All are welcome - new to the game or not played in a while? Come up and get involved.

First session is on Tuesday 30th June at Wootton Rec. Be there for 6-45. Training starts PROMPTLY AT 7.

Training will then take place each Tuesday & Thursday at Wootton.

There will be no training in Cowes week, so we have 8 Weeks before the season starts!

Be there!

If you cannot make a training session let Dave Metcalfe know in advance on 07887557511.

It is with great sadness that the club announces the  loss of one of its own, David “Rico” RICKETTS who died last night following his battle with illness.

Those who knew him, will remember a Club Captain and member, whom during his playing days represented the heartbeat of the club both on and off the pitch who not only gave 100% on the park but also helped nurture the skill and confidence of younger players who were introduced to senior rugby, his legendary attitude to warming up before a game (Long before the professional era) and his linguistic skills as a cultural ambassador for the club are written in IWRFC folk law and he will be much missed by those who knew and played with him.

Details of his funeral will be posted shortly and we hope members will be able to make themselves available to give “Rico” a send off suitable for a man of his stature.

 Above, Dave as many will remember him Captaining the side against Pon in the 80’s

Members who knew Dave are invited to post their condolences below.

The Isle of Wight Rugby Football Club held their AGM recently at the clubhouse. The membership reflected on the previous season and prepared for the one to come. Officers elected for 2009-10 are as follows:

President: Nigel Harris

Chairman: Paul Simpson

Hon. Secretary: Louise Carrington

Hon. Treasurer: Tony Newnham

Fixtures Secretary: Neil Brading

Match Secretary: Andy Puckett

Membership Secretary: Will Peters

Social Secretary: Dean Jennings

Coaching Co-Ordinator: Dave Metcalfe

1st XV Captain: Dan Taylor

2nd XV Captain: Kieran Leahy

Preseason training will begin on Tuesday June 30th at Wootton Rec. 7 pm sharp. Any new members are welcome to attend but existing members are expected to attend!

Last Saturday Night The Isle of Wight RFC held their annual awards evening at Cowes Masonic Lodge which was well attended with many respected and disrespected members of the club in attendance. The defeat of the gallant London Irish to those nasty Leicester Tigers earlier in the evening failed to dampen the party atmosphere.

An excellent meal was served, followed by the after dinner speech. Esteemed vice-president Roger Hearn delivered the speech and drew laughter from the entertained audience, not least Wally Peters, who shrieked regularly in recognition of tales from his heyday. The end of season awards were then presented - captain Dan Taylor was MC.

The following were honoured on the night:

President’s Award: Gareth Paisley

Chairman’s Award: Neil Brading

1st XV Player of the Year: Ian Puzey

2nd XV Player of the Year: Dave Gilpin

Players’ Player of the Year: David Church

After the awards were handed out and the raffle was conducted, there was nothing left but to trip the light fantastic and boogie the night away to the Monitors, of Cowes High School fame. The ladies of the club and some of the men cut a dash to a varied selection of tunes. Highlights included the inspiring Phil Morley’s dancing and a mass bundle towards the end of the night.

Many thanks to David Church and Cowes Masonic Lodge for hosting a very successful night, and big up to the Master Organiser himself, Dean Jennings for all his hard graft to make the evening a reality.

Have your say in the future of the club and please attend this year’s IWRFC club AGM.

Where? The clubhouse.  Beer £1 a pint 6pm - 7pm.

When? Friday 29th May 2009 at 7pm

Nominations for club officers can be made in writing or via the nomination form on the notice board at the clubhouse.

Please submit any issues for the agenda to Lou by 15th May