President's Welcome Letter 2026/27

It is a great honour and privilege to welcome you to Southwold Rugby Football Club for the 2026/27 season and to begin my first year as President of a club that has been such an important part of my life for more than 30 years.

My Southwold journey began back in the early ’90s as a player in the 2nd XV under Roger Middleditch, before eventually making my way into the 1st XV, playing at blindside flanker with Rob Dawson as Captain. I certainly never imagined then that one day I would have the honour of becoming President.

Some of my proudest memories, however, have come from helping the club grow beyond the senior game. Alongside Simon Moore and a small group of players, mums and dads, I was involved in the very early days of Mini and Youth rugby at Southwold. We started with around 20 children of all different ages and sizes and had no idea what it might become. Today, seeing players from our youngest age groups right through to Colts is something everyone involved in those early days can be incredibly proud of.

I also had the pleasure of coaching the early Ladies team, when training took place at Reydon Rec and there were not always enough players to field a side. To see how the section has developed over the years, and the strength of our Ladies team today, is another fantastic example of what commitment and perseverance can achieve.

Although I spent some time away helping to establish Aldeburgh & Thorpeness Rugby Club, Southwold has always remained very special to me. I will always have black and gold in my veins, so to return and now become President of the club where it all started is genuinely humbling.

I follow in the footsteps of Jimmy Butler, whose larger-than-life personality, wit and charm have been such a feature of the club. On behalf of everyone at Southwold RFC, I would like to thank Jimmy for his leadership, support and commitment during his years as President. I know I have some big shoes to fill, and I look forward to sharing a beer or two with Jimmy, Pauline and the family during the season ahead.

Looking forward to 2026/27, my hope is simple: that every Southwold side performs to the very best of its ability. Whether that means challenging for promotion for our 1st XV, 2nd XV and Ladies, success for our Colts, Youth and Minis, or simply continuing to develop and enjoy our rugby, strong and thriving teams are at the heart of a strong and thriving club.

As President, I will do everything I can, alongside the committee, to support the growth and wellbeing of our players, coaches, team managers and volunteers, as well as our Vice Presidents, sponsors, supporters and members. Every one of you has a part to play. Without you, there is no club, no heart and no passion.

One of the things I am looking forward to most is meeting people from every part of our rugby family – from those currently wearing the black and gold to past players who wore it before them, and particularly some of the players I coached all those years ago who are now bringing their own children to Southwold.

With your continued support, sponsorship and the incredible commitment of our volunteers, I am confident this wonderful club will continue to grow in strength and spirit for many years to come.

I wish all our teams every success for the season ahead and extend a very warm welcome to everyone visiting Southwold Rugby Football Club during 2026/27.

Arn the Wold!
Kevin “Stan” Stannard
President Southwold Rugby Football Club