With the boys dropping to the Counties 1 Eastern Counties league this year, they’ll be aiming to put a strong pre-season into practice and come away with a win to start the campaign.

It’ll be the first competitive outing overseen by Lead Coach Ash Cook, who joined our ranks over the summer following a successful spell as Director of Rugby with Stowmarket RFC, guiding them to safety in Level 6.

Ash has been coaching for 10 years with stints at Essex University, Northampton Saints DPP and Bury St Edmunds Women. A full-time teacher and rugby coach at Ipswich School, Ash brings a complementary skillset that builds upon the current coaching group.

Commenting on the upcoming weekend’s games, Ash said:

“We cannot wait to get started. We have had a very successful and intense pre-season spanning from way back to as early as June to prepare for the first league game, and we are raring to go.

“The coaching staff have put in a huge shift to reset and refocus the minds and ambitions of everyone at the club and we now want to go out there and show everybody what we are going to be about this season. The players have stepped up to the mark, bringing in a new set of standards and expectations, and we go to business on Saturday.”

Ash is joined at the helm by the highly respected Jeff Searle, who takes on the role of Strength and Conditioning Coach, along with club legends Jim Clark and Adam Pickering who run our forwards and defence departments following several successful seasons as head coaches for our Men’s 1st XV and 2nd XV respectively.

This season has seen the formation of a leadership group within the senior ranks. Acting as the bridge between the players and the coaching staff, this group is driving the club’s standards and expectations. At the peak of this group are ever-present Jake Steward returning as captain, supported by Jake Goodwin as vice captain.

All this brings to life the ambitions of new Director of Rugby Drew Fautley, whose #OneClub philosophy is already bringing unparalleled progress and unity to the club - for players, supporters and sponsors alike.

Come along to Ely and show your support for the boys this Saturday!

Men’s 2nd XV entertain Felixstowe at Humber Doucy Lane

Men’s 2nd XV vs Felixstowe
Saturday 16 September, 3pm kick-off
Ipswich RFC, Humber Doucy Lane, IP4 3PZ

Our Magpies kick off their season with an exciting home fixture against Felixstowe on Saturday.

We’re expecting a big crowd to bring the atmosphere at the first home league fixture of the season and we’d love to see you there.

Having recently faced off in a hard-fought “friendly” at our fantastic Season Launch a couple of weeks ago, both teams will be relishing the chance to settle the score in the Greene King Division One South.

In what promises to be an exciting season for the 2nd XV, Callum Cook will lead the line as the boys look to make their mark on a new league. Cycle king Ollie Hall will have the task of overseeing the team this season.

The bar will be open, we have plenty of free parking and World Cup action will be on in the clubhouse, so join us for a great day at Humber Doucy Lane.

A big thank you to the team at The Lord Nelson for sponsoring matchday pints at Humber Doucy Lane this year!

Men’s 3rd XV face Bury St Edmunds away

Men’s 3rd XV vs Bury St Edmunds 4th XV
Saturday 16 September, 3pm kick-off
Bury RFU, The Greene King IPA Haberden, IP33 2BL

The Mighty 3s travel across Suffolk on Saturday to face Bury St Edmunds in the Greene King Division Two South.

Our 3rd XV had an incredibly successful 22/23 season, emphatically topping their league and bringing the Suffolk Bronze Cup home.

The strides these boys have made in recent years has bolstered our entire Men’s playing squad, supporting both player retention and recruitment over the summer.

James Young will be leading the line for the reigning Bronze Cup champions. With a title to their name, the Mighty will be looking to hold on to their crown and go one further again this season.

Join us for the trip to Bury St Edmunds - they’re always great hosts and we’re in for an exciting game. Uppa 3s!