SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER | KICK OFF 3:00 PM NATIONAL 2 EAST | ROUND 1
Our commitment to Dorking RFC is that 20% of all our earnings from any insurance placed with us will go directly back to the the Club.
Stonebridge Group of companies provides expert insurance solutions for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it’s commercial cover, high net worth home and motor insurance, or business and personal protection, we’ve got every angle covered-with independence, clarity, and personal service at the heart of what we do. visit us at stonebridgecorporate.com
Commercial Insurance
Help your business to grow on strong foundations with hassle free insurance.
Business Protection
Most businesses don’t have any type of business protection insurance to help in difficult circumstances.
Greg and the team at Stonebridge Private Clients took the time to understand all of our family’s insurance needs for our home, cars, travel, valuables and healthcare.
David Hemmings
Private Clients
Protecting what matters most to you and your family, helping to safeguard your lifestyle.
Print Insure
Protecting your printing operations with specialist damage, breakdown and warranty covers.
The Stonebridge team really looked after me. Quality advice, well communicated, and promptly delivered.
Andy Webb
n
n
A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR
Welcome back to Dorking RFC and the start of the 2025/2026 season. Firstly we extend a very warm welcome to today’s opponents London Welsh who need very little introduction having such an exulted history over many decades. I have to admit to supporting then as a youngster and especially at the Middlesex sevens and the maestro that was Gerald Davis. We hope you enjoy the Rugby, friendship and hospitality that National 2 East provides, we certainly do.
A further welcome to those players that are representing Dorking for the first time today, we all wish you a long, enjoyable and successful time at Dorking. The league just seems to be getting stronger and stronger with the 2 promoted clubs being tipped to contend at the top of the table, this coupled with the strength of Esher drooping down ensures this will be a season to remember, with everyone seemingly able to beat anyone on their day.
I am assured by Armand that pre-season has gone well and all the players have worked extremely hard and there is significant competition for selection which can only be good going forward.
I would like to specifically thank StoneBridge Insurance our spotlight sponsor today with Ben Burford being a gamekeeper turned poacher! I had the pleasure of meeting many of our sponsors over lunch this week and am constantly amazed at the level of support that they give the club, enabling the board programme of Rugby provision we all enjoy. Thank you.
Kind Regards
Shaun
SHAUN HAMMOND Chairman, Dorking Rugby Club
A WORD FROM THE DOR
Welcome back!
Just like that we are back into league rugby and we start this season with our league opener at home.
Very special welcome to London Welsh players, management and supporters who are joining us today after earning their promotion last season. London Welsh is a proud club with a rich history and it is great to have a club with great values in the league.
We have been working hard over the summer with a good pre-season campaign and I know the players will certainly be fit and ready to go this weekend.
The Summer has been great and seeing so much work fly into our season preparation has been fantastic and big thank you to all our sponsors who are continuously supporting us.
Also thanks to Stonebridge for being our Spotlight sponsor today and for all the extra work Ben is putting in around the club.
That is it from me, time to get ready for what will be a great game of rugby and lets get behind both teams today.
Your DoR, Armand #wacomb
ARMAND ROUX Director of Rugby, Dorking Rugby Club
TODAY’S OPPONENTS
LONDON WELSH
This afternoon we welcome London Welsh to the Big Field for their first outing back in National 2 East.
Few clubs in the country can match their story over the past decade. Following the well-documented collapse of the professional side in 2017, the amateur club regrouped and began an extraordinary rise through the leagues. Since then, they have secured five promotions in seven years, culminating in last season’s title-winning campaign in Regional 1 South Central, where they won 21 of their 22 matches.
That dominance underlines the momentum they carry into this season. London Welsh arrive not just as newcomers, but as a side full of confidence, organisation and spirit, determined to re-establish themselves at this level and beyond.
With a passionate following and a proud history stretching back to 1885, they bring tradition, ambition and no shortage of quality to National 2 East. We extend a warm welcome to their players, staff and travelling supporters - and look forward to what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter this afternoon.
AT A GLANCE...
