Rugby Club ISSUE 83 | Page 86

Kettering FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Simon Wright and Ben Murray have both had long and positive associations with Kettering Rugby Club. Simon is an ex-player who turned out on many occasions for Kettering as a hooker in their front row. Ben recently told Rugby Club Magazine, “I became involved with the rugby club typically through friends and played junior rugby from the age of 13 to 16, predominantly as a front row prop. My wife’s uncle Greg Butlin is involved with the club as is his son Jordan who plays on the wing for the 1st XV. We both like to get down to the club as often as possible and very much enjoy the hospitality and camaraderie that exudes from the club during matchdays. The seniors are playing some great rugby this season, moving the ball well and are definitely in the running for a league title. The club are very community based reflected in the many youngsters enjoying their rugby at Waverley Rd. As a business, UE Group has supported the club over the years and has always liked to help out and give something back. This season we decided to become one of the principal shirt sponsors and it looks like we could have our name on the shirts in potentially a historic season! Simon, myself and all our staff at UE Group would like congratulate the club on being chosen to appear within the Six Nations edition of Rugby Club Magazine. Wishing everyone many more successful seasons in the future!” Nigel Gardiner is a Cornishman and club sponsor with Venture Farm Machinery which he runs with business partner Jim Pearson. He told us, “I used to be a fan of the round ball but am a convert to rugby. My previous employers and clients were in the agri machinery business and many were supporters of grass roots and national rugby so I was aware of the connection. A few years ago, my wife Sandra and I were invited to an end of season bash and were hooked straight away by the welcome and camaraderie, it became apparent that much enjoyment could be had as much after the rugby as during the match - we are now big supporters. Moving forward with fresh ideas and not staying stagnant are important to club and business alike. Clubs throughout the country all have their own challenges and it has to be beneficial to see more thirty somethings move onto club committees. Inclusion is also important; rugby by its very nature is about unity however ideas and practices on retaining not only mini and junior players but parents through evening social events and help with understanding the game could surely help to keep clubs more wholesome and functioning.” 86 Issue 83