Could We Be Watching the Emergence of Britain’s Next Heavyweight Great?

There are big boxing nights and then there are nights when you might just witness the beginning of something special.

This Saturday, 29 August, Brixham Rugby Club will be showing Moses Itauma v Filip Hrgovic live on the big screens, and the stakes could hardly be higher. The vacant IBF World Heavyweight Championship is on the line at London’s O2 Arena, with 21-year-old British sensation Itauma attempting to become the second-youngest heavyweight world champion in boxing history, behind only Mike Tyson. (Reuters)

Itauma is one of the most exciting young fighters Britain has produced in years. He goes into Saturday night unbeaten in 14 professional fights, with 12 knockouts, and has been widely tipped as a future star of the heavyweight division. (Reuters) His combination of speed, movement, intelligence and heavyweight punching power has generated huge excitement, but this is comfortably the biggest test of his career so far.

Standing in his way is the vastly more experienced Filip Hrgovic, the 6ft 6in Croatian heavyweight and former Olympic bronze medallist. Hrgovic has lost only once as a professional and arrives with the experience, size and pedigree to give Itauma the sort of examination he simply hasn’t faced before. (The Sun)

That is what makes this such a fascinating fight. Itauma has looked exceptional so far, but Saturday night could tell us whether Britain really is watching the emergence of its next heavyweight superstar.

And you can watch it FREE at Brixham Rugby Club.

We’ll be showing the undercard from 6pm, building towards Itauma v Hrgovic later in the evening, with the main-event ring walk expected at around 10pm.

It also comes at the end of a huge day at Astley Park, with Brixham RFC taking on Cardiff RFC in our big pre-season fixture during the afternoon. So why not make a day of it? Come down for the rugby, stay for a drink and settle in for what could be a memorable night of British boxing.

Saturday 29 August
🏉 Brixham RFC v Cardiff RFC – afternoon
🥊 Boxing undercard shown from 6pm
🔥 Moses Itauma v Filip Hrgovic – ring walk expected around 10pm
📍 Brixham Rugby Club, Astley Park
🎟️ Free to watch at the club

This could be the night a new British heavyweight star becomes a world champion. Come and watch it with us.

Big Pre-Season Fixture at Astley Park

There’s a big afternoon of rugby coming to Astley Park as Brixham RFC welcome Cardiff RFC on Saturday 29 August, in what promises to be a fantastic pre-season fixture ahead of the new campaign.

Cardiff are one of the most famous names in Welsh club rugby, and their visit gives Brixham a great opportunity to test ourselves against strong opposition as preparations for the new season gather pace.

Brixham RFC v Cardiff RFC
Saturday 29 August
Kick-off: 2:30pm
Astley Park, Brixham
FREE ENTRY

For our players and coaching team, it will be an important part of the build-up to the competitive season. For supporters, it’s a chance to get back to Astley Park, see the squad in action and enjoy what should be a cracking afternoon of rugby.

And with free entry, we’d love to see a really good crowd at the ground. Bring the family, meet up with friends, enjoy a few drinks in the clubhouse and help us give Cardiff a proper Brixham welcome.

Pre-season fixtures are about much more than the result. They’re an opportunity to build combinations, test ourselves against quality opposition and start creating the momentum we want to carry into the season ahead.

So put Saturday 29 August in the diary and come along to support the Fishermen.

Brixham RFC v Cardiff RFC

Saturday 29 August | 2:30pm | Astley Park | FREE ENTRY

We’ll see you at the ground!

With the new season fast approaching, there’s plenty to be excited about at Brixham Rugby Football Club — and membership for 2026–27 is now open.

Whether you’re a long-standing member or looking to join the club for the first time, your membership is an important way of supporting Brixham RFC and being part of everything happening both on and off the pitch.

Members also benefit from huge discounts at the club bar, as well as discounts on many club events throughout the season — so there are plenty of benefits to membership beyond simply supporting the club.

We’re looking forward to another fantastic season of rugby, great matchdays and plenty happening around the clubhouse.

Renew or Join Online

You can complete your membership online now:

CLICK HERE TO RENEW OR JOIN FOR 2026–27

Prefer to use a paper form? Membership application forms are also available from the club bar.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Brixham RFC.

Here’s to a fantastic 2026–27 season!

Brixham R.F.C. — The Fishermen

Norman Marler often says that he has one man to thank for his remarkable 64-year association with Brixham Rugby Club – his lifelong friend, Pete Cahill.