Founded: 1885
RFU Championship winners: 2012 & 2014
British & Irish Cup winners: 2016 4 promotions since 2017 under “Project Reset”
CLUB CAPTAINS’ PREVIEW
As the new season gets underway, we’ve caught up with our men’s and women’s club captains, Max Sheldrake and Rachel Higgins, to hear their thoughts on pre-season, the hard work put in over the summer, and what lies ahead. Both squads have been put through their paces and are eager to hit the ground running, with plenty of ambition for the months to come.
MAX SHELDRAKE
How has pre-season gone, and what’s stood out about the squad’s preparation?
I’ll be the first to admit that pre-season isn’t my favourite time of year… but the coaches have been excellent, putting us through lots of conditioned game scenarios that have been really valuable. The effort from the players has been outstanding too.
What excites you most about this year’s squad?
Training has been really competitive. There are so many lads who can - and will - play first team rugby this season. It’s great to see such depth in the squad.
What are your ambitions for the team this season?
After three consecutive seasons of continual improvement and finishing in the top 2–3, I’d love to see us finally win Nat 2. Not to mention the social afterwards…
Do you have any individual goals or things you’re looking to improve on
CLUB CAPTAINS’ PREVIEW
personally?
I’m aiming to finally hit 50 National 2 caps for Dorking this season.
Have any players, new or returning, caught your eye during pre-season?
It’s great to see the return of Will Goodfellow and Callum Powell after their travels, and to see them get a well-deserved crack at first team rugby. Dorking boys born and bred—strong in the arm, thick in the head!
What would you like to say to those backing the team from the sidelines this year?
A huge thank you to all of our supporters and sponsors - we wouldn’t be where we are as a club without you. We’ve got a few new faces down this year, and every one of them is proud to wear the Dorking shirt. We’re looking forward to seeing you, be it rain or shine, from Guernsey to Oundle (wherever that is!)— and most importantly down at the Big Field.
RACHEL HIGGINS
How has pre-season gone, and what’s stood out about the squad’s preparation?
The coaches have really been putting us through our paces with never-ending fitness and drills to make sure we’re ready for the season ahead. The commitment from the squad has been fantastic, with 30+ players regularly at training.
We had our first pre-season game against Guildford last week, which gave us
CLUB CAPTAINS’ PREVIEW
the chance to put what we’ve been working on into a match situation. Guildford, who play a league above our 1st XV, proved tough opposition, but it was a great measure of how far we’ve come - even if it left a few tired bodies!
What excites you most about this year’s squad?
Our women’s section has grown massively over the past few seasons thanks to the dedication of our coaches, the commitment of our players, and the support of the wider club.
Recruitment has continued strongly this summer, with brand-new players joining as well as others moving across from different clubs. We’ve got brilliant talent, real versatility across positions, and I’m excited to see how we rise to new challenges in NC1 - while also pushing our NC3 side to aim for a top-three finish.
What are your ambitions for the team this season?
My main ambition is to keep building our squad - both in numbers at training and in competitive fixtures. For the NC3 team, I’d love to see us push into the top three, and who knows, maybe even another promotion! For the 1s, moving into NC1 brings tougher opposition, so I want us to develop both individually and as a unit so we can be competitive and finish in the top half of the league.
Do you have any individual goals or things you’re looking to improve on personally?
This year I’m making the switch from centre to flanker. It’s been a big change but one I’m enjoying, especially learning new skills like jumping and lifting in the line-out. It’s given me a whole new appreciation for what the forwards do.
Have any players, new or returning, caught your eye during pre-season?
The whole squad has shown brilliant commitment, but I’ve been particularly impressed with players like Rachel Kinsella and Tamzin, who have stepped into new positions. It’s also been fantastic to see our new players - Kate, Esther, and Michelle - throw themselves straight in and embrace rugby with such energy.
What would you like to say to those backing the team from the sidelines this year?
Thank you to our sponsors, whose support and investment over recent seasons has given us the facilities, coaches, and kit to keep growing.
To our supporters - you make a massive difference to the squad, especially stalwarts like Wolfie and Jonah, who we can always rely on to be on the sidelines, rain or shine. We hope as the team develops, we’ll see even bigger crowds cheering us on each week.
