I am pleased to confirm that we will run a Gum Shield / Mouthguard Clinic in the dining hall at Hoe Lane on Sunday 1 September, as well as a back-up session on Sunday 8 September, in order for players to be fitted with new gum shields for the coming season.

Timings for age groups will be as follows on 1st September:

- Youth sections - from 9am

- Minis sections - after training (11.15 onwards)

- Seniors sections - at any time from 9 - 12.30

Mouthguards / gum shields are a necessity for all Youth and Senior section rugby players, as well as being appropriate for older age groups in the Minis section.

I am delighted that we have once again secured the combined professional services of Redbourn Dentistry and Spectrum Guards to run the clinics and to produce the fitted mouthguards.

They have both provided this service for us in the past – and we continue to receive positive feedback on the quality of the shields and service – so are familiar with the set-up at Hoe Lane and know what to expect!

The price for this season is as follows:

£42 for the first shield

£32 for the second and each subsequent shield

Due to cost inflation, difficulties in sourcing appropriate materials, plus enhanced hygiene requirements post COVID, this represents a modest increase on last year (£2 per shield), but is still excellent value when compared to organising direct with a dentist, plus the quality is far superior to the 'boil and mould' versions. The moulds will be available in Club colours as well as several other options (for example, to match with school rugby colours).

Your Admin contacts will be in touch shortly with the order form. Payment is on the day of fitting and we will have card machines available, as well as accepting cheques and cash. Whilst we can fit gumshields for siblings or others who play sports elsewhere we are only able to distribute these through age group admins.

Emma Elkington

Youth Admin.