The beginning of season 2023/24 has been a difficult one for the Alton Silverbacks. Due to availability issues and the relocation of several key players the start has resulted in some heavy losses, as well as a number of closer games. The player base, although strong in numbers, is less experienced at playing rugby at Counties 1. Following discussions with coaches, players and league officials it has been decided to play the remaining Counties 1 games as meaningful and appropriate fixtures. This has been decided to help build the team back in experience and provide appropriate level games for our players.

The Blackbacks will continue in Counties 5 north (5 levels below the Counties 1 league) where they are competing actively and looking to get promoted.

Overall numbers in the senior section have increased and we continue to actively recruit and attract more players to the club. The coaching set up is building skills and experience across the squad and we will reset to become competitive again, at 1stXV level, at a league lower next season. In the past we have failed to take proactive steps in similar circumstances and have crashed down through the leagues (falling 5 levels in 5 seasons and losing the second team). We do not want hubris to make this happen again.

Please support the senior sides on a Saturday. There will continue to be prematch lunches and we aim to put on various socials throughout the rest of the season. Watch out for announcements about these on socials and via website. If you know any adults that want to play rugby encourage them to pop down on a Thursday to training (1900 every Thursday).

This has not been an easy decision to make but it is a decision that will lead to Alton providing competitive games to all of its players again in the near future and rising back to the higher leagues again.

Please feel free to contact me if you want more insight into the background to our decisions or, indeed, if you feel you can help in any way on our journey to return to the higher levels of Hampshire rugby.

Steve Jenkins
Chair@altonrfc.club