Skip Hire
Recycling Rubbish Clearance Waste Management
Fast, flexible and responsive
A professional team with more than 25 years of experience
Services tailored to suite your needs
Building and construction site waste
Estate, factory and depot waste
Home and garden rubbish
Skip sizes from 2 yards to 40 yards
95% of waste is recycled and diverted from landfill
Prices start from £140
Services
Skip Hire
Bull Bags
Fly-tipping removal
Grab and collect
Man and Van Aggregates
We are one of the largest waste management and recycling specialists in the region. We operate an eco-efficient fleet of vehicles with directly-employed clearance teams.
We can usually clear your rubbish and waste on a day of your choice. We divert over 95% of the rubbish we collect away from landfill and offset the co2 from our vehicles.
Ron Smith Recycling Ltd
St. Albans Farm, Staines Road, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 OHH
E: sales@ronsmithrecycling.co.uk
T: 0208 570 3424
O’Halloran & O’Brien Ltd. evolved from a small groundworks company to a multi disciplined major contractor, encompassing the full spectrum of Civil Engineering and ground remediation.
We believe in WORKING TOGETHER, BUILDING NEW FUTURES, and that’s why we’re proud to be sponsoring Dorking Rugby Club Mini’s, helping them to get the best foundations for the future.
OUR SERVICES
CONCRETE FRAMES
The latest shu ering and concrete leveling systems.
HIGHWAY WORKS
Our Civil Engineering section can carry out highway works ranging from mains drainage through existing highways to complete construction and/or realignments of highways.
REMEDIATION AND REGENERATION
We maintain close links with specialist subcontractors for soil treatments and stabilisation to reduce the landfill impact of developments.
TRADE AND DOMESTIC HOUSING
Projects of varying size and complexity including all infrastructure work from a few units to multi-million pound schemes.
EMAIL: INFO@OHOB.CO.UK WEBSITE: www.ohob.com
Saturday 16th
Men
Friday 22nd
Men
Saturday
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 6th
Men
Sunday 7th Women v Old Ruts | Pre-Season
Saturday
MARCH
Saturday
DECEMBER
Saturday 6th Men v Havant | Nat 2 E Rd 12 Christmas Jumper Day
Sunday 14th
Saturday 20th Men v Guernsey | Nat 2 E Rd 14
APRIL
Saturday
Saturday 28th
Sunday 26th Colts v Horsham | National Cup Rd 1
The Lucy Rayner Foundation is dedicated to fostering an open and honest conversation about mental health, empowering young adults to thrive with confidence. Our mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, provide emotional support to young adults and their families, and fundraise to honour Lucy’s memory.
Struggling with your mental health? We offer a variety of services designed to ensure you receive the guidance and support you need
• Quantity Surveying
• Building Surveying
• Dispute Resolution
• Project Management
• Project Monitoring
adair.co.uk info@adair.co.uk
NEW FACES AT THE BIG FIELD
As we head into the new season, we’re delighted to welcome some fresh talent into the Dorking squad. Over the next few programmes we’ll be introducing you to the new arrivals who’ve joined us during the summer. Today, we start with three exciting additions: Charlie Reynolds-West, Chris Bird, and Jo Hole.
CHARLIE REYNOLDS-WEST
Where do you play, previous clubs?
I play in the back three and have previously turned out for Saracens, Kowloon, and Bishop’s Stortford.
Where did you start playing rugby, at what age and how/why?
I started in the minis at Harlow RFC, the same club where my dad grew up playing.
What do you do for work outside of rugby?
Outside of rugby, I recently sold my performance business and now work in sales.
Any rituals, superstitions, or go-to pre-game meal?
The night before a game it has to be a massive bowl of pasta, but on matchday I like to keep things relaxed and chilled.
What’s a hobby or hidden talent most people wouldn’t expect?
I love travelling – I’ve lived and worked on four of the seven continents – and enjoy hiking and other sports whenever I can.
Favourite rugby player, sporting hero, or post-match drink or food of choice? Conor McGregor – I loved his grit when he was coming up, and there’s been no
NEW FACES AT THE BIG FIELD
one quite like him since. And after a game, it’s always a Guinness… or three!
CHRIS BIRD
Where do you play, previous clubs?
Back row/second row. My previous club was Camberley.
