Oxford Quins Matchday Program 26.01.2024

tommy pritchard 1992-2023 It is with the most profound sadness that we announce the passing of Tommy “Pritch” Pritchard.

Tommy was seriously injured as a result of a road traffic collision on Christmas morning. The medical staff at the John Radcliffe hospital worked tirelessly to help him and we are grateful for their care and service. Tommy passed away during the early hours of Wednesday 18th January.

There are no words to express the sadness that we feel at Pritch’s passing. He was a huge part of the club here during a seminal part in our history and we all feel his loss tremendously. Our hearts go out to his family, and to his friends and former teammates.

Pritch had an enduring love for history, which culminated with the award of a Doctorate from the University of Leeds, and he was recognised as an expert on the life of Disraeli and 19th Century British History. Whilst studying for his PHD Tommy joined and played for Moortown Rugby Club, where he made over 32 appearances during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

In 2021 Tommy returned to Oxford, and joined Oxford Quins where he had been a part of the U18 academy before going off to Uni. He made 18 appearances in a Quins shirt over the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, playing a hugely important role in helping the club to achieve promotion for both the 1st and 2nd XV, and in so doing it feels that he has woven a part of himself into the fabric of the shirt.

In 2023 Pitch returned to his childhood club, Oxford RFC, where he made 10 appearances this season, and linked up once again with his many friends and team mates there.

Pritch loved to scrummage, his love of the nause, combined with his great strength, meant that he was a force to be reckoned with, and it is no surprise that in 60 matches, he achieved a career win ratio of 85%.

Away from the rugby pitch Tommy loved cricket, golf, darts, and we will perhaps remember him most of all for being one of the warmest and most hospitable men any of us have had the good fortune to encounter. As Landlord of the Fox in Boars Hill Pritch embodied the role of a jovial pub landlord, so much so that it became his nickname here “the landlord”.

It is still hard to accept that he is gone. We still see him now, pint in hand, holding court, entertaining everyone with a warm welcome and an anecdote. He was one of the best.

Stu Wells Director of Rugby

Derby vs Oxford quins i KO 14:15 Oxford quins II vs Windsor KO 14:00

THIS WEEKEND

MEN’S - 27th January

Chipping Norton Vs Oxford quins III KO 14:00

woMEN’S - 28th January Oxford quins Women II V Tewkesbury Women KO 14:00

BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM

Everyone at Oxford Quins are thrilled with the recognition we have received by being made RFU Team of the month for December. Congratulations to all the players and coaching team whose hard work made this happen. A big thank must also go to our sponsors

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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

PRINCIPAL SPONSORS

Howden Insurance Shaw Gibbs Freeths LLP Penny & Sinclair OXIL (Oxford Information Labs) Sweetcroft Homes Seldram Supplies Herbert & Webster Biba Landscapes dragon school oxford

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T T NN EE YY

presidents welcome ron macdonald

The New Year has been tinged with sadness as we said goodbye to Tony Barson and Bill Brown in December, both valued members of the club who will be sadly missed. Our condolences go out to their families.

Our Men’s teams have had a good start to the year with the 1st XV sitting at the top of Regional 1 Midlands and have also been crowned level 5 team of the month for December by the RFU. We’re looking forward to the Six Nations which kicks off on the 3rd February when the 1st XV play Bridgnorth and the 3rd XV take on Didcot. Italy v England and Wales v Scotland will be shown in the Clubhouse, so please reserve the date.

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.

Former players, VPs and Supporters of the Oxford Old Boys, Oxford Marathons and Oxford Quins and their partners are most welcome to attend. A two-course meal with wine on the table will be provided at £20 for members of the Quins, Supporters Club and £25 for nonmembers. Our previous reunion lunch was a sell-out so you will be advised to make your booking early. Please contact me at president@oxfordharlequins.org to reserve your place.

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OXIL PROUD TO SPONSOR WOMEN’S RUGBY IN OXFORD

OXFORD INFORMATION LABS INTERNET RESEARCH SPECIALISTS

We are looking forward to some tough fixtures coming up, thankfully the majority of them at home, where we play our best rugby, as we managed to get most our travel out the way in the first half of the season!

