As we welcome 2026, it’s important to reflect on both the progress we’ve made on the field and the strength of our community off it. Our squads have shown resilience and determination, delivering performances that speak to the hard work of players and coaches alike. At the same time, the unwavering support from volunteers, families, and supporters has ensured that Chinnor RFC remains more than just a club, it’s a thriving community built on progress, pride, and togetherness.

This halftime report is a chance to celebrate our achievements so far, acknowledge the challenges ahead, and reaffirm our shared commitment to driving Chinnor forward with ambition and unity.

Chinnor in the Champ is quite rightly grabbing incredible headlines. Milestone wins against Cornish Pirates and Worcester Warriors provided a warm glow and a top 6 position through the festive period. Hard to think considering the relative slow start to the season. The marketing content, the ClubberTV stream and new Champ branding are helping grow the engagement and attendances across the league. Whilst hit by the new Oxfordshire monsoon season we still maintain the fourth best attendance in the league. So we ended the 2025 as the 14th placed team and 14th best supported team in England. I know, quite something.

There’s a long way to go and many excellent teams to play, but we are rightly very proud of the players and back-room team and how they’re representing the club under the experienced eye of our laser focused Director of Rugby, Nick Easter.

Notwithstanding some challenges, amateur rugby is thriving with both the Wildboys and Outlaws sitting top of their respective Counties leagues. Credit to James Cathcart and Wheels for their commitment and ability to coach and manage a huge squad that’s consistently delivering on the pitch.

Our Chinnor Kites, led by Lou Gray, have expanded into a larger squad and whilst results on the pitch haven’t gone their way yet they are incredibly upbeat and clear evidence of the team’s development is the increase in the number of tries they’re scoring every game against experienced opposition.

Our Junior sides, boys and girls, are enjoying their coaching, developing their skills week in week out and are looking forward to league, cup and festivals plus of course their tours. Congratulations to the many players that have been representing the club in the county teams and development programmes.

Our huge Minis section are easily the noisiest at the club and if that translates into fun and enjoyment then their coaches are doing a brilliant job! I know for a fact that we all felt super proud of our minis festival in November and thank you to volunteers across the whole club that made it happen.

Thank you to Lisa, Dave and Nick for your dedication and leadership.

In addition to the Friday night Tag extravaganza and relaunched Walking rugby, we now have our very own SEND Chinnor Wolves team which has rapidly grown over the first 10 weeks. The feedback from players and parents has been very touching and thank you to the passionate coaching team who are making a difference.

The community programme led by Fran, is evident in local schools and has become an integral part of our Champ match day experience. Whether it be skills, crafts or birthday parties more and more are engaging with the club and loving the experience. We were proud to host 200 girls and teachers from local schools as part of the Red Roses World Cup empowerment day. Maud Muir was an inspiration to everyone lucky enough to be there.

Off the pitch, Tom Dean and the team are putting on some memorable events, including the mega popular Boozie Bingo (thank you Swifty), Big Business Lunch, Corporate days, celebrations and many parties which is helping us develop a reputation for excellence. Thank you to all our staff for helping us make a difference and being a critical part in our community’s social and business calendar.

As we turn the page to a new year, on behalf of the Board, I want to wish everyone across Chinnor RFC - players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and families - a year filled with health, happiness, and success. May 2026 bring fresh opportunities, memorable moments on and off the pitch, and the continued spirit that makes our club so special.

Be loud. Be proud. Always humble.

Thank you.
Nick