This year has been one of real change and progress for Penzance & Newlyn RFC. Much of the work has taken place behind the scenes, but it has strengthened the club and put us in a much better position for the future.

One of the biggest developments this year has been the formal restructuring of the club. The Pirates Amateurs are now the Penzance & Newlyn RFC 1st XV, while the former Penzance & Newlyn 1st XV now operates separately as the Cornish Pirates, who will continue to share the facilities at the Mennaye and whom, I wish well for the future. This was not a simple process and involved a significant amount of work with the RFU, but it was an important step for the club.

As a result, Penzance & Newlyn RFC is now a fully amateur community rugby club, offering rugby from age six through to veterans. This also means the club is now eligible for additional RFU funding, which will be important as we continue to develop. In addition, and thanks to a concerted effort we have grown our adult non playing membership exponentially year on year.

Rugby Development & Playing Performance

Our First XV have stepped up into a new league this season and have handled the challenge well. They have been competitive in every fixture, with many games decided by fine margins. The squad has adapted quickly, and there is real reason for optimism heading into the second half of the season.

It has been encouraging to see the commitment and progress of this group, and we look forward to what lies ahead.

The return of a Second Team has also been a major positive. Having a second side has increased playing opportunities, improved squad depth, and allowed more people to play regular rugby. This is a key part of the club’s structure.

The Girls’ rugby section has required a lot of attention this year. Numbers were very low at the start of the season, and rebuilding has taken time and effort from coaches, parents, and volunteers. While there is still work to do, there are positive signs and a base to build on in 2026.

Our Minis and Juniors section continues to do well. Participation remains strong, and we remain focused on getting as much rugby on the pitch as possible for all age groups. This remains at the heart of the club.

Volunteers, Grounds & Pitches

We have seen a real lift in volunteer support this year, particularly around pitch and grounds maintenance. The work done by volunteers is vital and very much appreciated.

We have also invested more into the pitches themselves, with the aim of keeping them playable for as much of the season as possible. This work often goes unnoticed, but it makes a huge difference.

Clubhouse & Facilities

Time and effort have gone into improving theclubhouse and surrounding facilities.

This has included:

Refurbishing office areas
Improving bar operations and stability
Upgrading and introducing new doors and access routes
A range of smaller but important maintenance jobs, including flooring, decoration, and improvements to toilet areas
We have also opened a new club shop inside the clubhouse, giving members easier access to merchandise and creating an additional income stream.

Alongside this, we have started planning for longer-term challenges, including the need for a wider clubhouse refurbishment, addressing structural issues such as subsidence, and considering future improvements to the stand. These are not quick fixes, but it is important they are recognised and planned for.

Communications & Fundraising

Our website and social media have been refreshed and are now updated more regularly, helping us keep members and supporters better informed.

We have also set up a fundraising group, which has already begun submitting applications for external funding. This work will become increasingly important as we look ahead.

Matchdays, Hospitality & Community Use

We have put a lot of effort into improving thematchday experience with digital programmes and making better use of the clubhouse.

While opening for events such as the Lions Tour was important, the bigger shift has been a commitment to opening the clubhouse for major sporting fixtures across the year.

Our aim is for the clubhouse and bar to be used more widely as a community space, not just on matchdays but also as a venue for parties, funerals, and meetings.

As part of this, we’ve worked to strengthen relationships across the site:

Supporting the squash club and bridge club
Starting a darts club and exploring options for a pool team
The goal is a welcoming venue that works for the whole community.

Looking Ahead

There is still plenty to look forward to in 2026. We have received guidance from the RFU that we will be one of 15 South West clubs to benefit from new floodlights at the Nurseries. The RFU will provide part of the funding, and we will need to raise the balance for this much-needed upgrade.

It is unlikely to be delivered in 2026, but we are also exploring options to increase the number of changing rooms, to better support all age groups and teams.

2025 has been a year of real progress. Thank you to everyone who has contributed — players, coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters, sponsors, and committee members. Your time and commitment are what keep this club moving forward.

None of us get everything right, every time, but what matters is how we learn, adapt, and move forward together. On and off the pitch, that is what defines us.

We have much to look forward to over the festive period with the Harbour Lights game on Boxing Day & New Years Eve ‘Night at the Movies’ Party.

Enjoy your Christmas as we look ahead to 2026 with confidence.

Thank you for your continued support.

Up the Pirates.

Peter Whyte

Chairman
Penzance & Newlyn RFC