THE BRITISH
MERTON
AEROPLANE COMPANY
MERTON
Based at the Morden Recreation Ground on Faversham Road in Surrey Merton RFC
enjoyed a successful campaign last time around. Rugby Club Magazine caught up with
their Chairman Jack Canniff to find out how preparations are going for the new season.
Involvement.
He told us, “I have been involved with the club since I
was 15 years of age, when I was brought down by a
school friend. At the time, I was playing rugby for my
school on Saturday mornings, for Merton Colts in the
afternoon, and football on Sundays. After a couple of
years continuing with both sports, it was the social side
of Merton rugby that converted me from a round ball
player, even if I did keep up the game on a non-regular
basis.”
Memories
“Like most rugby clubs, I would say that many great
memories are from time spent on tours, as well as the
buzz in the clubhouse after all the teams have done
well on a Saturday. Clearly, with the former, not too
much can be said about it, but there have certainly
been many great Saturday nights in the clubhouse, and
that usually involves alcohol, games and singing.
The seasons where we have achieved promotion are
particularly pleasing memories, as it means that all
the hard work over the season from both players and
coaches has been worthwhile, and it gives the club the
chance to celebrate the achievement.
I would also say that Merton is a great place to make
lifelong friends, an aspect that is sometimes pointed
out to our younger players. We had one of our boys
celebrate his 19th birthday at the club last season, and
what was particularly pleasing was to see him go off in
a very large group, made up predominantly of lads that
he had met through the club.”.
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“It is our aim to offer rugby to as
many people as possible, and
continue to have three successful
XVs, as well as maintaining the
social side.”
Atmosphere
“The mood here is very good at the moment, as all
three XVs were relatively successful last season,
the 1st XV gaining promotion by finishing runners
up, the 2nd XV topping their League, and the 3rd XV
(the Hornets) ending up in third spot, and thoroughly
enjoying their campaign, despite just missing out on
promotion. Of course, this is no guarantee for the new
season, but at least it means that spirits will be high
in pre-season which, hopefully, can be carried into the
matches at all levels.”
Youth
“Youth rugby is important to Merton, even if we do
not run mini and junior rugby sections, as there are
other local clubs with established set ups. We have
run a junior section in the past, but nowadays we try