MATCH DAY
Nov 8 KO 3pm th
Witney RFC
Sat 8 Nov 2025
Bicester II KO 1.30 pm
Witney RFC
Sun 19 Oct 2025 th
Henley Colts Witney ACADEMY
Chairman’s Welcome
First Things First!
This IS Rugby!
The Royal British Legion is a charity very close to my heart, and I know members of the Club feel the same way. For the past couple of years, older members of the Club have participated in the Great Tommy Sleepout, and with the support of all you Sponsors, Members, Supporteres family and friends, have raised hundreds of pounds to help homeless Veterans. Thank you.
I have included a direct link to the RBL’s fundraising page so if you wish to make a donation today please follow the link.
DONATE
This IS Rugby!
Whilst we take time to remember the fallen of past conflicts, we should also spare a thought for those caught up in current ones — in particular, a conflict very much in our thoughts: the heroic defence of Ukraine. The Ukrainian soldiers are, for the most part, ordinary men and women like you and me — not professionally trained troops, but people fighting for peace in their own country. We can do more than simply think about them. A small act of kindness on our part can make a world of difference to those engaged in a war not of their making. I would be grateful if you could join me in supporting Ukrainians through the Shipton Hub, a local organisation collecting essential supplies for troops on the front line.
A small shoebox of practical items can mean so much to soldiers far from home, separated from their families, and without access to the everyday things we take for granted.
What might a soldier far from home want for Christmas from you?
Clothing
Thick/thermal socks
T-shirts
Underpants
Neck warmers
Warm pull-on hats
Balaclavas
Gloves
This IS Rugby!
Food items and extras
Chewing gum
Sweets/chocolate
Biscuits/small cakes
Nuts/dried fruit/nibbles
Pot Noodles
Savoury biscuits
Cola
Protein bars
General
We would love you to include a message of support, which you could run through google translate and write in Ukrainian as well as English.
All gifts should fit inside a shoe box. (No bags please). Should I decorate my box?
Your choice, but looking cheerful is good. Please make sure nothing can escape. (Using string to close the box is good, because it means customs can check the contents should they wish to.) If you want to wrap individual items inside your box, please do, but it’s your call. Please write a list of contents firmly fixed to the outside of the box for customs.
All boxes need to reach the Hub by 30 November, I will collect boxes at The Club and deliver to the Hub on Friday 28 November. th
Thank you for your support.
Dob in Dabber !
Dabber Willis has taken up hiding in the programme. All you have to do is find him and win a pint. Dob in Dabber at the Bar on match day, and if you’re the first to do so, you win a pint of ale or a glass of wine. Cheers Dabber!
GREATDAY
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
Player Sponsors
Player Sponsors
THE VIPER’S BITe
Player Sponsors
RUCKS, PINTS, REPEAT BARMY BY NATURE
No game to reflect on so just one to look forward to, at home against Bicester IIs. Bicester sit below us in the table but with plenty to play for, league survival. It won’t be an easy game, but our Barmy Army will relish the opportunity to get their season back on track.
So come on up to Hailey Road and get behind the boys in Black and Blue.
Player Sponsors
At the 11 hour on the 11 day of the 11 month in 1918 the guns fell silent, which is why we perform our act of remembrance as close to the 11 as the weekend allows. As part of the act of remembrance we quote lines from the poem, ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon.
Whilst the lines are familiar to all, I have included the preceding verse which I think sets the scene:
They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Angels Calling!
Colts A
Academy
The Future’s Bright!
Player Sponsors
Witney Calling!
There are new global law trials implemented for the 2025/26 season. These include banning the "crocodile roll" at rucks to enhance safety, players in offside positions after a kick, a time limit for players contesting a lineout, and the removal of a scrum option for free kicks, Additionally, the 20-minute red card for technical offences is moving to a global trial, and there's a new law "protecting the 9" to prevent players from being played at the base of scrums and rucks.
More details on the Rugby Laws can be found Here
Whilst we are on the subject of the laws of the game, we feel duty bound to remind you of the terrific support we get from the guys in the middle, the Referees. These men and women give up their time to officiate and make the games possible. They cannot possibly see everything and whilst we support with line runners, they cannot help with the real time decision making required. They don’t have two officials running the line and a 4 TMO with video playback so cut them some slack. th Mistakes will be made, offences go unseen, and sometimes it can appear from the sidelines that we are getting a hard deal. By all means voice your support for our wonderful teams, but abuse of the officials will not be tolerated from players, coaches, supporters or Club members. Let’s keep it good natured, enjoy the game and make the officials want to visit Hailey Road.
Player Sponsors
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
Thursday 13 November. Breakfast of
Champions th
Why not join us at our Hailey Road Clubhouse and mingle with like minded businesses and rugby club members. Chat from a special guest. Tickets £10 per person. free entry to Witney RFC Sponsors.
What’s On @ Hailey Road!
A massive thank you to all our fabulous sponsors!
How would you like 10% off everything you buy over the bar? With a WRFC Members Discount Card that’s exactly what you get. 10% off all your beers, teas, coffees, sandwiches etc. For a small anual fee, currently £25, you get a year’s worth of discounted products. That’s approximately 50p a week, so one pint of lager a week and you have made your money back, 2 pints and your saving at a level appreciated by Yorkshiremen.
To qualify for the card you need to be a signed up member of the Club.
Interested? email me or speak to any of the marvellous bar staff. ian.loughborough@witneyrugby.co.uk
The Reality is:
You have to be over 35 years old and have been a member of Witney RFC for at least 4 weeks before match day. Sound like this could be for you? Why not come along to Club training night; Tuesdays and Thursdays.
If you need to ease back in gently, we have Walking and Touch Rugby on Thursday evenings. Contact Simon Copperwheat on: 07904 360561