The depth and skill of the squad is continually improving, with some fantastic rugby on display down at Horspath Road.

head of women’s rugby daisy hopkins

Second half the season is well underway for the Quins Women.

Leading the Women’s section as Head Coach is a great privilege. The section would not be where it is now, or even exist without the hard work and passion of Pat Metcalfe-Jones who was the Head Coach until the end of last season. I was honoured to take over leading into this season. The 2023/24 season has been a good one so far. The women’s section is still young in its existence, but it is building incredibly fast. This is year one for me. I have changed some things in how we operate, and I have introduced several new aspects to the team both technically and tactically. It was always going to be a tough start to the season. But I can’t fault the faith and the passion of all of our players.

head coach brokkes quins women’s fin kelly

Being part of the Oxford Harlequins team is an incredible opportunity. The club is growing significantly, and it is very exciting. The men’s section is performing outstandingly.

Since our close fixture at home against Wasps FC in the Papa Johns Cup, we have been on the climb.

The growth in our last couple of fixtures has been great to see. There’s been a clear shift in intensity at training which has given us the edge in competitive fixtures. We’re working very hard at the minute to be able to replicate the competitive nature of fixtures to best prepare us for Sundays.

We talk a lot about belief, family and professionalism within our squad and the team. This squad and the culture of the team is by far one of the best that I have been involved in. From a coaching staff perspective, we are very lucky. Charlotte Barras (Beanie) who is currently undertaking her Advanced Coaching Award (Level 3) brings a wealth of personal playing experience. I learn a lot from Beanie each week, and I know the players do too. We are extremely lucky to have a Women’s Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Fin Owen-Evans has brought another level to our physical preparation and robustness. With his expertise, we can ensure a consistent squad for our fixtures and bring the appropriate load to training sessions. Our Head of Women’s Rugby, and player, Daisy Hopkins makes everything happen. Without her work behind the scenes, and the support of the coaching team we wouldn’t be able to operate as highly as we do. The growth of the squad since August last year has been down to the strong coaching team and dedicated playing base.

We currently sit in 5th place in the league. We do have quite a way to go until we can start catching up with 3rd and 4th. However, it is something that the team wants to work towards. Our goal for the second half of the season is to chase those teams ahead of us. We have no pressure and realistically nothing to lose by leaving it all out there on the field after each fixture. The shift in mentality since the first fixture has been huge. Our club psychologist Immy Porter has supported me to help the players get to this point. Not many clubs have access to someone like Immy, let alone in our league.

On 4th February we travel away to Wymondham Rugby Cub to compete in the quarterfinals of the Papa Johns PLate. I have full faith in the squad that we can go all the way in the competition. Being able to play in a final in such a competition would be huge for the players, for the club and the growth of the women’s and girls’ game in Oxfordshire. Our game this weekend against Old Leamingtonians is a great opportunity for us to put our focus into practice and work towards both chasing the top of the league and being as prepared as possible for the plate game in February.

We are still building, and we still have far to go. But we’re in an exciting venture and I can’t wait to see where we get to over the next couple of years.

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

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

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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

RFU shine a light on the Oxford Quins community programme With the support of club sponsor Shaw Gibbs Tom is helping to inspire the next generation at Oxford Quins welcoming youngsters into rugby who might never have had the chance to play.

Read the England Rugby article here

Manor Farm, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 5LA

head of community tom varndell

The Oxford Quins three-day rugby camp at Horspath Sports Ground during the Christmas half-term break was a resounding success, attracting over 30 children of diverse ages and skill levels. The camp focused on not only enhancing rugby skills but also instilling a love for the sport through engaging and enjoyable activities.

Throughout the three days, the participants took part in a variety of skill-building drills. The coaches covered different aspects of the game, including attacking techniques, contact skills, speed and agility training, and strategic team games. Attacking drills aimed to sharpen players' understanding of offensive strategies, encouraging precise passing, dynamic ball handling, and effective positioning on the field.

