the Vets set-up, and we range in age from 35 to over 70, though most of us are in the 35-50 age-bracket. Some play regular rugby at the weekend, others are former players who get together for a social game, some are teaches at Dragon or Teddies and I’ve even persuaded our Community Manager and former England player Tom Varndell to play for us in the past! So quite a mixed bunch as you can imagine.
We take part in the Oxfordshire Vets Cup competition every year, and this year we have drawn Chinnor, Banbury and Witney in the group stage with our first game taking place last Wednesday, away to a strong Witney side, who rocked up with a full 22-man squad, the maximum available. We had 16. One sub to cover numbers 1-15…. This was going to be a tough one! We started the match strongly, keeping the ball in the Witney half and eventually earned a penalty which was kicked into touch for a lineout. With only 6 minutes on the clock we perfectly executed a lineout, created a solid maul and trundled over for the opening try. Conversion missed. 0-5.
Our scrums were already punishing Witney with the big Phil Moss, (back after a 10 year lay off!) and Ali in the engine room giving the extra grunt behind a formidable front row of Tom Horwood, Chris Murrell (yep, Ben’s Dad!) and Sam Rasbash. However, on 10 minutes Witney ran a clever backs move off a quick lineout drill to score under the posts. Converted for 7-5. The rest of the half was scrappy with handling errors from both sides, probably a result of our suddenly realising our brains were writing cheques that our bodies couldn’t cash! However, we were winning the scrum battle and Adrian Bourdeaux was dominating the lineout, nicking several of their throws. The half time chat was more of a check-in that everyone was still intact. Thankfully no injury worries, just a spot of exhaustion, nothing a pint and a meal after the match won’t fix apparently…. However, Witney brought on some fresh legs at this stage, all seven sets of them it seemed which led to an intense period of pressure in our half. We held them out for 20 minutes, but the fitness eventually told, and their backs exploited an overlap on the left to score out wide. Converted for 14-5. The mighty Vets have a bit of rugby nous about them, so the heads did not drop after falling behind for the first time in the match. Instead, we gave big Phil a well-earned rest and brought on our one and only sub! As a result, we were very quickly back in the Witney half and a lovely break from Martin “nutty” Nutt results in a try to the right of the posts. Not converted 14-10. Less than 10 minutes later Witney had a defensive scrum on their 5m line but a massive effort from the Quins/Bicester pack shunted them clean off their own ball and our scrum half, Chris Nash (who retired 2 years ago when he turned 50 but he keeps coming back!) pounced on the ball as it squirted out of the scrum and dived over the line for the try. Converted (Woohoo!) for 14-17 With the match still very much in the balance and Witney rotating their subs bench once again, we dug in and kept hold of the ball to try and close out the game. Our No. 8 didn’t get the memo and made a powerful break from just inside the Witney half. Amazingly he still had gas in the tank and handed off a couple of weak tackles to run half the length of the pitch and score under the posts, giving the score a flattering look at 14-22 (yep, conversion missed again!). Final score 14-22 and we march onwards to our next fixture. Tanks to all those who played on the night, to the referee and to Witney for a great match and their hospitality.
OXIL PROUD TO SPONSOR WOMEN’S RUGBY IN OXFORD
OXFORD INFORMATION LABS INTERNET RESEARCH SPECIALISTS
This week our Women’s Head Coach Fin Kelly ran 250 miles in 7 days, an average of between 35 and 40 miles per day, from Newbury to Chester to raise funds for both Brave Mind and Savvy Panthers. We’re all very proud of Fin - that’s one hell of a long way to run! Check out his fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fin-kelly? utm_term=G43Z3jN98&fbclid=PAAaaZV08VdCsBG2v5SsSIa0bNzsXTT8uTS9UP7Wbvyk6W OAj8duDAeA2V30_aem_ASJBd4k_bxADGnDep88Z YFrhTmnYjaasEIVcR8dR9C6Wxk7d5f3TdbhY96eP qsYipgA
head of women’s rugby daisy hopkins
Last Sunday the Quins Women put on a fantastic display of rugby against locals Chinnor Kites, resulting in a final score of 0-33. Off the back of this away win, the team are hoping to take the same energy into this weekends fixture against Coventry Welsh. 2pm KO Horspath Road, we would love to see you there!
join oxford quins
WOMEN
Oxford Quins Women welcome players of all ages and abilities, whether you are picking up a rugby ball for the first time or returning to the sport. For more information, contact Daisy Hopkins: daisy@oxfordharlequins.org
head of community tom varndell
The Oxford Quins community programme has been making remarkable strides in recent months, particularly with the success of their rugby camps aimed at fostering skill development and a love for the game among young participants. The upcoming rugby camp, scheduled for February 12-13th, is set to be a highlight during the next half-term holiday period. Taking place from 9 am - 3:30 pm on both days, this two-day camp promises an engaging and instructive experience for children involved. Previous rugby camps organised by Oxford Quins have received overwhelming positive feedback, with children thoroughly enjoying themselves while simultaneously enhancing their game understanding and skills. The success of these camps has been a testament to the club's commitment to providing a fun and educational environment for young rugby enthusiasts. In addition to the camps, the club's schools programme has been a key driver in expanding the Oxford Quins Mini and Junior sections. The programme's continued success is evident in the growing number of children joining, showcasing the positive impact the club has on the local community and its youth.
A recent recruitment day held a few weeks ago further solidified the club's outreach efforts, drawing in more than 20 new children who eagerly joined the club. Oxford Quins is keen to continue offering recruitment days as a means for prospective members to experience firsthand what the club has to offer. These special days allow newcomers to witness the club's inclusive and nurturing environment, encouraging them to become part of the thriving Oxford Quins community.