Where did you start playing rugby, at what age and how/why?
I started playing as a kid at Camberley. My dad asked if I’d like to give it a go as my grandad played for Cornwall, and I loved it straight away.
What do you do for work outside of rugby?
I’m a designer. I used to work at a creative agency, and I’m now working on digital streaming services for Sky.
Any rituals, superstitions, or go-to pre-game meal?
I’m not one for superstitions, but I do like to get a sea dip in the morning before a game, grab a coffee, and at some point go barefoot on the pitch we’re playing on.
What’s a hobby or hidden talent most people wouldn’t expect?
No hidden talents sadly, but according to Zack I do a great Steve Howorth impression…
Favourite rugby player, sporting hero, or post-match drink or food of choice? Jack Nowell – Cornish boy, always seemed to be looking for work and had the most nonchalant try-scoring style of all time. Or Richard Hill – he just quietly did his job unbelievably well. Pure class.
NEW FACES AT THE BIG FIELD
JO HOLE
Where do you play, previous clubs?
Second row (though I like to play 8 from time to time). I started playing rugby at Bedwas RFC when I was 10. After that I played with the RAF, then represented the University of South Wales. Following a season with the uni, I returned to Bedwas in the Welsh Championship, which gave me the chance to play a few games for Cardiff and Newport.
Where did you start playing rugby, at what age and how/why?
At Bedwas RFC minis when I was 10 years old. What do you do for work outside of rugby?
I’m an Aircraft Engineer working for Virgin Atlantic.
Any rituals, superstitions, or go-to pre-game meal?
I like to stay calm and relaxed, usually with music. My new ritual is smashing a Nando’s sharer platter the day before a game.
What’s a hobby or hidden talent most people wouldn’t expect?
The gym and going out for food with my partner. I’m a massive foodie and love to eat!
Favourite rugby player, sporting hero, or post-match drink or food of choice?
Gareth Edwards. He once signed an autograph for me on a napkin when I was a youngster starting out in the game. I’ve still got it framed at home, and it’s something really special to me.
As experts in sending money abroad, Smart Currency Exchange can provide quick, easy and secure transfers in over 35 currencies. Our service is rated as “Excellent” on Trustpilot.
We help you to avoid losing money when:
l Buying property abroad
l Moving overseas
l Making one-off transfers
l Making regular overseas payments
Visit smartcurrencyexchange.com/rugby to find out more and get a free quote.
NEW DIGITAL ADVERTISING
Showcase your brand on our brand-new digital advertising screen in the clubhouse.
With 1,500–2,000 weekly visitors, it’s a powerful way to promote your business, products, or services directly to our community. Email sponsorship@dorkingrfc.com for details.
OUR PLAYERS
CHARLIE ALDRIDGE Centre/Winger Available to Sponsor
LUKE BALDWIN Scrum Half Available to Sponsor
SAM BLADE Centre/Winger Available to Sponsor
CALLUM CHURCHER Prop Available to Sponsor
CAM COWELL Back Three Available to Sponsor
WOODY ALDRIDGE Fly Half Available to Sponsor
HARRY BARKER Centre/Winger Available to Sponsor
TOM BLOOMER Back Row Available to Sponsor
ARCHIE COLDICOTT Prop Available to Sponsor
MAX COYLE Back Three Available to Sponsor
JOE ANDRESEN Back Three Available to Sponsor
NICK BARRY Prop Available to Sponsor
SCOTT BLOOMFIELD Prop The Plough
BEVAN COLLINS Back Row Available to Sponsor
BEAR CROZIER Back Row Available to Sponsor
HENRY ANSCOMBE Centre Available to Sponsor
THOMAS BEAL Prop Available to Sponsor
CALLUM BUTLER Back Row Available to Sponsor
CHARLIE CONNOR Prop Available to Sponsor
OWEN DAVIES Scrum Half Available to Sponsor
WILLIAM BAILEY Back Row Available to Sponsor
