Here we go again for the 19/20 season! Hopefully all the boys have been partaking in a serious off-season regime to develop a few more props within the team, destroying any form of summer body in the process.

We follow on from a successful 18/19 season, where we made it yet again into the League semi-finals as well as all the way to the Vase knockout competition final, where we were pipped at the post by the Division 1 London Kiwi’s. We can look back proudly over the season given the disruptions, including some serious injuries and the loss/deportation of our captain and top try scorer in Slade. Big thanks go to Luke for stepping up to take on the captain duties and delivering some of the angriest half time team talks ever witnessed, and congratulation for doing it all while juggling the new demands of fatherhood. Congratulations also go to Buchan and Gilly on tying the knot as well as Xander, Rainier and Tim H on their engagements - I’m sure they’re all anxiously awaiting the infamous Quintin stag-dos to come. Our internationally renowned six-gun Sanger will also enter the esteemed club of fatherhood this season. On the flip side, as ever, we say goodbye to a few of the Aussie and Kiwi boys who will be sorely missed, both on the pitch and at the bar.

As we look forward to next season there are some changes to the Quintin club structure:

· I’m honoured to take over as captain, with Alex Raue continuing as vice.

· Martin has departed to Aus, taking his fine try-scoring form with him and leaving the shoes of Social Sec to be filled by the Chim-train himself, which I’m sure will send chills down many a Quintin spine.

· Slade will be taking over the role of Treasurer and we look forward to his return to the field later in the season.

While Shakes, Tim and Gordon continue to reign as our all-powerful leaders.

We aim to go one better in Division 3 this season and the target is to win the League and earn promotion. An important note is that we will now be training on the new RFU 4G pitch at Chiswick on Wednesday nights, 7-9 starting from the 28th of August. Thanks in no small part to the fundraising efforts of Rhys by signing up sponsors, membership subscriptions and match fees have been kept at the same level as prior seasons. Please arrange to pay membership subs of £85 to the Club by Friday the 6th of September to receive your own pair of the new design Quintin RFC socks. The Club bank account details are:

Sort Code: 56-00-23

Account #: 4698-1888

As the first game of the season approaches, home to Hammersmith on the 14th Sept, we issue a call to arms for all players, new and old, to lace up again and drag down some new blood as we take to the field after being inspired by the recent internationals and with the World Cup to come. Of course, this will provide ample opportunity for Chima to take us on our usual inebriated antics. Roll on the rugby day!