Wed 01 Jul 2026 12:23
Jayne first arrived at Aylesford Bulls in 2011, walking through the gates with a very young Finley, then just five years old. Today, that same man is a powerful presence in our 1st XV, thriving in our dynamic back line and embodying the pathway that grassroots rugby makes possible.
Like so many before her, Jayne began simply as “Mum”—her most important job, as she proudly says. But it didn’t take long for her to join the club’s committed volunteers. Over the years she has served as Co Chair of Mini Rugby, working with others to organise Mini Tours, Club Safeguarding Officer, Club Secretary, and many others finally, in 2016, she took on the mantle of General Manager.
Like so many before her, Jayne began simply as “Mum”—her most important job, as she proudly says. But it didn’t take long for her to join the club’s committed volunteers. Over the years she has served as Co Chair of Mini Rugby, working with others to organise Mini Tours, Club Safeguarding Officer, Club Secretary, and many others finally, in 2016, she took on the mantle of General Manager.
A Decade of Leadership Through Change~~
Across the past ten years, Jayne has helped steer the club through some of our most challenging and transformative periods. Her leadership has supported:
The turnaround of the club’s financial security
Navigating the unprecedented impact of Covid 19
League promotions and demotions for our senior teams
Hosting our own rugby festivals
Delivering Kent Mini Festivals and Kent Senior Men’s Finals
Managing the ever changing landscape of rugby as a sport
Her fingerprints are on every corner of the club’s progress, from operations to community support.
Jayne’s Reflections: The Highs, the Lows, and the Heart of the Club
When asked to choose a single highlight from her decade in post, Jayne didn’t hesitate:
“I have to say there isn’t any one thing. As a person and as a club, we have so many highs and lows that stand out for me.”
She spoke passionately about her favourite part of every season—Sunday mornings, watching young players from different worlds mix together simply to play rugby.
“Many of our players would never have met if it wasn’t for rugby. They come from different backgrounds, go to different schools. Seeing them together is something special.”
Jayne also reflected on the pride she feels knowing the club is still standing strong after facing real risks in the past, and the unforgettable moment during Covid when the club community united to support local families with food parcels.
And of course, she treasures the memories of watching her own children play—though she admits that her role has often kept her away from the touchline.
“The hardest part of the role has to be missing out on watching my children play. We may have been in the same postcode on many occasions, but I missed being Mum on the touchline. Pretty sure they don’t miss me—I’ve been accused of being competitive more than once. One thing I will never forget — and will always be grateful for — is the friends I now have. Alongside my family, they are the reason I’ve made it this far. Without them, I simply wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Across the past ten years, Jayne has helped steer the club through some of our most challenging and transformative periods. Her leadership has supported:
The turnaround of the club’s financial security
Navigating the unprecedented impact of Covid 19
League promotions and demotions for our senior teams
Hosting our own rugby festivals
Delivering Kent Mini Festivals and Kent Senior Men’s Finals
Managing the ever changing landscape of rugby as a sport
Her fingerprints are on every corner of the club’s progress, from operations to community support.
Jayne’s Reflections: The Highs, the Lows, and the Heart of the Club
When asked to choose a single highlight from her decade in post, Jayne didn’t hesitate:
“I have to say there isn’t any one thing. As a person and as a club, we have so many highs and lows that stand out for me.”
She spoke passionately about her favourite part of every season—Sunday mornings, watching young players from different worlds mix together simply to play rugby.
“Many of our players would never have met if it wasn’t for rugby. They come from different backgrounds, go to different schools. Seeing them together is something special.”
Jayne also reflected on the pride she feels knowing the club is still standing strong after facing real risks in the past, and the unforgettable moment during Covid when the club community united to support local families with food parcels.
And of course, she treasures the memories of watching her own children play—though she admits that her role has often kept her away from the touchline.
“The hardest part of the role has to be missing out on watching my children play. We may have been in the same postcode on many occasions, but I missed being Mum on the touchline. Pretty sure they don’t miss me—I’ve been accused of being competitive more than once. One thing I will never forget — and will always be grateful for — is the friends I now have. Alongside my family, they are the reason I’ve made it this far. Without them, I simply wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Growth~~
As Aylesford Bulls enters its 50th season, Jayne is excited for what comes next.
She is deeply involved in the club’s extension plans, aimed at giving members an even better facility. And she is quick to remind us how fortunate we already are:
“We’re lucky at Aylesford Bulls. We already have two pitches with floodlights—many clubs don’t have that. Yes, the lights on Pitch 2 cause complaints, but we’re lucky to have them at all. We have six changing rooms—again, many clubs in our league don’t have that. The fact we need more as we continue to grow is a great story to be a small part of.”
As Aylesford Bulls enters its 50th season, Jayne is excited for what comes next.
She is deeply involved in the club’s extension plans, aimed at giving members an even better facility. And she is quick to remind us how fortunate we already are:
“We’re lucky at Aylesford Bulls. We already have two pitches with floodlights—many clubs don’t have that. Yes, the lights on Pitch 2 cause complaints, but we’re lucky to have them at all. We have six changing rooms—again, many clubs in our league don’t have that. The fact we need more as we continue to grow is a great story to be a small part of.”
Aylesford Bulls Says Thank You--
The club extends its heartfelt thanks to Jayne for her relentless work ethic, her passion, and her unwavering commitment. Her leadership has shaped the past decade, and her influence continues to guide our future.
We hope to celebrate many more milestones with her—perhaps with a few fewer lists for the board, but with the same energy, drive, and love for the club that has never gone unnoticed.
Thank you, Jayne, for everything you have given—and continue to give—to Aylesford Bulls RFC.
The club extends its heartfelt thanks to Jayne for her relentless work ethic, her passion, and her unwavering commitment. Her leadership has shaped the past decade, and her influence continues to guide our future.
We hope to celebrate many more milestones with her—perhaps with a few fewer lists for the board, but with the same energy, drive, and love for the club that has never gone unnoticed.
Thank you, Jayne, for everything you have given—and continue to give—to Aylesford Bulls RFC.
