Great World Cup launch for Seaford
Seaford rugby club enjoyed a double celebration of long-awaited events, completing their new state-of-the-art clubhouse and watching England win in their opening game on the 2023 World Cup.
England’s opening World Cup game was the perfect time to show off their new clubhouse, as part of their refurbishment had been their media equipment as well as the refurbishment of the building. Those watching the World Cup game enjoyed it on the new multiple screens and enhanced multimedia in the improved clubhouse. As well as screen matches, the new media equipment will also mean the club can review their own match footage.
All of this was made possible because of the lasting legacy of late member Colin Hill and the significant donation he left the club. Hill was a longtime member of Seaford after joining in 1951 when the club reopened after the Second World War. He began his rugby career as a winger, but his playing days were cut short following an injury. He was determined to continue giving back to the game he loved so he became a referee and later the Chairman of Seaford RFC from 1985-1989. He was passionate about development of youth rugby and set up the Colin Hill Cup for the youth side. In their new facility, the club have proudly named the bar after him.
To celebrate this huge step change, more than 100 people came to the club to watch their 1st XV beat Eastbourne in a pre-season match and then in the clubhouse cheer on England as they took on Argentina in the opening match of their World Cup campaign.
Ian Newby, Club Chairman, said: “Now we have refurbished the clubhouse, we have put Seaford Rugby Club firmly on the map. Our hope for the club is to continue building our existing youth teams and develop new ones, to eventually have a team for each age group. This will feed into the club’s future senior teams, coaching staff and builds a solid future for our club.
“What we want to do is increase our community reach and make everyone aware of the fact that we're here and all the activities we offer. The new clubhouse will also be used to generate and build revenue so that we can continue to make rugby accessible for all.”
