September brings the start of a new rugby season and players from under six to the wrong side of 50 are ready for kick off down at Barnard Fields.
Membership of Wymondham Rugby club has grown to more that 1,500 since the move to the club’s new home in 2018.
And the club is celebrating the opening weekend of the season with an open invitation for people to come down to see what’s on offer.
There’s the traditional beer festival with more than 40 ales and ciders along with a gin bar, street food and live music. It starts on Friday evening, 2nd September, when the club’s senior women’s squad, The Wasps, will be hosting West Norfolk from 7:30pm.
On Saturday 3rd September, senior league fixtures start with home games for the 2nd XV against Beccles at 12pm and the 1st XV kick off their season against West Norfolk at 3pm.
The senior men’s squad have been back in training since the end of June, regularly attracting 30 to 40 players at sessions. A tough warmup game against Diss last month was won 27-15 and lead coach Tom Armes says his players are ready for the campaign ahead.
“There’s a lot of focus and ambition in the squad and that’s coming from the players. Last year after lockdown everyone was so de-conditioned but that’s completely changed now.
“We’ve worked on our fitness levels that cost us games last season and we want to get back to playing exciting, expansive rugby. If we put on a show for the spectators then we’re going to enjoy that too and that’s going to push us on.”
This summer Wymondham celebrated its first senior England cap when former Youth player Tommy Freeman starred in Eddie Jones’ winning test team in Australia.
And the first Sunday in September is when Wymondham’s Youth and Minis squads return - and the club is laying on a free funday from 11:00 with giant inflatables and kids’ entertainment.
“We have the biggest set-up for young players in the county,” said Dominic Parravani, co-director of the Minis.
“Youth and Minis rugby is such a big part of the club now and it gives the sport a real family atmosphere. If you’re thinking about getting your son or daughter involved, just come down on Sunday and take a look.
“We’ve got a great lineup of coaches and it’s a fantastic and really friendly sport for kids.”
Finally, Tommy Freeman wasn’t the only player to win an England jersey this summer - Wymondham’s Andy Verney, Neil Davies and Iain Grisewood helped the England Men’s over 50s team win the European Touch Rugby Championships in Nottingham.
Tickets for the club’s beer festival cost £8 for Friday and £10 for Saturday and can be bought at www.wymondhamrfc.com/club-events.
