Rugby club in name change

“Where are you from?” Since their formation in 2006, this has been the most common question for Cinque Ports RFC.
Team manager Gavin Thomas, vice-captain Carl Malthouse, skipper Ross Kearney and chairman Paul Smart proudly unveil the new St Leonards Cinque Ports stripTeam manager Gavin Thomas, vice-captain Carl Malthouse, skipper Ross Kearney and chairman Paul Smart proudly unveil the new St Leonards Cinque Ports strip
Team manager Gavin Thomas, vice-captain Carl Malthouse, skipper Ross Kearney and chairman Paul Smart proudly unveil the new St Leonards Cinque Ports strip

With no obvious geographical connection, the guesses have been wild and numerous with many clubs assuming the Ports are a Kent side.

To avoid this confusion, from the 2014/15 season, Ports will officially be known as St Leonards Cinque Ports RFC to reflect their St Leonards birthplace and base.

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To support this new image, the club will also be proudly wearing a new crest that depicts the arches that once separated the town from Hastings.

The club will also be proudly wearing a new strip in colours that reflect the sea, sand and sky. The strip is also deliberately redolent of the deckchairs typical of a high class Edwardian seaside resort.

Ports have attracted new sponsors, from the town and the south east, including Compatibility Ltd, Fowle & Co and Paddy McGintys on Battle Road. The club is also sponsored by Old Town-based Filo Brewing company and club stalwarts the Whittington brothers.

As well as unveiling the new image, St Leonards Cinque Ports also unveiled a new coaching team comprising player/coach Paul Smart alongside ex-Rye RFC coach Andy Wood and former club prop Rob Tritton.

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Club chairman Smart said: “The club has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of years; this marks another large step forward. The new kit looks stunning and we’re all very excited about the start of the new season.”

Ports, who play in Sussex Division Two (East), will host teams from Sussex and Surrey in the sixth annual Cinque Ports Super 10s tournament at Bulverhythe on August 9.