Turning up in the summer of 1989 for my first training session with the then Solihull RFC the furthest thing from my thoughts was that I would one day be asked to become the club’s Chairman of Rugby – a role surely performed by some old fuddy-duddy.

Well I’m very pleased to have been asked as it provides the opportunity of continued involvement with the club along with those of you who play, coach, volunteer, support or just enjoy having the craic with likeminded people.

As anyone who has been involved with B&S Rugby Club will know, we have enjoyed a bumpy ride of great highs (beating Wasps) and challenging lows (liquidation). Therefore to ensure our club goes from strength to strength providing the opportunity to be involved in rugby for young and old on and off the field it is up to us ALL to play our part.

For me I see The Chairman of Rugby role comprising three parts:-

1. to have a plan for all rugby elements of the club, the 1st Team, The Hornets and the M&J section;
2. to ensure we have the right resources in place to achieve our objectives in terms of players, coaches, support personnel and volunteers;
3. to support the coaches and players in their roles and provide advice and action as and when required .

I would like to finish with this point. Last season was the proverbial ‘game of two halves’. From exuding confidence pre-season to a potential player walk out at Christmas on a scale British Leyland would have been proud of, we were plummeting down the league and in a mess.

One person not only recognised the situation but more importantly did something about it. That person was Keith Jervis. Even though he was not in a ‘position of authority’ he made a few phone calls and in no time Willy & Spanner were in situ and what a fantastic time we had as players, supporters and volunteers during the second half of the season culminating in winning the North Midlands Cup.

We all have the potential to make a difference to the success of our club just like Keith and to that end I have included my contact details should you should feel at any time that you can help the development of the club.

M: 07968 289209 E: daiphillips@btopenworld.com

One thing I would urge you to do straight away is show your commitment to the club and apply for your season ticket – details on the club website www.beesrugby.com

Looking forward to the journey recommencing again with our first of three warm up games on 6th August away at Rugby Lions.

Dai Phillips
Chairman of Rugby