Join Us
Just turn up to one of the sessions - on the downs during preseason (Jul-Sep) and at Colston's School during the season (Oct-Apr).
We are always keen to attract new players to the club, and provide a warm welcome to all. We are still very much a “people” club, and if you are still unsure of things please be confident that any of our members are only too willing to help with any concerns that you may have, after all they were once new to the club themselves!
Old Colstonians is a Bristol Rugby Club and is for players looking to join either a more serious standard with our progressive first team, or looking to play and improve your game in the seconds.
We have an active social calendar for both club organised events and various other gatherings.
We have a very family friendly club houses around, based in the Old Cricket Pavilion in the Grounds of Colstons School in Stapleton (Just off the M32 Junction for IKEA and Tesco Eastville).
Training is on Mondays and Thursdays at 7.00pm during preseason (Jul-Sep).
Training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.00pm during the season (Oct-Apr).
Monday/Tuesday 7:00pm – 8:15pm.
This training session usually focuses on skills, contact and fitness (preseason it is fitness)
Thursday 7:00pm – 8:30pm
This training session usually involves more specific unit skills (line-out, back play) and team play/ game plan.
NOTE: Training starts at 7pm PROMPT
Selection
Selection is performance based. The playing committee undertakes selection –1st & 2nd team captains (or designated representatives) and club coaches. Those selected will be contacted by their captains, and teams posted onto the website (www.ocsport.co.uk)
Selection Policy
Although there is not a strict policy there are general guidelines that the selection committee work with. Attendance at training is a very strong basis for selection, but is not taken in isolation. Ability, safety and attitude are also key factors involved in the selection process. However those players who are unable or unwilling to attend training sessions or are unavailable to play on a regular basis are unlikely to be considered for first team rugby.
Availability
If for any reason you are unavailable to play then please inform either your captain or team manager as soon as you know, to give plenty of time to cover your position.
Kit
Playing shirts are provided by the club, and are given out and collected back in at every match. Team members take it in turns to wash the kit (nominated by the team manager).
The club colours are BLUE & GOLD. Socks are blue and yellow hoops,and shorts are blue. Socks, shorts, club dress shirts and club ties can be bought from behind the bar.
Membership
Full membership of Old Colstonians Rugby Club is through a monthly subscription, which is usually paid via direct debit. This entitles the member to RFU insurance, membership of the bar, a vote at the annual players meeting and AGM and a ticket to the clubs annual dinner at the end of each season.
Full Membership: £20 per month
Match Subscriptions
If you have a direct debit, there are no match fees, if not you must pay your team captain £5 after every game. Replacements are not expected to pay. The fees go towards insurance, training & playing equipment and other expenses in running the club.
League & Merit Tables
The club won promotion to the Gloucester Premier League as Champions in 2005. This promotion was built on previous strong league campaigns, having gained promotion in successive years from Gloucester 3 South, Gloucester 2 and Gloucester 1.
Our 2nd XV plays in Merit League 2 (out of 3)
Registration
Players wishing to be considered for 1st XV & 2nd XV rugby must fill out a registration form (available from Anthony Stillwell, the membership secretary) as soon as possible.
Dress Code
League & Cup – Number 1’s - Club Shirt & Tie, Smart Trousers
Home Matches
All players are expected to meet for home matches at least 1 hr before kick off, although your captain will inform you of any changes to this. If for any reason you are likely to be later than this please inform your captain as soon as possible.
Away Matches
Your team captain will inform you of meet times for away matches. The players provide transport. Please try to take a turn, if possible. Although there are no travel expenses it is anticipated that those not driving will look after
those who are!
Discipline
Discipline on and off the pitch is the player’s responsibility. It is accepted that Rugby is a contact/collision, physical game, but the highest standards of selfdiscipline are expected. Should a player be involved in acts of violence, they may be asked to attend a club disciplinary meeting (usually on a training night). Sending’s off automatically result in a club hearing by the disciplinary committee).
The club will support players who, in their opinion, they feel may have been unfairly dealt with by the referee. That player will be accompanied to any RFU disciplinary hearing to show support for the player and explain any actions taken by the disciplinary committee.
Injuries
A Physiotherapist is available on match days to all players before the game, although her main responsibilities will be with the 1st XV; she is also available on training nights.
Social Functions
Please come and have a drink (or two) in the club after training and matches. It is the best and quickest way to get to know people, and is also a great way to communicate.
The first Saturday of every month is usually reserved for a club night out, which are occasionally themed – you have been warned!
Tours
OC’s like to go on tour at the end of every season
Dinner
There is an annual end of season Dinner (normally in April/May) at which the club celebrates the efforts of the past season, and presents various awards. It is also an opportunity for the captain’s and committee members to poke fun at various other members of the club. All members and friends of the club are encouraged to attend and are all most welcome.
Hiring facilities
The club pavilion is available for hire for functions (birthdays, weddings, children’s parties etc). Please enquire behind the bar for details.
PTO for some contact details of club members:-
Main Contacts:
1st XV Capt: Andy Ross
2nd XV Capt: Anthony Stilwell
Coaches: Tommy Williams, Richard Bryan, Ben Berry
Social Sec: Kieran Laxen
Chairman: Lloyde Price
Fixtures Secretary: Noel Armstrong
