President’s Welcome
Welcome to Fairmile Lane, home of Cobham Rugby (#ONECOB) – to all our members and guests.
I say #ONECOB as I firmly believe that is what we now are.
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As I enter my fourth season as President, I am overwhelmed by the comradery and friendliness that pervades throughout all sections of the club. For many years we were separate sections with different goals and ambitions – not today!
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The #ONECOB spirit is epitomised by our retiring Club Captain Ryan Saunders.​ His rugby career at Cobham began in 1998 in the Under 6s, all the way through the Mini and Youth sections – he was part of the Youth Squad named Rugby Worlds Team of the season – before playing for all senior teams (including for the Vets on Tour), culminating in him being the Club / 1st XV Captain for five consecutive seasons (2019-2024). Ryan’s participation in cross section and age group participation is everything that the club is about and strives for.
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Another big driver towards the one club spirit is our thriving and active Vets section – who not only continue to fulfil a full competitive fixture list but are ever present around the club be it as a parent, coach, social participant, tourist, pod broadcaster or simply enjoying a pint after training on the increasingly popular Wednesday Club Nights.
​For those of you who don’t know me, I joined the club way back when we were Old Surb’s and played in all Senior Teams finishing in the Vets! Cobham is a special place to me, never more so than now – with the combination of our class leading facilities, the broad span of opportunity for all to enjoy our great game and the fantastic spirit pervading throughout – who can fail to enjoy all that club membership offers.
Whilst I have devoted most of my time over the last three seasons to the seniors, I hope to meet many more members across all sections this season at festivals, lunches, socials or match days.
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Our continued success would be impossible without the commitment and hard work from all our volunteers and staff. Thank you to all who give up their time freely – although we always need more people – the club contacts are on the website. Please raise your hand if you have time to help!
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I cannot wait to see what the new season brings – a new senior league and a full fixtures list of fresh opportunities for us to build upon age group successes over the past few years.
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Finally, a massive thank you to all our Sponsors and donors – this includes our growing Braemar All Stars whose generosity funds much needed projects throughout the club. Your generous on-going support and commitment is vital to the continued success of our great club.
#ONECOB
Ian Thomas
President
Cobham Rugby