Mens Rugby

Hackney RFC’s runs three sides: The 1st XV Griffins, The 2nd XV Gargoyles and The 3rd XV Gogs.

The 1st XV secured promotion from Herts/M’sex 2 in the 2009/2010 season (their 3rd successive promotion) and play Herts/M’sex 1 in 10/11. Charlie Davis captains the side.

The 2nd XV play in the Herts/M’sex merit Table, level 5. Luke Hearn captains the side.

The 3rd XV play in the Herts/M’sex merit Table, level 7. Jon Wood captains the side.

All sides play a number of friendlies throughout the season against local sides.

All playing members are invited on tour at the end of the season. The last three years have seen over 30 players return undefeated from Madrid, Munich and Malta.

Club Code

Hackney RFC values:

We will always encourage these values within the club.

  • Promoting the game of rugby in Hackney
  • Friendliness
  • Social inclusiveness; promoting the enjoyment of rugby for all
  • Respect for all other members of the club (players, coaches & supporters)
  • Promoting participation in the club for all members
  • Promoting fairness and equal opportunities for all club members to play rugby

Selection Policy

Players will be selected by the coaching panel (1st, 2nd and 3rd team captain and coaches) on the basis of:

  • Fitness and availability
  • Attitude towards the club and other members
  • Form shown in training
  • Attendance at training
  • Hackney RFC operates under the “double strike rule;” any player that misses two consecutive training sessions should not be surprised if they are not starting
  • Form shown in recent fixtures

Selection for the starting XV will be made by the coaching panel - obviously decisions are always difficult and there is no exact, scientific way of doing this: But the club will follow the above criteria. Hackney RFC aims to reward players that show a good attitude to the club, work hard and are committed.

 Availability & Selection

Monday - Club Captain’s email includes details of all 3 fixtures and upcoming social events.

Tuesday - 1STXV squad provide Captain with availability by end of training. Those who do not will not be considered for selection. 2ND XV Captain emails details of upcoming fixture.

Wednesday - 1STXV squad announced. 2NDXV squad inform Captain of availability by mid-day. Those who do not will be assumed to be unavailable. The 2NDXV will be announced on Wednesday afternoon whenever possible. 3RDXV emails regarding upcoming fixture.

Thursday - 3RDXV players inform Captain of availability. Those who do so by Thursday morning will be considered for selection first. 3RDXV squad announced whenever possible in the afternoon.

Saturday - all players are asked to be at the arranged meet on time. Those who go direct to the ground should let their team’s captain know in advance, and must arrive by the time stipulated by their captain. Arriving on time is not only important because it makes life easier for those organising, or because it means your team-mates are not left waiting around for you, but primarily because ensuring that the team is warm and ready to go at kick off has an obvious impact on performance.

Rather than contacting the relevant Captain on a weekly basis players can also fill in the availability spreadsheet included in the 1st XV Captain’s emails. Alternatively there is an availability section of the register at training.