It’s been a challenging start to the season for our 2nd XV here at Stowmarket RUFC, marked by the departure of over 15 players from the end of last season through pre-season. This shift has been felt deeply—not just by the dedicated players but across the entire club. While it’s been a setback, we’re not the type to sit back and simply hope for improvement. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working to recruit, re-engage, and provide clear direction to bolster our team’s future.

As part of that mission, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Sam Rozier to Stowmarket RUFC, stepping into a role that we’re confident will have a lasting impact on our players and the club as a whole.

Sam Rozier: A Stowmarket Rugby Success Story
Sam Rozier’s rugby journey began right here in Stowmarket’s youth setup, where he quickly became a shining example of what we aim to instill in every young player—a passion for the game that inspires both commitment and excellence. His years at Stowmarket were instrumental in nurturing his love for rugby, leading him to proudly wear a senior jersey and build on the values he learned with us.

That passion then evolved into a career, one that saw Sam excel in roles with established schools, organizations, and high-level clubs like the Northampton Saints Community Programme. Most recently, Sam dedicated his talents to BSE Rugby as their Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach, bringing his two passions—rugby and fitness—together for the last two seasons.

Now, Sam returns to us with a wealth of knowledge in both rugby coaching and S&C training, along with an unmistakable love for our club. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome him back to Stowmarket RUFC, knowing the dedication and energy he’ll bring to his new role. We are thrilled to also announce that he has taken on the role of U9s coach as well on top of his senior rugby duties.

Coach Colin Clarke: “It’s What We Aim to Achieve”
Senior Coach Colin Clarke expressed his excitement about Sam’s return to the club, sharing how valuable it is to bring back players who started their rugby journey with Stowmarket:

“Having Sam back is exactly what we, as coaches, strive to achieve. We want players to not only start their rugby journey here but continue it with us, whether in a player or coaching role. Sam has come full circle—from youth player to senior player, and now to coach. His commitment to the club and to the sport is evident, and we’re thrilled to see him inspire the next generation of Stowmarket players.”

Sam’s return embodies the club’s commitment to developing talent from within our rugby family, and we’re confident that he’ll inspire and support the team as it faces this challenging period. Clarke and Rozier will both be working closely with the team this weekend, eager to welcome new players and reinforce our rugby culture for existing ones.

Join Us in Building a Bright Future for Stowmarket Rugby
While our 2nd XV fixture has been postponed until January, our coaching team will be leading training sessions this weekend, ready to bring fresh insights and strategies to the field. With the backing of our incredible supporters, we hope to continue building on the club’s legacy by inviting more members to join us—whether it’s as new players, returning veterans, or those simply looking for a rugby family.

We encourage everyone to help us spread the word, invite friends and family, and welcome anyone considering a return to the sport. Our club’s strength lies in its community, and we’re thrilled to have Sam Rozier back to help lead us forward.

Welcome back, Sam.