Contact skills were honed through carefully designed exercises that emphasized proper tackling techniques. These activities not only enhanced the children’s defensive capabilities but also instilled a sense of confidence when engaging in physical aspects of the game.

Speed and agility sessions were incorporated to boost the participants' overall athleticism. These drills focused on quick footwork, acceleration, and change of direction—essential components for agile and effective rugby players.

Team games served as a dynamic and enjoyable way to put newly acquired skills into practice.

Participants engaged in friendly matches that reinforced teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. The combination of these elements created a comprehensive rugby experience for the children.

Horspath Sports Ground provided the ideal setting for these activities, offering ample space and wellmaintained facilities to facilitate a brilliant learning environment.

Coaches were highly impressed with the children’s commitment and progress throughout the camp.

The positive and inclusive atmosphere fostered not only individual skill development but also a strong sense of camaraderie among the young players. However, I have realised in doesn’t matter how low key you make the games, to the children it is a World Cup final, and they want to win at all costs.

Looking ahead, the Oxford Quins are thrilled to announce plans to continue these camps throughout the coming year. The success of this event has reinforced the commitment to providing ongoing opportunities for children to delve into the intricacies of rugby, refining their skills and deepening their love for the sport.

click here to view the full league table

click here to view the full league table

click here to view the full league table

click here to view the full league table

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

MEN’S

SIX NATIONS

Saturday 3rd February Italy vs England | 14:15 Saturday 10th February England vs Wales | 16:45 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

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

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

WOMEN’S 1ST XV FIXTURES

NC1 MIDLANDS

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

MEN’S 2ND XV FIXTURES

COUNTIES 1 TRIBUTE SOUTHERN NORTH

Save the date

to keep updated with our up & coming events

2nd March - reunion day 3rd march - m&j festvival 17th march - u13/u14 festival

AWO HWO 10-54 L HWO

HWO

P-P

WOMEN’S 2ND XV FIXTURES

NC2 SOUTH WEST (NORTH)

Our standard package includes a pitchside board, a full page colour advert in our matchday programme and inclusion in our social media campaigns.

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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

MEN’S 3RD XV FIXTURES

Counties 2 Tribute Berks/Bucks & Oxon North

tony mcnally

“It gives me great pleasure to nominate Dr Tony McNally as our January Oxford Quins Volunteer of the Month.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

january

Tony has been coaching at Oxford Quins since his son Jim joined us as an Under 7. Jim is now in his 3rd year at Bath University! He coached his age group from Under 7 to Under 16 and it was without question the most successful age group in Quins history, producing a current England U20 captain and premiership player, Greg Fisilau, two current championship players (Josiah Edwards Giraud and Fyn Brown), a US MLR player (Liam Antrobus), 3 other Prem U18 Academy players, and (most importantly!) many players who have gone on to join our senior quad here…

When Jim moved up to the Academy in the 2019-20 season, as a 17 year old, we asked Tony to join the established U18 Acadeny coaching team which included Keni Fisilau, senior players - and me.

Tony brought his passion and energy to the new academy role, and at the end of the season it was clear that he had become indispensable. I made the decision to step away from an academy coaching role and focus on the DoR job, confident in the knowledge that the U18 Academy was in great hands with its new manager, Dr Tony McNally.

Since the 2019-20 season Tony has overseen the continued growth of the Oxford Quins Academy through 3 successive seasons, this being the fourth.

Perhaps the two greatest testaments to Tony’s impact here were seen in December, when 30 former academy players returned from university to be coached by Tony in our annual Christmas match: Academy Legends vs Presidents XV, and then the following week, on Jan 6th, where the back row of our 3rd XV vs Banbury 2 was comprised of 3 former academy captains from the last 3 seasons: Alex Knight (Academy Captain 2020-21), Jack Bull (Academy Captain 2021-22) and Josh McCrisken (Academy Captain 2022-23) - no surprise then that our 3s beat Banbury 2s by a 40 point margin.

On behalf of everyone at Oxford Quins, past and present, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to Tony for over a decade of outstanding coaching and player development work here at Oxford Quins.

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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

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BELIEF . FAMILY . PROFESSIONALISM

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