As we approach the business end of the season for the Seniors, and the second half of our transition plan for the Academy, I thought it would be a fantastic time to send a note of thanks to all the players, parents and volunteers of the club. Your efforts during recents months have been a huge credit to yourselves and Our club.

We currently see the Firsts leading Midlands 2 East (North), the Seconds challenging for the Pennant title (despite only being promoted this season), our Social Stags are playing in competitive local fixtures and the local Pennant league on a weekly basis - doing what the stags do best …being sociable and welcoming of all players. Our Academy goes from strength to strength with a number of the older age group being transitioned into senior rugby (over 10 players this season have tasted and play senior rugby) and in a controlled, well managed and safe manner, where we have seen real growth and development from the players. The u16s are now fully integrated into our Academy and we have been SO impressed with ability and attitudes of these players.

Whilst we recognise that its a challenge for these young players to play up an age group we fully recognise the benefits of doing so and the investment of this experience into their playing futures and that of their peers too. The growth we have seen in leadership, structure and organisation from this squad, in what has only been a few weeks, has been fantastic. As we continue to plan and progress our transition programme, their maybe questions from players or parents regards the Player Pathway we have established at Melbourne RFC, if this is the case please let me know and I would be more than happy to explain.

We are regularly hosting over 30 players on Monday training nights and over 50 on a Thursday. What an achievement, which we must all recognise and celebrate, well done everyone. I can recall four years ago coming to Cockshut Lane on a cold dark Thursday evening to train 9 senior players - oh how we have grown and developed - not least moving from the old Portacabins to the fantastic MSP.

This weekend we have once again fielded FOUR senior sides, this during a half term week must be widely praised, we are a club amongst few that can actually boast of this achievement - whilst ensuring the competitiveness and enjoyment for all squads, players and coaches remains our primary objective.

We are all a part of this exciting journey, especially in that we are a club that relies and invests in our junior players - making a sustainable playing environment for the club. We want ALL our players to develop through the ranks and enter our senior environment and make there own mark and contributions long into the future. We are seeing the huge benefit of this at the present - 11 of our starting fifteen in the 1st XV came through the minis or juniors (or both in most cases) and as a village club with big ambitions we should be most proud of these achievements.

Finally, my personal thanks for your own individual contributions thus far. Whether a parent providing a lift, a coaching volunteering time or a player pulling on their muddy boots. We are all a part of this wonderful rugby family that is Melbourne RFC

Best regards
Matt

Director of Rugby, Melbourne RFC