Back in 1962, the pair were playing together for Churston Grammar School when Pete suggested that Norman should give club rugby a try. It proved to be one of the best decisions either of them ever made.

Alongside Pete, there were seven other Churston Grammar boys turning out for Brixham’s 3rd XV, a side that was effectively a Colts team, guided by the experience of the slightly older Maldwyn Jenkins. Norman made his debut against Paignton at fly-half, with Pete at scrum-half. He marked the occasion by scoring two tries and, as he often says, he was hooked on club rugby from that very first afternoon.

His progress was rapid. At just sixteen years of age he was selected for the 1st XV against RAF St Athan, alongside Ray Gardner and several other talented Colts. Such was his commitment that he would often play for Churston Grammar on a Saturday morning before racing to Astley Park on his father’s scooter, still wearing his school rugby kit, to represent Brixham in the afternoon.

The 1966/67 season proved to be a defining year. Norman captained the 1st XV, earned selection for the Devon Senior side at a time when county rugby was fiercely competitive with players drawn from clubs such as Exeter and Plymouth, and announced himself in style by scoring two tries on his Devon debut against the Royal Navy. At the end of the season he was deservedly named Brixham’s Player of the Year.

Norman represented Devon for two seasons and attracted interest from both Plymouth Albion and Newton Abbot, two of the strongest clubs in the South West at the time. He was told that moving to one of the bigger clubs would virtually guarantee his place in the county side, but loyalty meant more than personal ambition. He stayed with Brixham, even watching the Navy fly-half he had outplayed go on to represent the South West against the touring All Blacks at Bristol.

Eventually, after three more seasons with Brixham, the desire to test himself at a higher level persuaded Norman to join Torquay Athletic, better known as the Tics. During his two seasons there, the club regularly faced some of the leading English and Welsh sides. Among the highlights was ending Plymouth Albion’s unbeaten run, with Norman scoring the only try in a famous victory at Plymouth. He also helped the Tics defeat Exeter during the same campaign.

His rugby reputation continued to grow. Norman represented several Presidents’ XVs and even received an approach from a Rugby League scout offering him a trial with Wigan. In an era when switching codes meant being barred from Rugby Union for life, he turned the opportunity down. His heart remained firmly with the union game and with Brixham Rugby Club.

After two seasons away he returned home to Astley Park, where he continued playing for every side from the 1st XV through to the 2nds, 3rds and the famous F Troop, until injury eventually brought his playing career to an end.

Retirement from playing simply opened another chapter of service. Together with Alan Meagor he coached the Under-16s to victory in the Fishermen’s Cup Final before taking charge of the Colts and becoming Youth Chairman in 1991.

It was during his time as Youth Chairman, and remarkably only a year after undergoing the first of four hip replacements, that Norman undertook one of his most extraordinary challenges. To raise vital funds for the Youth Section he rowed an eleven-foot dinghy across the English Channel from Normandy back to Brixham – a feat that perfectly summed up his determination and commitment to the club.

His contributions have never been confined to the rugby field. Norman co-edited the club programme alongside Danny Irvine and, in recognition of his outstanding service, was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2001.

Two years later he joined Dave Crawford in coaching the club’s Ladies team, guiding them to victory in the National Challenge Cup Final against Leicester in Bristol – another proud chapter in Brixham Rugby Club’s history.

Today, Norman remains as committed as ever. He is one of the Saturday morning volunteers who ensure the clubhouse and grounds are looking their very best before every home game. Alongside former Brixham hooker Johnny Yersin, he has also become a familiar voice reporting on the exploits of the Crusaders.

Most recently, he added another personal touch to Astley Park by restoring the wrought-iron gate and decorative panel that he originally made over forty years ago, before completing the rear entrance with beautifully crafted wrought-iron rugby balls that now stand proudly atop the entrance pillars.

From that first game alongside Pete Cahill in 1962 to his role as Club President today, Norman Marler’s story is one of loyalty, humility and unwavering dedication. Few people have given so much to Brixham Rugby Club, and even fewer have influenced so many generations of players, volunteers and supporters.

His legacy is woven into the very fabric of Astley Park.

Join the 1875 Club Lotto

Win Every Month. Support Your Club Every Day.

For just £10 per month, you could win one of our monthly prizes while helping build a stronger future for Brixham Rugby Club.

