We start with our long standing President David Clark who gives us an insight into his playing days, the challenges and opportunities the club faces, and some memories from a yesteryear.
Q. You have been in the game a long time, firstly as a nuggety scrum-half, and more lately as President of a successful level 7 club. How have you seen the game change, on and off the field during that time?

A. I started playing at school when I was 12. The game has changed dramatically since then. No longer 3 points for a try. Games with high points scored were unusual. It was a purely amateur game and suited people of all sizes. Players were expected to be able to swerve and side-step as opposed to crashing into the opposition. Handling was an art, especially on pitches that were wetter and muddier, and with heavy leather balls.

Two key changes off the pitch: participants, spectators and supporting families are drawn from a much wider social base. The finances of Rugby Union since the advent of the professional game have changed dramatically, and not always for the better.

Q. As the game has changed what challenges has that brought for local community clubs like ours?

A. Our challenges today are very different from those when the club was founded in 1936/7. Going from no clubhouse, to a clubhouse built by members, and then a new one in 2011. We have also acquired a large amount of land for extending the playing area.
We have developed the social and community dimension of the club which we now see as part of the wider Crowborough community. This could not have been done without the enormous effort put in by so many people to developing mini, junior, and now ladies, rugby to support what were originally only senior teams. CRFC aspires to be the best level of amateur rugby and that places a particular importance on offering the game to a wide diversity of members and families from all parts of our community.
One of our top priorities is coaching players at all levels. We have made great strides in this respect and now have the best coaching set up that I have experienced in 52 years in the club.
A key challenge is long term financial stability without which we cannot provide the local community with the opportunities that a rugby club can offer.

Q. And how is CRFC facing up to those challenges

A. Post the completion of the new clubhouse in 2011we have been in a strong position to take the next steps in developing the club. The period of the Coronavirus pandemic was particularly tough. CRFC managed that, and other challenges thanks to support from every part of the club and effort from an experienced and determined Executive Committee.
This has helped our planning for the future and building the community offering that is our goal.

Q. And what opportunities have the changes brought.

A. Opportunities and challenges are two sides of the same coin. There is a challenge in maintaining amateur status and we have learned to accept that we will lose players from time to time who wish to move into the remunerated world of rugby. This offers the opportunity for CRFC to reach out to players of all ages and gender to move seamlessly from junior to senior rugby.
The financial challenges have also given us the experience to put the club in a strong position going forward.

Q. And how is CRFC exploiting them.

A. Our next steps will focus on the continuing repayment of debt incurred in building the new clubhouse, with the ultimate objective of being able to finance further infrastructure such as facilities for ladies rugby and wet weather training.

Q. You wouldn’t have been President at CRFC for all these years if a) you didn’t enjoy it and b) being proud of what the club does. Can you highlight the things that you enjoy the most, and the things that make you proud.

A. I enjoyed playing and training immensely, I played until I was 62, much of which was played in the mud and wet that was our main pitch all those years ago.
The proudest moment must be the completion of the new clubhouse and what we have done since.
Playing and working with so many dedicated, enthusiastic and determined colleagues over my 52 has been brilliant.
I have mentioned how important the supply chain of players from the mini years is to the club, but the contribution of the Friday Club, at the other end of the age scale, has been a revelation which has been admired by so many other clubs.

Q. I know it was some time in the past but give me three things about your playing days that bring back the fondest memories.

A. Too many to mention, but playing in a team against Hugo Porto in 1973 when he was part of the Argentinian touring team on the occasion of his 21st birthday (he captained Argentina until he was 40). Playing in the Middlesex 7's knock out stages. Going on CRFC Vets rugby tours.

Q. If you could invite one person from the world of rugby to your next President’s league lunch who would it be, and why?

A. Siya Kolisi. I have followed Springbok rugby since my university days when there was so much controversy and Kolisi epitomises South Africa's passion for rugby and unity, as well as his leadership qualities.

Q. Finally, as members young and old read this what would be your message about the club going forward and their contribution.

A. There is nothing so motivating and satisfying as taking part in a game that highlights teamwork possibly more than any other. Your contribution in whatever capacity is much appreciated.