UPTON RFC have appointed a new chairman ahead of the 2023/24 season in the form of Senior Rail Manager Peter Dobbin. 

Dobbin has been Junior Chairman for the past four years but takes over from Rob Heeley, after he recently stood down from five years in the position.

Dobbin brings a wealth of leadership experience and strong business knowledge to the club, having worked in senior positions with the rail industry for over 30 years. 

He led a successful junior touring squad to Holland earlier this year and has guided the junior and micros rugby squads’ expansion, seeing player numbers increase by 75% during his tenure. 

The new chairman has great plans for the club’s development including growing the ladies' and girl’s teams and adding a second men’s team while creating more touring opportunities for the juniors. He also plans to create a new physiotherapy facility, ladies changing rooms and install new floodlights.

Commenting on his new role Dobbin said: "I feel very privileged to take on the Chairmanship at such an important time for our club, and at such an exciting time for the game of rugby, with the World Cup just weeks away.

"We’ve refurbished the clubhouse, kitchen and bar, and installed soft seating to create an attractive, vibrant and accessible meeting space for local people and local businesses.

"I’m keen to develop this further with the addition of a whiteboard and further IT facilities.

"We’re a welcoming club, with a broad and diverse group of players, parents, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and supporters all with a huge range of experience, ideas and talents.

"Our vision is to harness all this, collaborate with the local community and make Upton RFC the go-to space for local people, local groups and local businesses all while enjoying grassroots rugby."