CHRIS BIRD Back Row Available to Sponsor
DARAGH CHAMBERS Back Row Available to Sponsor
ARLO COPP Back Row Available to Sponsor
TOM DOBSON Back Row Available to Sponsor
TOM MIERS Centre
to Sponsor CAM OSBORNE Back Three
CALLUM POWELL Centre
NILESH RAGHAVAN Winger
OLLY RAWLINSON Prop The Plough
OUR PLAYERS
FINN RENNLES Back Three
Available to Sponsor
WILL SANDERS Winger
Available to Sponsor
ZAK STEPHENSON Prop
Available to Sponsor
TOM ISLES Centre
Available to Sponsor
C. REYNOLDS-WEST Back Three Available to Sponsor
WILL SCHOLES Second/Back Row Merv Overton
CALLUM WATSON Hooker
Available to Sponsor
CRAIG SHEFFIELD Scrum Half
Available to Sponsor
DAN RICHES Centre
Available to Sponsor
WILL SIMPSON Winger
Available to Sponsor
FREDDIE WEBB Prop
Available to Sponsor
TOM GODFREY Winger
Available to Sponsor
JOSH ROBERTS Second Row Available to Sponsor
GEORGE SPRECKLEY Prop
Available to Sponsor
THEO WILLIAMSON Winger Available to Sponsor
VILI KOROIBANUVE Centre
Available to Sponsor
DOM SAMMUT Second Row Available to Sponsor
GARETH STEPHENS Centre/Winger Available to Sponsor
TOM LINDSAY Centre Available to Sponsor
ARUN RENNLES Winger
Available to Sponsor
RACHEL HIGGINS
Row/Centre
JACQUI
YASMIN JONES
Three
to Sponsor
TAMZIN KERSLAKE Hooker
RACHEL KINSELLA Backs
OUR PLAYERS
GEMMA LACKEY Centre
Available to Sponsor
ESTHER MARSHALL Winger
Available to Sponsor
AMBER MILLER Centre
Available to Sponsor
AMBER PRESSLER Prop
Available to Sponsor
JESSIE SCULLY Back Available to Sponsor
STEPH LE HUR Hooker
Available to Sponsor
NAT MCCALL Back Row/Centre Available to Sponsor
HAYLEY MURPHY Centre
Available to Sponsor
LILY PUTTICK Hooker
Available to Sponsor
STEPH SHACKEL Centre Available to Sponsor
KAYLEIGH LENSEN Second Row Available to Sponsor
JAYNE MEADOWS Fly Half Available to Sponsor
LAUREN PARSONS Prop Available to Sponsor
LAVEEZA RAJA Winger
Available to Sponsor
KATE SHAW Winger Available to Sponsor
LAURA LOPEZ Back Three Available to Sponsor
NATASHA MERRETT Back Three Available to Sponsor
JAS. PITT-PAYNE Back Row Available to Sponsor
LUCIA SCHIFANO Prop
Available to Sponsor
EMMA STEPHENSON Forward Available to Sponsor
CARLY MANNING Back Three Available to Sponsor
PIP MERRETT Winger Available to Sponsor
LEXIE POTGIETER Centre Available to Sponsor
SOFIA SCHIFANO Prop
Available to Sponsor
LYNN TICKNER No 8 Available to Sponsor
OUR COACHES
ARMAND ROUX Director of Rugby
Available to Sponsor
TOM CHAVE 2nd XV Coach
Available to Sponsor
STEVE CURTIS Assistant Coach Available to Sponsor
JONNY AIKEN S&C Coach
Available to Sponsor
ELLA NEARY
Lead Women Physio
Available to Sponsor
PATRICK O’GRADY Backs Coach Available to Sponsor
DYLAN HARDI Assistant Coach Available to Sponsor
JESS FREEMAN Assistant Coach Available to Sponsor
LAUREN JOHNSON Head of Medical Available to Sponsor
TOMMY RADFORD Physio Available to Sponsor
WILL SCHOLES Forwards Coach Merv Overton
BEN PUTTICK Women’s Co-Head Coach Available to Sponsor
IAN NEWCASTLE Men’s Team Manager Available to Sponsor
ELLIE CHAVE Physio
Available to Sponsor
SCOTT RICHARDSON 2nd XV Coach
Available to Sponsor
MYLIE BURTON-JONES Women’s Co-Head Coach Available to Sponsor
ISSY HEPPENSTALL Women’s Team Manager Available to Sponsor
LAUREN PARSONS Physio
Available to Sponsor
PETE FISHER 2nd XV Coach
Available to Sponsor
MIKE CHING Assistant Coach Available to Sponsor
DANIEL MACKENZIE Head of S&C Available to Sponsor
KATIE HENDERSON Physio
Available to Sponsor
FIXTURES LIST
HIRE CLUB FACILITIES
Parties, anniversary dinners, christenings, birthday lunches, staff BBQs, seminars, product launches, corporate events, awards ceremonies and more... Our two storey multi-room venue offers flexible space with plenty of free onsite parking. Whatever the occasion, family functions, business or leisure our events team and in-house caterer can help.
