I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is looking forward to what will hopefully be a memorable 2023 – my 32nd year in the role of President at this incredible club.

There were many high points throughout 2022, including our first-ever National One Friday Night Lights home game back in March – an evening where a crowd of more than 1,000 came to Old Bath Road and the game was also live-streamed worldwide.

I probably never expected our players to be watched in among others, Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean and more, but it was well deserved and a cracking game as well!

A fabulous pre-season tour to Ireland in August paved the way for the first XV to set a club-record 11 wins to start the new campaign, leaving us second in the table at the halfway point of the season.

I am looking forward to my first trip to Hull RUFC next weekend, and to what promises to be a hugely exciting four months to come. I’ve no doubt there are many twists and turns to follow.

As President I have always been proud of the inclusivity we have as a club from top to bottom, and I am delighted to see all our senior sides performing so well.

The Titans are fourth in their league and the Centaurs and Dragon’s Teeth are top – and featuring many of our former Colts – so all those who have represented the sides can be very proud.

The Horde have also been narrowly edged out in a couple of fixtures, but I’m sure 2023 will see their results turn green.

Things are flourishing no less in the younger part of the club – I would like to thank all the coaches, managers and all others involved with the Minis and Juniors.

While we unfortunately had to cap the numbers with more than 500 now involved, it is marvellous to see so many boys and girls enjoying their rugby at the club.

And who knows, if we can find some more space, perhaps those numbers can go even higher in the future…

As a club we continue to do our best to further rugby in the community – the introduction of the Wokingham Warriors has given extra chances to pupils in the state sector – and we will look to keep moving forward in 2023.

Off the field further improvements have been brought in at Old Bath Road – the new floodlights on Pitch Three will benefit seniors and juniors alike and provide the opportunity for more evening matches – while the Friday Club continue to have the whole site looking as smart as possible.

I would like to end this note by once again thanking everyone involved at RAMS – players, supporters, coaches, backroom and ground staff, sponsors, VPs, Life Members and more – for your efforts throughout the past 12 months.

Across the board it was one of our most successful – and here’s to more in 2023!

Best wishes,
Ian