I caught up with player/coach Ash Smith over coffee recently to seek his thoughts on pre-season for the senior men and the upcoming league campaign. He first explained that the group, though disappointed and frustrated, have come to terms with their relegation from Regional 1 North East at the death last season and are determined to be back playing at Level 5 this time next year. "Pre-season is going really well, with a number of new faces, and with numbers up overall, the injury and unavailability issues which affected us so much last season will hopefully not be so much of an issue this coming campaign." There will, sadly, be a number of early season absentee's as players recover from injuries and niggles sustained last season but Ash was upbeat "Relegation was tough but that is sport. We have most of the squad from last year and the experience of playing at Regional 1 level will stand us in good stead. With new players adding to the mix, I think Park will be very competitive and very exciting this season and promotion is definitely the aim. That said, the introduction of play-offs will be interesting but whatever the format, we will I am sure be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."

After what can only be described as a training session against a touring Oldham RFC last weekend, Park face three pre season games before the opening league fixture at West Hartlepool on Saturday 6 September, KO 3pm.

Tomorrow, Saturday 9 August, Park take on Medicals and Manchester Rugby in a round robin set of games at Preson Avenue, KO 1.45pm

Saturday 16 August vs newly promoted Regional 1 side Middlesbrough at Preston Avenue

Saturday 23 August vs Scottish National 1 side Boroughmuir in Edinburgh

Fixtures and KO times for the last two games to be confirmed - please check club social media platforms 

Percy Park RFC – 100 Club

6 August 2025

Dear Member/Supporter

It is proposed, in support of Percy Park mini, junior and youth rugby, to begin a ‘100 Club’ in order to help raise funds.

The initial target, as the name suggests, is to recruit a minimum of 100 members each contributing £5 per month (via standing order to the club) so that £500 is raised each month. That would mean £3600 raised per year. If people were willing to give more per month, say £10, then prizes and the money raised would obviously be greater.

For example, every month there would be a draw, the winner taking £100, the runner-up £50 and two third prizes, each of £25, leaving £300 to go into our youth rugby funds based on a £5 monthly contribution.

This email is sent to gauge the level of interest that there is within the club. For this to work, there must be a minimum of 100 people involved. If there are more, then the prizes and money raised will be greater.

If you are interested, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your details in order for me to properly gauge interest. Please also state the amount (£5 or £10) that you would wish to contribute.

Yours in rugby

Ken Bell

President

This coming Saturday, 17 May, Percy Park host their annual Seven's event featuring three competitions, Men's Elite, Women's Elite and a Men's Social.

As usual, there will be a food court, beer outlets, music and a feast of rugby and with the weather set to be sunny and warm, what excuse do you have for not turning up?? All in all, it should be a great day!

Our grateful thanks to all thiose who have sponsored the event, including Penney Petroleum and Vertu Motors, and all those who have helped organise it and everyone helping out on the day.

ENJOY!