clifton
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Clifton
Article provided by Chairman Wyn Tingley
L
ast month I was very excited and hugely honoured to be elected as Chairman of Clifton Rugby. It’s not just
the tradition that’s amazing; Clifton was founded in 1872 making the Club one of the oldest Clubs there is
anywhere, it’s the history of matches, tours and success and most of all the members and players.
I don’t think they realise I’m Welsh but it’s too late now!
Rugby is my passion though, I’ve not played at a great level,
although I’ve been lucky enough to play with those I’ve
admired for a long time. It seems when you get old enough to
play Vet rugby your heroes drop to your level soon enough!
My son played through the age groups at Clifton and over a
number of years I became more involved. If you had said 12
years ago that one day I’d be in charge I would have assumed
you’d been on the local scrumpy!
Clifton RFC is a generational club, fathers play with sons
who play with grandfathers; Clifton is a players’ club, it’s
the highest level you can play locally without being fully
professional and we have a great track record of aiding
players in their rugby careers.
In the past that has included current England Rugby World Cup
player Mako Vunipola and Junior Rugby World Cup Winner
Callum Braley and Billy Meakes, currently at Gloucester
Rugby. This season’s players leaving Clifton and gaining
contracts include Charlie Foley at GKIPA Championship side
Moseley and Rupert Freestone at National One’s Plymouth
Albion.
The coaching set up is boosted by having former England
players and Bristol players like Mark Regan and Matt Salter
on board, ably led by our Director of Rugby, Darren Lloyd.
Of course, as the training ground for Bristol RFC, we have
a good working relationship with the Premiership aspirants
and we are delighted to have a number of players on dualregistration with them. It’s crucial for younger players to have
competitive, regular rugby and we can provide that in the
national leagues.
Our 2nd XV have their first season in the Zoo Shield to look
forward to. We know it’ll provide stiffer competition than
they’ve had before so it will be a great experience and proving
ground for 1st XV selection.
34 Issue 58