Not only has the Heath 1st XV secured promotion to London 1 next season, but this success has been replicated in other parts of the Club, as Heath Hawks managed to squeeze in a victory against Eastbourne Colts winning 5-22 in their final league game. This was effectively a play-off for the Sussex U18 championship as the only two undefeated teams in their league and proved to be the last match this squad would play together as rugby was subsequently suspended for the season and with the U18s moving on to the senior squad. But what a way to see out a successful season together with the majority of this squad having won the national cup at the Woolacombe U15s tournament in 2018, the second division U16 title in 2019 and then the Colts Championship title in 2020.

Following closely on their heels, this season’s Heath U16s are an exciting crop of players set to become Colts next year and eager to join ranks with the current significant squad of nearly thirty U17s. This pipeline of homegrown talent bodes well for Heath as it seeks to consolidate its position in London 1 over the next couple of seasons – it will be vital to be able to draw on young players coming through the ranks as they gain strength and experience as senior players. The Colts at Heath already train alongside the senior squad once a week - perfect preparation for transition to senior rugby - under the guidance of 1st XV Lead Coach Ross Chisholm who will be keeping his eyes on the developing potential of this exciting group of young players. With the current Under 17s having seven players in the Sussex squad and the Under 16s having another six in the county set up, there is plenty for the colts coaches to get working with when pre-season training arrives.

In the 2019/20 season the California Raisins U16 Player of the year was awarded by the coaching team to fly half/centre Jack Flower who opened up defences with some exciting rugby, with Ruben Shahbazi playing at second row or number 8 recognised as the most improved U16 player.

For the Colts, sponsored by Merlin PCB Group, the Player of the Year was Evan Herbert who, as a senior member of the Hawks, is moving on to the ranks of senior rugby next season, leaving a big gap to fill given his organisational skills on the park and having demonstrated his flexibility to step up and play either of the half back roles at 9 or 10 throughout this successful Colts season.

Heath RFC welcomes new players of all ages at any time and if you would like to join a welcoming and vibrant squad of young players age 5 to 18 or train with the newly promoted senior squad next season - which will hopefully officially start at the beginning of September after preseason training - email rugby@hhrfc.co.uk. All ages and abilities/experience very welcome.