Colchester Rugby Club released its membership figures this week, showing an overall increase in playing numbers.
Total membership was up 4% from 818 to 855, making it one of the biggest sports clubs in the region. The number of adults playing rugby rose by 38 to 217, while the mini and youth sections saw a smaller rise of 13 players to 389. Non playing members fell to 249, 13 less than the previous season.
Director or Rugby Andrew Sarek was surprised and delighted with the figures. "England's Rugby World Cup win in 2003 saw a big rise in out membership in 2003/4 particularly in the younger age groups. We expected numbers to drop last season as the initial euphoria of the victory wore off, but to see another increase is fantastic."
| Category | 2003/4 | 2004/5 | % Increase |
| Adult playing | 179 | 217 | 18% |
| Youth (U13-U18) | 151 | 163 | 7% |
| Minis (U6-U12) | 225 | 226 | 0% |
| Non-Playing | 263 | 249 | -6% |
| TOTAL | 818 | 855 | 4% |
Some of Colchester's minis with the Rugby World Cup
19/5/05