Monthly Prizes

🥇 £150 Cash
🥈 £50 Cash
🥉 £50 Smugglers Restaurant Voucher

Only 1875 Club members can win.

Why Join?

Every membership helps Brixham RFC continue investing in the club we all enjoy.

The 1875 Club Lotto isn’t part of a national lottery. It’s our own club lottery, run exclusively for Brixham RFC supporters.

That means:

✔ Only 1875 Club members win the prizes.

✔ 90% of every membership comes back to Brixham RFC.

✔ Every month we’re investing in the future of our club.

🍺 This Year’s Priority

Improving Our Main Bar Facilities

The clubhouse is the heart of Brixham RFC.

Whether you’re watching rugby, meeting friends, attending an event or enjoying a post-match drink, we want it to be a place everyone is proud to use.

Funds raised through the 1875 Club Lotto are helping us continually improve our main bar facilities, creating a better experience for everyone.

💜 YES – I WANT TO SUPPORT BRIXHAM RFC

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More Than Just a Lottery

Joining the 1875 Club Lotto means becoming part of something bigger.

You’re helping us:

🏉 Invest in rugby.

🍺 Improve our clubhouse.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Strengthen our community.

🏆 Build a sustainable future for Brixham RFC.

Already Over 60 Members…

…and our next target is 100 members.

Every new member makes a difference.

Imagine what we could achieve together with 100 supporters contributing every month.

If You’re Not In It…

…you can’t win it!

Join hundreds of supporters helping build the future of Brixham RFC while giving yourself the chance to win every single month.

Join today.

🎟 Join the 1875 Club Lotto

£10 per month

Real prizes.

Real impact.

Support your club.

🟣 JOIN NOW

Another month, another three lucky winners in the 1875 Club Lotto!

A huge congratulations to:

🥇 Norman Marler – £150 Cash
🥈 Sarah MacLean – £50 Cash
🥉 Sarah M – £50 Smugglers Restaurant Voucher

👏 Well done to all our winners! We’ll be in touch over the next few days to arrange your prizes.

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Thank You for Supporting Your Club

Every person who joins the 1875 Club Lotto is helping to strengthen the future of Brixham Rugby Club.

As a not-for-profit community club, 90% of every membership fee comes straight back to Brixham RFC. Those funds are used to pay the monthly prizes while also helping us invest in our facilities and create an even better experience for members, players, supporters and the wider community.

We’re already over 50 members strong, but our next target is 100 members. With your support, we can build a stronger, more sustainable club for everyone.

For just £10 per month, you could be celebrating next month!

👉 Join the 1875 Club Lotto today:
https://brixhamrfc.co.uk/1875-club-lotto/

💜 Support your club.
💷 Win real prizes.
🏉 Help shape the future of Brixham RFC.

If you’re not in it… you can’t win it!

#1875Club #BrixhamRFC #ClubLottery #SupportYourClub #CommunityClub #WinCash #Brixham #RealWinners #YourClub

AGM Date Change

Following England’s fantastic progress to the FIFA World Cup Semi-Final, the Executive Committee have taken the decision to postpone the Club’s Annual General Meeting by one week.

Our AGM had originally been scheduled for Wednesday 15th July—the same evening as England’s Semi-Final. Rather than asking members to choose between supporting England and attending one of the Club’s most important meetings of the year, we felt it was only right to move the AGM.

This change will allow everyone to enjoy the build-up to the match, cheer on England and, we hope, celebrate afterwards without feeling rushed or having to miss either event.

The new AGM details are:

📅 Wednesday 22nd July 2026
🕖 7:15pm
📍 Brixham Rugby Football Club (BTA Room)

All previously issued AGM information remains unchanged, with only the meeting date moving by one week.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of Brixham RFC.

Come on England! 🏴

Annual General Meeting 2026 – Notice to Members

Brixham Rugby Football Club members are invited to attend the Club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will take place on:

Wednesday 15th July 2026
7:15pm
Astley Park Clubhouse

The AGM provides an important opportunity for members to hear about the progress of the Club over the past year, review our direction for the future, and participate in the election of Club Officers and Executive Committee members.

This year marks the ninth formal year of operation under the Limited Company structure. All current Directors are eligible for re-election, with the elected Directors forming the Club Board for the coming year.

