“Safety first” is perhaps not the “sexiest” message for a publicity drive, but down on the fringes of Croydon, Warlingham rugby club has adopted exactly that approach by ordering a job lot of branded condoms to hand out to new recruits who turn up for their pre-season training sessions.
Safe tackles are sure to be included in the Warlingham coaches’ weekly training routines.
“In the past we’ve used posters and other advertising campaigns to recruit players,” said Peter Mattison, the club chairman.
“But we really wanted to get the Warlingham RFC name out there and what better way than to use our brand to promote both the club and a socially responsible attitude?
“We know it’s a bit on the edge but as long as young men and women who may want to play rugby see this as an amusing way to catch their attention and join the Warlingham family then job done!”
In the club’s 95th year, Warlingham are training throughout the summer at their Hamsey Green ground, near Sanderstead, on Wednesday evenings starting at 7.30pm for men, women, and older age groups of boys and girls.
Fully qualified RFU coaches run the training sessions and Warlingham is an RFU Accredited Club.
With one of the largest minis and junior sections among clubs in south London and Surrey, and with the club’s first XV playing at a level two divisions higher than any other Croydon-based sides, Warlingham remains the area’s leading club.
This Saturday morning, they will also be staging a club social in the Chris Robshaw Bar to watch the final Test of England’s Australian tour, in which their former junior player who has gone on to win 50 international caps has been an influential figure.
- Further information can be found at www.mightywarl.com; or club.admin@mightywarl.com or 01883 62 2825
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