Kettering
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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