The pre-season is always an exciting time at Rochdale RUFC., filled with aspirations for a return to rugby and hopes and dreams for a new season. Never has it been truer than for this season 2021-2022.
The return to rugby, following the Covid-19 pandemic and the ‘lost’ season of 2020-2021 plus the curtailed season 2019-2020, has never been more welcome or more important to the future of our Club. All involved at Rochdale RUFC are eager to make this coming season a truly memorable one.
Perhaps with that in mind, it is fitting that season 2021-2022 is also the one in which we celebrate the Club’s centenary.
It is a time to celebrate our successes over many decades’ past, remember old friends and even old opponents who became great friends of the Club and perhaps to dream a little for the future of what comes in Rochdale RUFC’s next hundred years.
So across 2021-2022 we have various celebrations and special events planned to make the very best of this year and to celebrate all that makes Rochdale RUFC such a special place to be. Further details will be announced in due course. However, the kick off to the new First XV season today Saturday 4th September against Orrell and the pre-match lunch before that game promises to be a particularly special one as we launch and inform our members of Rochdale RUFC’s Centenary Legacy Project and our Centenary celebration program of events.
So, starting on 4th September and across the events planned for this year we wish to re-connect with as many of our old boys and girls, players, managers, coaches and officials who have played their part over many years past.
Sadly, it has not always been easy to keep in touch and the Club does not have contact details for everyone who has passed through the Club over the years and then moved on. I would therefore invite you, should you be in touch with past players, coaches, managers and Club officials to pass on details to them of this message. Are you in touch with any of the persons on the Club’s honours boards or perhaps their families?
We would be delighted that as many friends as possible have chosen to join us at the pre-match lunch today and help us kick off season 2021-2022 in grand style. The new season offers a fantastic opportunity to renew old friendships and reconnect with our old team mates, friends and supporters. I look forward to seeing you at the Club over the course of the season.
Saturday’s Opponents
On 4th September we welcome the players and officials of Orrell RUFC, a Lancashire club with a proud history and tradition going back to 1927.
Why not join us at Moorgate Avenue to help kick off the season in style?
Thank you for your continued support for Rochdale RUFC
Iain Coates
Chairman Rochdale RUFC
Centenary Season 2021-2022