THURROCK RFC will take the first steps this weekend to win another Papa Johns Community Cup when they travel to meet Campion in the Counties 1 Championship - Round 1. It's a repeat of last weekend's opening league fixture when Thurrock beat Campion convincingly - though this time the venues are reversed.

The match on Saturday (20 September) will bring back memories of last season's final win, when Tees beat Devon side Cullompton 35-34.

Sunday sees both women's sides in action. T-Birds firsts will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's 19-13 Championship South defeat by London Irish, when they entertain Bath Ladies, who won their opening match against Trojans 8-5, at Oakfield while the Seconds will open their Championship South East 2 season with a trip to Beckenham Ladies. 

HDS Securities has renewed its sponsorhip link with Thurrock T-Birds,

T-Birds will be holding a sponsors lunch at 1pm before Sunday's game. The ladies have recently secured a renewed sponsorship deal with HDS Securities and its managing director Robin O'Connell said: We are proud to continue our sponsorship of the T-Birds. Their commitment to teamwork, resilience, and community spirit mirrors the values we hold at HDS. 

"Supporting local talent rugby is not just a privilege – it's a responsibility we take seriously, and we're excited to stand beside the T-Birds for another season." 

Anyone interested in supporting T-Birds through sponsorship can do so by emailling [email protected]