The regular rugby season may have finished and the club awards may have been handed out, but that’s not the end of rugby for several of Sandbach RUFC’s players.

A number of senior players represented Cheshire in the recent Bill Beaumont Senior Men’s County Championship Division 2 campaign in May.

Isaac Wright, Archie Lea, Jack Busby and Matt Davies all made county appearances, as Cheshire won two matches and lost one. Matt, who won Sandbach’s ‘1st XV Coaches’ Player of the Season’ award, featured in all three games, including the opening loss against Northumberland. Isaac, Archie, who was named Sandbach’s ‘Young Player of the Season’, and Jack joined Matt for the two wins against Durham and Cumbria. Despite winning two out of three, the defending champions’ campaign ended there.

That wasn’t the only county news for the club. Sandbach’s Gethin Berry, Ben Slater, Harry Fisher, Jaxon Arrowsmith and Kieran Dodds also represented Cheshire Under 17s in May. This was a brilliant achievement for the players and a proud moment for everyone at Sandbach RUFC. Their hard work, commitment and performances this season have now been recognised at county level.

Elsewhere, seven members of the club’s exciting Under 15 side have been selected for the Sale Sharks Performance Development Group programme. Zac Austin, Sebastian Stead, Joe Cheesebrough, Nate Pickles, Archie Cartwright, Bertie Lea and Harvey Crompton have all earned their place on the next step of the player pathway.

They will attend weekly sessions at Sale Sharks and will have the opportunity to test themselves against other Prem academies throughout the season. Another outstanding achievement for this talented group.

Sticking with the Under 15s, Nate and Harvey have also progressed through the Scottish Under 15 Exiles Pathway. This has included various training camps and a recent game at Kingsholm, home of Gloucester Rugby.

Exposure to this rugby environment will be hugely beneficial for their development and that of their teams. They will return with fresh ideas and perspectives on the game, which in turn benefits the whole club.

Much further afield, Tom Concu, a former Sandbach Mini & Junior and 1st XV player, as well as Sandbach School 1st XV player, has made his international rugby debut for Hong Kong China.

Tom made the move out to Hong Kong a few years ago, where he represents one of the Premier teams, earning him a Hong Kong China call-up and his first cap.

Hong Kong China have recently qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and Tom will be looking to cement his place in the team. He has made a strong start, helping the team to a narrow 14-15 victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday 23rd May. He will be hoping he’s done enough to earn selection for the match against Korea in June.

Finally, closer to home, the club are delighted to welcome their new General Manager, Mat Dolan.

Mat is already well known at the club having spent over a decade involved in all aspects of rugby. He's had time as Mini & Junior chair, as well as managerial and coaching roles within Cheshire, Mini & Junior, Girls and Colts rugby. Alongside his deep understanding of Sandbach RUFC as a rugby and community sports club, Mat brings extensive experience in hospitality and people-focused roles.

Mat is now the first point of contact for venue hire, sponsorship and day-to-day operations. He is excited to be part of what promises to be a hugely positive period for the club.
The season may have only just finished, but there’s plenty more to come from the club both on and off the field as it continues to go from strength to strength.