Contact us at bar@dorkingrfc.com with your contact information.
Our experienced physiotherapists provide a treatment and recovery plan that’s personalised to you, to relieve your symptoms and help you get back to your everyday self.
We have a large physiotherapy department which includes a fully equipped gym, an on site hydrotherapy pool and an anti-gravity running machine to aid return to running especially following sports injuries.
Services offered by our physiotherapy team:
Acupuncture
Hand and wrist physiotherapy
Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions
Hydrotherapy
Pilates
Post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation
Shockwave therapy
Sports Injury Clinic – rapid access assessment and imaging
Women’s health physiotherapy
LEAGUE TABLE & RESULTS
National 2 East
COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
Dorking continues to thrive, chasing another record finish in the National Leagues. There’s never been a better time to get involved, with sponsorship opportunities for our record-setting men’s team, promotion-winning ladies’ side, National Cupwinning colts, and various age groups—not to mention our fantastic events yearround.
Contact us on sponsorship@dorkingrfc.com to find out how you can be a part of the DRFC Sponsorship Group for the season to come.
Armand Roux - Director of Rugby
Patrick O’grady - Backs Coach
Will Scholes - Forwards Coach
Daniel Mackenzie - S&C Coach
Ian Newcastle - Team Manager - Director of Rugby
Max Bodily - Senior Coach
Florent Rossigneux - Forwards & Defence Coach
Will Taylor - S&C Coach
MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP
Want your brand at the heart of the action?
Match Ball Sponsorship puts your company logo on the ball itself, seen by players and supporters every time it’s in play.
A simple but standout way to support the club and promote your business.
Email sponsorship@dorkingrfc.com for details.
JOHN DOUGLAS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND
This special initiative was launched in March 2017 with a primary aim to fund or part fund specific projects or initiatives in the support of obtaining the highest possible standard and engagement of rugby through DRFC, with particular emphasis on Youth Development.
We are extremely grateful to the following for their support of the Fund:
Patrons:
John Aarvold
Martin Ashford
Kevin Beal
Robert Bennett
Andrew Chitty
Mary Douglas
Derek Grieve
Shaun Hammond
Mark & Jo Harrison
David Hemmings
John Holder
Stewart Irvine
Alan King
Stuart & Tracey Mitchell
Ian Newcastle
Roger Parkin
Sir Michael Pickard
Michael Spicer
Colin Taylor
Andy Webb
Bob White
Benefactors:
Bramley House
Tracy Evans
EfficiencyIT
Paul & Gill Gardner
Nick & Sarah Gillett
Paul Instone
Mark Janaway
Jaques Construction
Jack May
Jamie & Pip Merrett
Chris Millar
O’Halloran & O’Brien
Jim Regan
Armand Roux
Nick Smith
Colin Troughton
Michael & Carolyne Walter
Harry Watts
Jonathon Watts
Chris Webb
Dominic Wright
A big ‘THANK YOU’ to all of our contributors
For more information of how to contribute and to request a standing order or donation form, please contact: treasurer@dorkingrfc.com.
DRFC CITY LUNCH
Following the incredible success of our sold-out inaugural event last October, we're thrilled to announce the return of the DRFC City Lunch at Smith & Wollensky next February. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details and ticket information.
WELCOME TO VELOCE
Our brands span from high -tech elec tric of f- road racing , to lifest yle apparel, mobile gaming , sim - racing and more. Born from a passion around racing and motorspor ts, we’ve evolved into a full -fledge media company in spor ts and gaming.
