The recent 139th Durham County RFU AGM saw Bob Malvern, Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club, appointed as the President of the County for season 2025 – 2026.
Bob has been a stalwart of Aycliffe Rugby Club ever since he joined back in 1996, not long after leaving the Army. He left his previous club Harrogate in order to work, live and play rugby in Newton Aycliffe. Over the years he had become a key player in the front row and has integrated well with the club and Newton Aycliffe Sports Club committees. Once Bob acquired his coaching badges he became an established coach and eventually took over as head coach. Over the years Bob had enjoyed the successes and endured the hard times with his fellow players at Aycliffe.
His main role in the Aycliffe rugby committee was the Durham RFU management representative. Bob managed this demanding role with utmost enthusiasm and his regular upkeep of regimented communications and the friendships he built up over the years with the Durham County RFU members eventually led him to become the official new President.
Bob will be dedicated to ensuring that the sport of rugby union continues to rebuild and flourish at grassroots level in the County.
His own club, Newton Aycliffe, are in mid transition of improvements to changing room facilities at Moore Lane, and launching recruitment incentives at adult level and also engaging with Greenfield and Woodham Academies to teach rugby from years 7 and 8. Perhaps, in the future, there may be Ladies rugby on offer, but the club are still needing volunteer coaches to take on this task.
Meanwhile, any male adult, 17yrs plus, interested in learning and playing the sport, come down and introduce yourselves on Tuesday or Thursday evening 6:30pm at Newton Aycliffe Sports Club, Moore Lane, DL5 5AG, or message on FB @ Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club.
Well done Bob. Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club congratulate you and wish you a successful tenure of this privileged role.
Photo: Bob is pictured on the right with outgoing now Immediate Past-President Kevin Robinson.