Quins Programme 13th April 2024

e t s n e w s

OXFORDQUINS/BICESTERVETSVSBANBURY

TheQuins/BicesterVetshavemadeitthroughtothe CountyPlatefinalandwillfaceBanbury

Wednesday24thApril ataneutralvenue,stilltbc.,keepaneyeonoursocials forfurtherinformation!

I’m incredibly proud of all the players who have contributed to another amazing season and promotion to Level 4 (National 2). This was my goalwhen I accepted theHead Coachposition in 2019, but I thought it would take slightly longer than it did.When Covid halted the 2019-20 season, we were setting the foundations for what was to come. During the ‘return torugby’ phase post Covid we needed more players.

‘If you build it they will come’ This was our philosophy during thereturn to rugby period in 2021. We had to create an environment where players wanted to comeand play rugby. We needed the best facilities, the best coaching, the most inclusive and welcoming club possible. The senior players did a brilliant job of creating the culture, and our mantra of ‘Professionalism’, ‘Family’ and ‘Belief’.

League rugby didn’t resume until 2021-22 when we targeted promotionfrom level 6to Level 5. We had a healthy squad in terms of numbers and 3 squads out every week. Our floodlights were horrendous so we applied for a grant and new lights were installed meaning the men and women had plenty of space to prepare each week. Starting that season on -5 points meant we were always playing catch up.‘Belief’ was key and we managed to claw back the deficit and won promotion to Level 5. I really enjoyed that season but with 3 clubs getting promoted due to the restructure of the leagues, the pressure was less intense, even with the handicap.We were promoted as champions and that was very fulfilling.

The 2022-23 season in Regional 1 South Central (the old National 3) was a massive challenge. It was the first year of a 3 year plan to gain promotion to National2. Wetargeted a top 4 finish and the Oxfordshire County Cup for the 1s, and promotion for the 2s and 3s. We achieved our goals and added the County Cup for the 2s and 3s, the inaugural Oxford 7s, and we were named the Rugby World magazine Club of the Year! That was an incredible year for the club in terms of silverware, and one which may never be achieved again?

m e n ’ s h e a d c o a c h p

This year 2023-24 saw us moved to the Regional1 Midlands league. We didn’t know what to expect in terms of the quality of the opposition in the league, so we planned to get through until Christmas and assess where we were at that point. After beating thefavourites Stourbridge away in the 4th round, I knew we were in with a shout at winning the league.The increase in travel meant a step up in commitment levels for the players. As a totally amateur club, we completely understand that players often have other commitments and are sometimes not available. Our approach of ‘always wanted, never needed’ meant wehad to have exceptional depth in the squad in order to gain promotion. We used 42 players in the 1st team this season, which shows the depth needed to win a league. Each and every oneof those 42 lads have played their part in another outstanding seasonfor the club.

So we’ve achieved our goal of Oxford Quins playing at Level4 for the first time in theclubs history a season earlier than I had planned. The question is how havewedoneit? Thislevel of sustained success doesn’t happen by chance.

The senior players leadership group drive the standards on and off the pitch. We have great people in that group who are experienced and very switched on. They are allexcellent but particular mention to Callum Cashman, Allan Purchase, Willo Bicknell, Adam Field,Ed Yeates and the 1s skipper Josh Archer are key members of this group. Their support and feedback help the coaching staff with their focus and direction.

The coaching team of Jon Vermont, Lee Irvine, Anthony Cope, Alan Hancockand Joe Winpenny are exceptional. The senior mens rugby is supported brilliantly by NeilHopper who does everything behind the scenes to make us tick. A specialmentionhas to go to JV. He’s an incredible rugby coach, his approach, enthusiasm and attention to detailhas driven the standards for the 1s and he should take a lot of the credit for the promotion thisseason. The committee have been amazing since I took over as head coach. They asked me what I wanted when I arrived and have delivered every time. A new gym for the players to get stronger, new floodlights so we can train in better conditions, coach travel to certain away games, pre season tours to Jersey, a celebratory club dinner etc.Expertly lead by Jack Pooler (Chairman), James Knox (Facilities Manager), Ron McDonald (President) and Jenny Ogilvy (Finance Director), they are a brilliant team who ensure the club runs smoothly at alllevels, from the mini and junior section, through to the academy, senior mensand women’s teams and vets. A special mention to the rock of the club, the living legend and force of nature that is Charlotte James. Charlotte does everything for the club and she willnever be able to comprehend how much she is appreciated. The club simply wouldn’t be thesame without her, and even though she doesn’t get to see the achievements on the pitch (becauseshe’s behind the bar or in the kitchen), the role she has played in our recent success cannot be underestimated.

Whilst we’ve all played our part in the successes over the past 3 or 4 years, there is one person who stands alone when it comes to impact across the club, and that person is Stu Wells. Stu is the most incredible Director of Rugby any club could ask for. For mepersonally he is invaluable. He is my sounding board, my mentor, my critical friend, my confident but most of all a great friend. Stu has driven the club to be the best it can be.He is responsible for the Brookes/Quins partnership which has produced a medicalteam lead by Ella Sissons, which is the envy of every amateur rugby club in the country. He was responsiblefor securing the grant for the new floodlights. He persuaded the executive team to support us in getting a new gym. He spearheaded the community schools programme and thesuccessfulHAF camps. He was solely responsible for the women’s team being created. The women’s section is doing exceptionally well and is in great hands with Daisy Hopkins and Fin Kelly leading from the front. He has masterminded and guided us to the promotions we have achieved withhis intelligent and thoughtful approach. Everyone loves Stu Wells and the club would not be the same without him. I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead in National2,but feel safe in the knowledge that Stu will be by my side every step of theway.

My final acknowledgment must go to the wives, girlfriends, partners,family members and supporters who have followed us and supported us. I am so gratefuland really appreciatethe support we are given, especially from my wife Gail and the kids.

Next season will be a new and exciting challenge, and we await confirmationof which league they end up putting us in. Whichever league it is, we’ll continue our journey and we are determined to have as much fun as we can along the way! #GTQ

TheWomen’sPapaJohnsCommunity PlateFinals

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SIX NATIONS

Saturday 13th April Scotland vs England | 14:15

Saturday 20th April England vs Ireland | 14:15

Saturday 27th April France vs England | 16:45

Tom Varndell Head of Community

Stu Wells Director of Rugby

Pete Davies Men’s Head Coach

Fin Kelly Brookes Quins Women’s Head Coach

Fin Owen Evans Strength & Condition Coach

Lee Irvine Men’s 2nd XV Lead Coach

Jon Vermont Assistant Coach - Forwards & Defence

Alan Hancock 3rd XV Lead Coach

Charlotte Barras Women’s Coach

Neil Hopper Head of Men’s Rugby

Anthony Cope Assistant Coach 2nd XV

daisy hopkins Head of women’s Rugby

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S a v e t h e d a t e

5th May - M&Js End of Season Awards

18-19th May - Oxford 7s