James Evans

James Evans

Club Chairman, Chairman of the Executive Committee & Club Director

Westcliff RFC was formed in 1922 as Old Westcliffians Rugby Football Club for ex-pupils of Westcliff High School for Boys. In order to maintain playing standards the Club went open on a limited basis in the 60’s and fully open in the 90’s with a change of name to Westcliff Rugby Football Club.

The Club is approved as a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) which brings benefits in respect of the Business Rate and tax relief on some donations. It gives us effectively the status of a charity and is recognition of the role Westcliff RFC plays in the provision of sport in our local community.

Although our most important asset is our members, the Club owns the Clubhouse built in 1984, with a 60 year lease from Southend Council. The pitches are rented annually from the Council and are maintained by them.

The Club is responsible for raising all finance for the Clubhouse and for the development of rugby. It is registered as a Limited Company and also for VAT. Directors are elected at the annual AGM and they are responsible for the efficient management of the Club.

The main income lines are: Membership Subscriptions, Fund Raising and Entertainment, Advertising & Sponsorship, and Management of the Clubhouse

The expenditure is much the same as for any small business with the additional cost of rugby. Audited accounts are provided each year as required by legislation.

In practice, much is delegated to the two main sub-committees – Youth and Senior Rugby. Volunteers always welcome.

We are grateful to those who perform a myriad of administrative roles voluntarily. Without unpaid volunteers, few rugby Clubs would exist. Don’t wait to be asked – please offer your time generously and help the Club.

The Executive Committee

Peter Jones

Honorary Club President (No Vote), Lunch coordination , & Orator /Club Historian

Bio to follow

James Evans

Chairman, Director, in Charge of Special projects coordination and Hospitality coordination

Westcliff History:  Joined Westcliff RFC in 1986 and played right through mini / youth section and senior rugby, playing for Westcliff 1st XV for 10 seasons before retiring from 4/5th team rugby in 2018

Level 2 Headcoach of an age group since Under 6’s through to 2021/22 season finishing at U18’s with players graduating to play 1st XV Level 2 and senior rugby

Marc Grange

Hon Secretary & Club Director

Bio to follow

Deb Sippitt

Hon Treasurer & Club Director

Bio to follow

Cat Rushton

Club Director and Director in charge of Events

Bio to follow

Ty Harris

Club Director & Director in Charge of Membership, Programs, Club International Ticket Contact and Operations

Westcliff History: Managed / Coached from U6’s all the way to U18’s before watching them join the men’s teams 2 years ago.

Past Mini Chairman, Exec member for many years, an avid supporter and lunch attendee most notably with “The Fatboyz”.

Jamie Lewis

Club Director and Director in Charge of Commercial and sponsorship

Bio to follow

Nick Banister

Club Director, Director in charge of Senior Rugby

Bio to follow

Darren Morrant

Club Director, Director in Charge of FAcilities & Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO)

Westcliff History:  Joined Old Westcliffians RFC as a 7 year old and played right through mini/youth and senior rugby, Westcliff 1st XV Captain in 1989/90 and again in 1991/92, retired from 5th team at age 43.  Coached an age group from U8 through to U19.  At U18 two players from the group played U18 London and South East of England and one went on to represent England, 5 players from the group still play regularly for 1st XV at Westcliff.  Both of my sons play regularly for the current 1st XV.

Rugby achievements:  Represented Essex Schools at U16.  Head Coach for Essex U18s for 3 years.

Tim Ablethorpe

Youth & Mini Chair

Westcliff History: Joined Old Westcliffians RFC as 5 year old in 1975 and played right through from Mini’s, Youth to Seniors. Now Manager of Sons Age Group Rugby Achievements: Played Essex and Eastern Counties rugby at Colts and U21 level.