We started strong (literally!) with our first dedicated strength and conditioning sessions being run over the summer by Head Coach Peter Breen and men’s 1st XV player and resident expert Declan Lamyman.

Pre-season then started at the end of July incorporating a mix of rugby skills, fitness and strength and conditioning.

On the field we got straight into the season in September with both teams opening against some of their toughest opposition. The 1st team have suffered close losses against Old Albanians, Hammersmith & Fulham, and newcomers Old Elthamians, but had convincing wins against Lewes, Medway, Chesham and Beckenham. The table is tight at the top and a second consecutive league win is definitely in our sights.

The 2s have had a mix of wins and losses against solid opposition and have shown steady improvement as the season has gone on.

We’ve been lucky to recruit a great bunch of new players, some experienced and others brand new to the game - but all very welcome additions.

Our two junior coaches successfully completed their L2 qualifications this autumn - meaning we now have a team of 3 L2 coaches.

Off the field we hosted a really successful fundraising pub quiz at our sponsor pub the Gipsy Queen (NW5) - raising over £1,000 for the club which has gone towards vital equipment and training facilities. We also provided volunteer marshalling support for the annual Hampstead Heath Bi-Athlon and hosting a girls recruitment day and helped out coaching our junior division.

We ended 2018 with another convincing win for the 1s away at Lewes and a much closer result for the 2s against local friendly rivals Haringey.

We finished for the Christmas break in fine voice on our annual pub carol crawl. Thanks to the players and supporters who participated and the generosity of the people of Hampstead we raised £600 for the My Name 5 Doddie Foundation (set up by Scotland Legend Doddie Weir to help research into and aid individuals suffering with Motor Neurone Disease)

January - March sees us at our winter training grounds of Archers Academy (Tuesdays 7.30pm) Holloway school (Thursdays 7pm)
The ladies have all continued to work hard on their #hampsteadfitness and strength (in between a couple of mince pies!) during the break and we’re excited to seeing what we can achieve in the second half of the season.

It’s never too late in the season to give it a go, so if you’re tempted, make it your New Year's Resolution and come and join us!

Very best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2019 from all at HLRFC!