Youth rugby at Mersea Island is at an all time high, showcased by the club having every age group from U6 up to U16, and a strong Colts squad now transitioning into Men’s rugby. A record 170 players now ply their trade in Minis and Juniors, with the club going from strength-to-strength.

This contrasts with many other clubs of a similar size who are struggling to retain players and have age groups either merging or disappearing altogether. This is testament to the dedication and hard work of our coaches who make sure each week is fun, engaging, and designed to improve the players individually, and as a collective.

Our Juniors have had a good start to their Suffolk Plate season, with the U15s and U16s having good wins, and the U14s narrowly missing out on the points against Mistley. Every year our sides get stronger and stronger, and it won’t be long until there is a Mersea side being competitive in the top-tier Cup competition.

Our school’s programme has also been super successful over the last 3 years with a constant flow of players coming out of Mersea Island School, and our local secondary schools. The goal is to make sure our senior section is sustainable and competitive year-in and year-out, and with 68 players and counting in our U14-U16 age group, our Colts are looking in great shape next year and beyond.

Speaking of the seniors, it has been a tough first half of the season, with more 1st XVs in the league, and lots of travelling for the players. So far, the team has visited March, Crusaders, Wymondham, Wisbech, and Bedford; all over 2 hours away from the Island, and there is still West Norfolk, Fakenham and Thurston to play away. This travel takes its toll on selection consistency – having used 42 players so far – as individuals must juggle work and family commitments around the long distance away games. However, the team has been very competitive in nearly every game and sit in 8th, and 8 points away from the relegation zone and the bottom two teams still having to visit the Glebe. The brilliant win against Mistley at home capped of a very good 2024 for the 1st XV, and the side are looking forward to a good run of home games in the new year.

For our 2nd XV Rhinos, this season has been much better in terms of games played, with 7 fixtures completed, and some great rugby played as well. This has been boosted by our 17-year-old Colts coming through and stepping up into Men’s rugby, and playing a vital role in making sure training and selection has been competitive each week. There is some great talent bubbling under at Mersea, and this strength in depth will come to the fore over the next 2-3 years.

All-in-all, Mersea Island RFC is in great shape, and the future looks bright for rugby on Mersea. Have a great Christmas and enjoy the holidays!