As the club moves forward, they remain dedicated to providing opportunities for young athletes to engage with rugby, fostering not only a love for the game but also personal development and camaraderie within the community. The upcoming rugby camps and ongoing initiatives underline Oxford Quins' commitment to nurturing the next generation of rugby players and reinforcing the club's status as a welcoming and vibrant community hub
click here to view the full league table
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click here to view the full league table
click here to view the full league table
click here to view the full league table
MEN’S
SIX NATIONS
Saturday 24th February Scotland vs England | 16:45 Saturday 9th March England vs Ireland | 16:45 Saturday 16th March France vs England | 20:00
BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM
WOMEN’S
SIX NATIONS
Sunday 24th March Italy vs England | 15:00 Saturday 30th March England vs Wales | 16:45 Saturday 13th April Scotland vs England | 14:15 Saturday 20th April England vs Ireland | 14:15 Saturday 27th April France vs England | 16:45
BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM
Pete Davies Men’s Head Coach
Fin Kelly Brookes Quins Women’s Head Coach
Lee Irvine Men’s 2nd XV Lead Coach
Alan Hancock 3rd XV Lead Coach
Jon Vermont Assistant Coach - Forwards & Defence
Tom Varndell Head of Community
Neil Hopper Head of Men’s Rugby
Charlotte Barras Women’s Coach
Anthony Cope Assistant Coach 2nd XV
Fin Owen Evans Strength & Condition Coach
daisy hopkins Head of women’s Rugby
BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM
COACHING TEAM
Stu Wells Director of Rugby
36-26 W 12-66 W 34-10 W 22-27 W 36-17 W 37-25 W 34-25 L
41-21 W 16-36W 47-25W 8-50 W 97-7 W 3-42 W 18-13 W 14-47 W 27-32 W 50-5 W
MEN’S 1ST XV FIXTURES
REGIONAL 1 MIDLANDS
5-25 L 59-5 L 15-27 L 12-26 W 38-22 L 45-7 W 10-71 W 21-41 L 22-15 L 40-17 W 24-24 D 0-33 W
WOMEN’S 1ST XV FIXTURES
NC1 MIDLANDS
Save the date
to keep updated with our up & coming events
2nd March - reunion day 3rd march - m&j festvival 16th March - Love Rugby Girls Festival 17th march - u13/u14 festival 23rd March - Sponsors & Supporters lunch 5th May - M&Js End of Season Awards 18-19th May - Oxford 7s
36-0 W 62-15 W 7-32 W 34-14 W 17-51 W 29-33 W 38-14 W 22-5 L 0-73 L 33-5 L 22-27 L 24-26 W 30-31 L
56-17 W 17-26 L 7-32 W
MEN’S 2ND XV FIXTURES
COUNTIES 1 TRIBUTE SOUTHERN NORTH
Our standard package includes a pitchside board, a full page colour advert in our matchday programme and inclusion in our social media campaigns. Want to reach new clients in the Oxford area? We have considerable reach across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We are here to help your company reach the correct demographic and maximise your brand exposure.
Contact Clare Cooper sponsorship@oxfordharlequins.org
SPONSORSHIP
We have a sponsorship package to suit every budget to help you boost your brand at Oxford's most successful rugby club.
AWO HWO 10-54 L HWO
28th January 2024
29-20 W HWO
P-P HWO
WOMEN’S 2ND XV FIXTURES
NC2 SOUTH WEST (NORTH)
38-26 W 59-5 L 14-34 L 33-12 L 0-11 L 27-48 L 76-10 L 26-49 L
50-3 L 17-12 L 39-17 L 5-15 L 34-8 L 46-7 W 44-14 L 21-26 W 19-24 L
MEN’S 3RD XV FIXTURES
Counties 2 Tribute Berks/Bucks & Oxon North
CLUB HIRE
Our vast experience, fantastic customer service and enjoyment in delivering every type and size of event makes Oxford Harlequins Rugby Football Club an ever-popular destination. Parties from 20 to 200 guests
Large car park Licensed bar Top class catering partner Full disability access k
WI-FI For our business clients we provide a range of packages including full and half day delegate rates, breakfast and luncheon meetings as well as evening gatherings. For further information, speak to a member of our team or contact us via email: facilities@oxfordharlequins.org Discount available for members and sponsors
BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
february alice partridge
Alice is the women’s team “mum” providing us with not only delicious home baked goods on game days, but moral support, words of encouragement, the loudest sideline cheers, water bottle filler, snack provider and even the occasional jump in physio. Alice is an all round good egg! We really appreciate it and despite us not being able to convince you to play, game days wouldn’t be the same without you! Thank you Alice
PRESIDENT : Ron Macdonald president@oxfordharlequins.org – 07766 993724 FINANCE & OPERATIONS Treasurer: Jenny Ogilvy treasurer@oxfordharlequins.org Finance Director : Michael Pawley michael.pawley@oxfordharlequins.org
CONTACTS
CHAIR : Jack Pooler chair@oxfordharlequins.org - 07899 870651
Operations Director: James Knox facilities@oxfordharlequins.org - 07802 541858 COMMERCIAL & COMMUNICATIONS Commercial: Clare Cooper clare.cooper@oxfordharlequins.org Communications: Katherine Hyde katherine.hyde@oxfordharlequins.org
SENIOR SECTION & U18 ACADEMY Director of Rugby: Stu Wells dor@oxfordharlequins.org – 07771 880555 Head of Men’s Rugby: Neil Hopper rugby@oxfordharlequins.org – 07485 072856 Head of Women’s Rugby: Daisy Hopkins daisy@oxfordharlequins.org - 07508 862500 YOUTH SECTION Youth Chairman: Jamie Green youthchair@oxfordharlequins.org – 07831 133799 COMMUNITY & SCHOOLS Head of Community: Tom Varndell community@oxfordharlequins.org
BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM