Sudbury Rugby Club celebrates 100th anniversary at summer gala

The rugby community in Sudbury celebrated a historic milestone at the weekend, as it gathered to mark 100 years since the town’s club was formed.

Sudbury Rugby Club – established back in 1925 – held its Centenary Dinner at Stoke-by-Nayland Resort on Saturday evening, with personnel past and present in attendance.

Around 300 guests helped commemorate the occasion, which featured former England and British Lions international hooker Lee Mears as the guest speaker.

Mike Beckett, president of Sudbury Rugby Club, told the Suffolk Free Press: “It’s our biggest event.

“For us to get 300 people, the great and the good of the club, there is huge, and a testament to the strong feeling of the community towards its rugby club.

“It is important that Sudbury knows we have managed to survive 100 years, and we’re now embarking on our next 100 years.”

As part of the 100-year celebrations, the club also released special centenary jerseys earlier this year.

The gala arrived in a major summer for rugby union, as England prepares to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup, with the Red Roses currently the number one ranked team in the world.

Mr Beckett said the popularity of women’s and girls’ rugby at Sudbury has soared, and believes this will continue in years to come, as its profile grows nationwide.

He highlighted the club alumni who have gone on to achieve international recognition – among them current Red Roses hooker Connie Powell.

“What we’ve found is the women’s game has gone from strength to strength,” added Mr Beckett.

“The men’s game has stabilised – the first team are competing at level 5, which is the highest for many years – and the minis and youth section has always been popular.

“But, the women’s game is absolutely flying at Sudbury. We’ve had a number of the England women’s team come through our club.

“With their success, and the fact our ladies’ team is playing at a high level as well, I can only see things growing from here.”

The club will continue commemorating its century year with its family fun day, which takes place at Whittome Field in Great Cornard on August 30, from noon until 6pm.

The event will include bouncy castles, outdoor games, live music, a miniature beer festival and a barbecue.

Entry is priced at £10 per family, with further information and tickets available online from sudburyrfc.com.