Nominations for Club Roles

Nominations will be invited from 15th June 2026 for the following Club Officer and Volunteer positions, which together form the Club’s Executive Committee for the 2026/27 season:

• Chair
• Vice-Chair
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Membership Officer
• 1st Team Manager
• Sirens Manager
• Fixtures & Match Secretary
• Disciplinary Officer
• Safeguarding Officer
• Gate Manager
• Grounds Manager
• House Manager
• Sponsorship Officer
• Press & Communications Officer

Nomination forms will be available from the Club bar between 15th June and 12th July 2026.

Where more than one nomination is received for a position, elections will take place at the AGM.

Motions and Business for the AGM

Members wishing to raise motions or other business for inclusion on the AGM agenda should notify the Club Secretary in writing via email no later than:

10:00pm on Sunday 12th July 2026

The AGM agenda will be published two days prior to the meeting.

Get Involved

Brixham RFC is built on the commitment of its members and volunteers. Whether you are interested in helping shape the future direction of the Club, standing for a committee position, or simply staying informed about Club affairs, we encourage all members to attend.

For further information, please contact:

Julie Sparkes
Honorary Club Secretary
Email: julieshop_ellie@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile: 07763 410763

We look forward to seeing you on 15th July.

When we launched the 1875 Club Lotto earlier this year, our objective was simple: create a sustainable way for supporters to contribute to the future of Brixham Rugby Club while having the chance to win monthly prizes.

Just a few months in, we’re delighted to report that the scheme is off to a promising start.

We now have more than 50 members taking part each month and have already paid out a number of cash prizes to lucky winners. Alongside this, the lottery has generated funds which are beginning to contribute towards future club improvements and investment. Early financial results show that after launch and promotional costs, the lottery is now generating a growing surplus for the club.

However, this is only the beginning.

Why The 1875 Club Matters

Brixham Rugby Club is a not-for-profit organisation. Every pound we generate is reinvested into improving the club, supporting rugby and enhancing the facilities that our members, supporters and the wider community enjoy.

We want Brixham RFC to be a thriving community hub. A place where people can come together, enjoy sport, socialise, celebrate special occasions and feel part of something special.

We also want rugby to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age, experience or background.

At the heart of our rugby ambitions is a clear objective: to sustainably play Level 4 rugby.

Achieving that goal requires investment. Not just in players and coaching, but in facilities, infrastructure and the overall experience we provide both on and off the field.

Looking Ahead

One area we are keen to improve is our main bar and clubhouse environment.

Enhancing these facilities will improve the experience for our existing members and visitors while helping us attract a wider audience to the club. A busier clubhouse generates additional income, which in turn helps support rugby, facilities and community activities.

The stronger the club becomes financially, the more we can invest in making Brixham RFC a place that the whole town can be proud of.

Our Next Target – 100 Members

While reaching 50 members is a fantastic start, our next target is clear.

During August and September, we will be launching a membership drive to grow the 1875 Club Lotto to more than 100 members.

If we achieve this, the lottery will become a meaningful and recurring source of income that can help fund improvements year after year.

How You Can Help

If you care about Brixham Rugby Club, there are many ways to support us. Volunteering, sponsoring, attending events and supporting the teams all make a huge difference.

But one of the simplest ways to help is by joining the 1875 Club Lotto.

For just £10 per month you will:

• Be entered into our monthly prize draw
• Have the chance to win cash prizes and vouchers
• Help support future investment in the club
• Play your part in helping Brixham RFC achieve its ambitions

Every member makes a difference.

Together, we can continue improving our facilities, strengthening our community and building a club that is capable of sustainably competing at Level 4 while remaining welcoming and accessible to everyone.

If you’re not already a member, we’d love you to join us.

Join the 1875 Club Lotto today and help shape the future of Brixham Rugby Club.

Click here to join: https://brixhamrfc.co.uk/1875-club-lotto/

REMAINING TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE IN CLUB BAR

Brixham Rugby Club proudly presents the Annual Awards Dinner & Dance 2026

Join us for a fantastic evening as we celebrate another memorable season across all senior teams.

Berry Head Hotel

Friday 22nd May 2026

Welcome drink from 6:00pm

Sit down at 7:00pm

Entertainment until 12:30am

Bar open until 1:00am

Your ticket includes:

Welcome drink

3-course dinner

Wine on the table

Reduced bar prices

Tickets: £42 per person

2025 price held

An evening to celebrate the players, volunteers, supporters and everyone who makes Brixham Rugby Football Club special.

#BrixhamRFC#AnnualAwards#RugbyFamily#AwardsDinner#UpTheFish#Brixham#DevonRugby