NEW Coach appointed!
I am delighted to announce the appointment of a new club coach – Nick Lambert. Wallace and I have been in contact with Nick for several weeks, and he has been down to watch the 1st XV play and also take a Wednesday night session. We were very impressed with his credentials and approach to the players and have subsequently asked him to coach the club.

Over the next few weeks, Nick will be working in conjunction with Gash, myself and the newly formed coaching team to move the club forward with regard to playing and training. This is a great opportunity for the club to realise its full playing potential and strengthen its position in all the leagues we play in.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The first half of the season has whizzed by.

Both the 1st and 2nd XV's made great starts to their league campaigns with both teams facing tougher opposition in November and early December, both sides find themselves mid-table at the Christmas Break.

Our Vets side, captained by former Club Captain, Colum Ewing have played four matches to date. It's great to see so many old faces back on the park and a fantastic achievement to have run three teams on the same Saturday, something we are looking to continue in the New Year.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, January's training plans & matches have been heavily disrupted. However with a great deal of work from captains Bob Patten and Peter Spiers, the 1st XV were able to play and record a win against Quintin on the 2nd January (when all other league games were postponed).

Training returns this week on both Monday (Indoor @ Isleworth & Syon School Gym - 7.30pm) and Wednesday (Outdoor @ Wood Lane 7.30pm).

Off the park, Tony Winslade and Andy Brooks have been working hard to upgrade our changing facilities including the showers. Work continues throughout January. A massive thank you to both Tony and Andy for all their efforts.

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I'm saddened to report the tragic passing of Old Isleworthian Footballer, Brendan Moore.

Brendan, in his early twenties, was an extremely popular member of OIAFC and a prolific goal scorer in the 1st XI.

Our sympathies go out to all his family and friends.

2010 TRAINING

Wednesday rugby training will recommence on 6th January.

Monday fitness training will recommence on 11th January – Check out our new facebook page for the latest info on fitness training.

COLLECT DAILY MAIL AND MAIL ON SUNDAY TOKENS
FOR THE SCHOOL

Isleworth & Syon school have the opportunity of getting a load of free kit from Gilbert Rugby, if we are able to collect either 1000 or 2000 mast heads from the Daily Mail or the Mail on Sunday by Jan 31st. If you or your family take Mail or Mail on Sunday please collect the mast heads which are the titles at the top of the front page. Please bring them to the club on Wednesdays or Saturdays and give them to Wallace. Thanks, Mark Adams, Head of PE.

SOCIAL - CLUB NIGHT OUT
The OIRFC social season continues with a Club Night Out on Saturday 20th February evening.

PAST PLAYERS’ LUNCHES & THE ANNUAL REUNION
Please note that this season’s Annual Past/Current Players Reunion will be on the afternoon/evening of Saturday 27th March 2010.

We’ll also be holding a number of our traditional Past Players’ lunches followed by supporting the home team at Wood Lane. The dates for this season are 17th October, 5th December, 16th January and 13th February. If you wish to receive more details of the lunches email tony.winslade@btinternet.com.

VETS’ FIXTURES

If you are a Veteran (35 and over), regardless of whether you play regularly or just make occasional cameo appearances, make a note of the dates currently selected for Vets fixtures: 10th October, 28th November, 9th January, 23rd January, 20th February, 27th March and 17th April.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

In case you are not up to date, the following regular players from seasons 2007/8/9 have now returned to their home countries, have emigrated or currently are based abroad:

Wyn Edwards - Singapore, Josh Guy - Tauranga, NZ (back playing at the same club as Tiller!), Trevor Hector – Johannesburg/Pretoria, James Holian - Sydney, Mark ‘Weirdie’ Newing - Melbourne, Dan Padbury - Singapore, Antoine Poli - Paris, Max Poli - Basel, Greg Stothart - Cape Town, and Ryan Swerdlow - Sydney. Jake Morrison is currently in Port Douglas, OZ. Richard Davies got married and is off travelling for a year or so in NZ and OZ.

CONTACTS

If you want to contact any of the OIRFC committee, go to the CONTACT page onthis site.