Welcome to December’s edition of the Rochford Hundred Round-Up! Each month, we’ll bring you news and updates from across the club. Whether it’s match results, player achievements, or upcoming events, this is your one-stop place to stay in the loop with everything at Rochford Hundred RFC.

December was a cracking month for the Minis, with two action-packed home fixtures against Thurrock and Westcliff. There was some fantastic rugby on show, plenty of smiles, and lots of great teamwork across all age groups - a brilliant way to round off the year!

The Minis' Christmas party on Saturday 20th December was once again a huge hit. From festive fun to well-earned laughs, it was great to see players, coaches and managers celebrating together and getting into the Christmas spirit.

As we head into January, it's straight back to business with a home against Chelmsford on Sunday 11th January. We're ready to start the new year with the same energy, enthusiasm and love of rugby - bring it on!

Matt Valentine, Minis Chairman

U14s – Welcoming the Christmas Break!

It’s been a successful yet challenging debut season in Tier 1, and the team has shown fantastic resilience throughout.

We’re back to training in the new year on Wednesday, 7th January, with our first game of 2026 away to our competitive neighbours, Canvey — it’s set to be an exciting clash!

New players are settling in brilliantly, and it’s great to see confidence and talent growing across the squad. There’s always room for more, so if you’re interested, join us for training every Wednesday evening from 19:00 to 20:30.

Wishing all our players, families and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your incredible commitment and energy — here’s to an even stronger second half of the season!

Nick Cook, U14s Coach

U15s

With our last win at Old Brentwood, we were looking to take real determination into the Eton Manor fixture. However, due to an issue at Eton Manor, our league match was cancelled and will now be played in the new year.

All the boys have been working hard in training.

Lee Vincent, U15s Coach

U16s

December has been a quieter month for the U16s following a cancelled fixture, but they delivered a strong performance to come from behind and win a hard-fought derby against our friends and neighbours.

With four league wins from five, the team are near the top of their division, enjoying their rugby and heading into 2026 with a great deal of confidence.

Nick Yelland, U16s Coach

After an outstanding start to the season, the Harts have had a mixed December, with two losses and one win. Both losses were competitive away games against other teams at the top of our Merit League — Thames and Eton Manor.

The team will now enjoy a well-earned Christmas break before returning to training in the new year, with some extra fitness to burn off the turkey and mince pies ahead of the next game on 10th January!

The commitment to training, games and the social side has been brilliant all season so far, which is a testament to the club and all the boys.

Happy Christmas to all at RHRFC!

- Nick Dolman, Harts Manager

This month marks the halfway point of what is proving to be a very promising season for the Vixens! We are currently top of our league and remain unbeaten.

Unfortunately, our scheduled game in December did not take place, as the opposition were unable to field a team, but we continue to grow together and the players are developing their skills at training.

I’m looking forward to returning in the new year and keeping the momentum going. I wish every player a very Merry Christmas and hope they all enjoy their well-earned break!

- Danny Ryan, Vixens Head Coach

Before I begin this update, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

What a year it has been. I was delighted in April to be confirmed as Chairman for this season, allowing me to continue my mission of supporting you all in building a sustainable, vibrant and ambitious club — and you have certainly delivered.

I feel we have made significant progress this year in developing as a club and competing with our neighbours at the Gables and Warners Bridge. We all know the level of support that both Southend and Westcliff receive in terms of their youth set-ups, and some might think that Rochford Hundred play second fiddle. I believe they are hugely mistaken.
The talent within this club, both on and off the pitch, puts us up there with the very best in the region, and that is no mean feat — especially considering the resources our neighbouring clubs have historically had at their disposal.

What truly sets us apart is the sense of community within the club. It is a special culture. We are no longer in the shadows, but a well-respected outfit and an exemplar within the county.

The performances of all our teams have been extra special this year, and that is down to the dogged and determined work of our coaches, managers, players, volunteers, committee members, parents and supporters, who have all played a part in making this club so vibrant and ambitious. We are no longer seen as a club that punches above its weight. Go anywhere in London and the southeast, and people know who we are and what we are about.

In 2026, we will build on these achievements. Plans are already in place to construct a state-of-the-art gym behind the stand, which will enhance our on-pitch performance and bring more people from the community into the club. In time, this will provide a sustainable source of revenue and further establish Rochford Hundred as an even more attractive place to play rugby.

We will also be establishing an all-girls team next season, which is a huge achievement and an important step in inspiring the next generation of Red Roses. Special recognition goes to Anneliese Maher and her team for making this ambition a reality.

I cannot thank enough people for what has been achieved both on and off the field this year. I am extremely proud to represent and serve you all. As I have said before, you make my role far easier because you operate as one club and are proud to be associated with this place.

Finally, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our sponsors for enabling us to create such a special atmosphere. You are a vital part of the club family, and it is an honour to partner with you. May our relationship continue to grow well beyond 2026.

Roch!

Tour Virgin, Brighton Rams tour 2025

- Steve Maguire, Club Chairman

Rochford Hundred Annual New Years Eve Party

Tickets:

• Adults: £7.50
• Children (5yrs - 16yrs): £5.00
• Under 5s: Free
• Family Ticket (2 x adult, 2 x children): £20.00

Tickets available on Bookwhen now!

All proceeds raised will go directly towards supporting the club and its activities.