Rugby Club (Men's): Vice-President

I am standing to be Vice-President of UCL’s Men’s Rugby Club because I am extremely grateful for all that it has given me in my first year at university; a sense of community, lots of support and its key role in facilitating some of my favourite memories at university so far. With my gratitude comes a desire to deliver for anyone new to the club next year, be they freshers, masters students or simply new to rugby and the club. I have proven leadership experience, being deputy head boy at my school, helping to manage our school’s ‘Movember’ campaign which raised over £22,000, and leading school societies. Rugby has always been a key part of my life, from starting aged five at my local club, to spending time playing against the best schools in Australia and even captaining my county; I love the sport and want to share it with anyone and everyone. I know how incredible rugby societies can be when managed properly, how much their can give people and how they can benefit the wider space in which they exist. However, I have also seen them being mismanaged, and seen the dangerous ramifications this can have. I will endeavour to give my all to deliver the success of this club, to manage it through promotion, to oversee its expansion and progression as it steps up into more competitive rugby. I will be open to suggestions from all, always actively listening and knowing that I will get things wrong. I have big dreams for this club, and cannot wait to get started on achieving them. 

I am standing to be Vice-President of the UCL Men’s Rugby Club because I have the experience, ideas, and belief needed to push us even further forward at a defining moment for our club.

My experience is best demonstrated by the fact that I spent part of last year working as a rugby backs coach at a top-five rugby school in Chile, coaching all the way up to the first team. In this role, I developed strong leadership skills and learned how to set direction for a club.

As Vice, I ensure that the past values that have made this club what it is today, will be honoured and continued. The passion and commitment that senior members have put into this club is the reason why it is so successful and as President it will be my first point and call to reiterate those values.

The club is at a crossroads. This is a defining point in our history, where we have the opportunity to become a formidable and competitive rugby club, not only within London but beyond. With promotion for the first team looking highly likely, it is imperative that we secure a Higher Performance Programme, implement a proper pre-season, and conduct a thorough search for a new coach, depending on whether Rob Fenner leaves.

It is also crucial that we recruit effectively and retain strong membership. If elected Vice-President, I will ensure that the committee, and myself, works tirelessly to attract and retain new talent. This will be conducted by a focus on advertisement but also presence and support for new members. 

Jim.