Dear Members
Andrew MacNeaney - President, LSRFUR
It starts again!
I hope you’ve all enjoyed a well-deserved summer break and managed to take some time away from the rugby fields. Pre-season is already in full swing, and with some leagues kicking off this week, the 2025/26 season is almost upon us.
It was great seeing so many of you at the Conference, but for those unable to attend, I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a successful and enjoyable season ahead and to share an update on the state of the Society as I begin my third year as President.
Leadership Updates
At Management Committee level, we welcome Hannah Everitt as Deputy President, who will succeed me as the Society’s first female President on 1st June 2027. Piers Skinner steps into Hannah’s former role as West Region Manager, and I wish them both every success.
Transparency & Recognition
From the start of my presidency, one of my main aims has been to increase transparency in how we operate, promote, and reward our members. While there is always more to do, I believe we are moving in the right direction.
A huge thank you goes to everyone involved in appointing, training & development, monthly meetings, coaching, mentoring, and the many other ways members contribute. Your efforts make a real difference.
Our incentive programme continues to recognise outstanding commitment. Last season:
31 members refereed or observed over 50 games — rewarded with a tankard, dinner ticket, or mug.
63 members officiated or observed 35+ games — receiving special kit.
78 members officiated 10+ more games than in 2023/24 — rewarded with tickets to a professional match.
Full details of this season’s scheme can be found here Incentive Scheme — LSRFUR
MODC
Our Match Official Development Committee (MODC) continues to raise standards on-field while supporting the regions to strengthen refereeing and match observing across the Society. Our Match Observers carried out over 600 reports each season over the past two years — a tremendous achievement.
As Robbie outlined at the conference, MODC, in conjunction with the regions, is mapping out the different pathways available to our members—whether that’s refereeing, serving as an Assistant Referee, becoming a Match Observer, or coaching. There are plenty of ways to stay connected with the game we love, and we’ll continue to share more details during the season.
Congratulations also to all those promoted at the end of last season reflected in Robbie’s message here (Start of season message from Robbie Bourke Chair of MODC - 2025/26 — LSRFUR).
Young Match Officials (YMOs)
The South-West and West regions have led the way with successful YMO programmes — special thanks to Katrina and Cyril for their hard work. To extend that success across all regions, Hannah will be working with regional YMO leads to share best practice and develop a YMO template for London-wide use.
Sponsorship
Andy Evans and Lloyd Newman continue their search for a new sponsor. The current economic climate makes securing the right partner challenging, but we remain confident we will find one that sees the unique value in supporting rugby refereeing.
Historically, sponsors have come through personal connections within the Society. If you know of potential contacts who may be interested, please reach out to Lloyd (lloyd.newman@londonrugby.com) or Andy (andynjevans@hotmail.co.uk).
Open Roles
We currently have several open positions and encourage members to consider stepping forward. Getting involved is one of the best ways to support your fellow referees and shape the future of the Society:
Assistant Secretary – International Exchanges
Richard Gordon is stepping back after re-establishing our exchange programme post-Covid. Thank you, Richard, for your hard work and increased transparency in this role.Social Committee Chair
Tobias Whinney is stepping down due to work commitments. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in planning events and building the Society’s social calendar.Central Meeting Organiser
Following excellent work by Alexis Manley in bringing these meetings back, we now need a new organiser to run two events per season (November & April).Treasury Officer
With Matt & Ian doing a fantastic job running our finances, we need one or two additional people to help process expenses and invoice our clubs. Please contact matt.blackett@londonrugby.com if interested.
For all roles except the Finance one, please contact the President (andrew.macneaney@londonrugby.com).
Finally, I want to thank each one of you for the time, energy, and passion you give to the Society. Whether you are refereeing, observing, mentoring, supporting your region, or simply making yourself available when needed, it all makes a huge difference.
As I reach the halfway point of my presidency, I am very proud of the Society and its achievements over these past two seasons, and I look forward to working alongside you all over the next two seasons to continue driving us forward.
Wishing you an enjoyable, rewarding, and successful season ahead.
Andrew MacNeaney
President, LSRFUR