Over the last 6 months we have been in discussion with Essex RFU to transfer from Middlesex RFU as our Constituent Body to Essex RFU as our CB whist wishing to remain and associate member of Middlesex if possible.

This was proposed by me in the committee meeting on the 27th April and was seconded by Ian Swindale our Middlesex representative for many years. It was approved unanimously.

In accordance with our rules, it was then voted upon at the AGM on the 2nd of June. It was voted upon unanimously to join Essex RFU as our constituent body in the 26/27 season and if possible, remain as an associate member of Middlesex.
Ian Swindale one of our most highly respected members has requested he remains as the Middlesex representative.

Below is the rational the behind the decision.

We were a founding member of Middlesex and joined in 1885, accordingly this decision was made with significant thought and refection.

Rugby has changed beyond all recognition over the last 20 years and accordingly we are no longer playing games in the Middlesex area. We play in the Essex Leagues
This has meant both our Adult plus Mini & Youth sections are now playing virtually all their games in Essex.
We have always been an outlier with our location in Epping, ( We moved here in 1933) this has meant over the last number of years we have not been able to engage with Middlesex RFU as much as we would have wished hence we believe that joining Essex will give us more local interaction with Essex RFU and the support we need to progress in many areas as a thriving club.

The new floodlit AWP is superb and is without question the best AWP in Essex. It will remain so for many years with the maintenance program we have in place.
Our facilities including the car park are nearly complete and the function facility will follow. We are a club in the ascendancy and the more our facilities are used the better for our club in so many ways.

Essex RFU have already indicated they want us to host Training, Matches and Tournaments at our club

The welcome we have received from all the Essex RFU senior representatives over the last six months has been exceptional and we know the future of our thriving club lies with Essex as our constituent body.

We have informed Middlesex RFU of our decision, they understand entirely our rational for joining Essex and a happy to support the transfer from Middlesex.
We await ratification from the RFU Council meeting on the 27th June

We hope you understand our decision that whilst history is important the future of our club takes precedence.

Yours in Rugby
Ian Swindale- Past President and Life Member
Paul Donnelly -President and Life Member
Simon Parrish Chairman and Life Member