Old Cryptians Rugby Football Club

09/06/2026

Andy Royce Returns to Lead Old Cryptians RFC

Old Cryptians RFC are delighted to welcome former player and club captain Andy Royce as Senior Coach for the 2026–27 season.

Andy’s rugby journey began at the age of seven with Spartans RFC before joining The Crypt School in 1993 and becoming involved with Old Cryptians RFC through the club’s junior section at Under-12 level.

He progressed through the age groups, representing Gloucester from Under-15 level onwards and earning Gloucestershire County honours at both Under-16 and Under-18 level. His representative career culminated with Gloucester Rugby Colts, while he was also part of the highly successful Crypt School senior side that toured Canada in 1998.

After leaving school, Andy attended the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC), now known as Cardiff Metropolitan University, where he represented both the rugby union and rugby league sides. He captained the rugby league team in his final year and helped secure two BUCS Championship titles before graduating in 2003 with a BSc (Hons) in Science, Health, Exercise and Sport.

Upon returning to Old Cryptians RFC, Andy immediately took on the role of club captain, leading the 1st XV from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2011. During this time he experienced the full spectrum of club rugby – league titles, memorable cup runs, relegation battles and the challenge of pulling teams together at the last minute. Above all, however, he built lifelong friendships and became part of what he describes as the Old Cryptians family.

After almost 20 years at Old Cryptians, Andy moved to Longlevens RFC, where he spent the next decade as both a player and player/strength and conditioning coach. His time there included further league successes and being part of the famous 2013–14 side that lifted the EDF Vase at Twickenham.

Despite his move, Andy’s connection to Old Cryptians never faded. He remained involved through coaching in the junior section, helping develop the next generation of players and enjoying success with an Under-8 side that won the County Tournament.

In recent years he has returned to pull on the Old Cryptians shirt on several occasions, representing the Veterans and 2nd XV, and even making an appearance for the 1st XV last season.

Speaking about his appointment, Andy said:

“This really feels like coming full circle. I am absolutely thrilled and excited to be involved with the club in a senior capacity once again.

“Many of the current squad are the sons of players I shared the field with many years ago, and it’s a privilege to be able to give something back and help coach this new generation of Cryptians.

“With the experience and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my rugby career, and with Old Cryptians blood running through my veins, I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in July, both familiar faces and new ones, as we work together to move the club forwards, onwards and upwards.”

Everyone at Old Cryptians RFC would like to welcome Andy back to the club and wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter. 🟦🟥🟨

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

🏉 Girls Rugby Continues This Thursday! 🏉

We’re excited to kick off our Girls Rugby Pre-Season Training every Thursday at Old Cryptians RFC.

Whether you’ve played before or are completely new to rugby, we’d love to see you there!

📅 Thursdays
⏰ 6:00pm – 7:30pm
📍 Old Cryptians Rugby Club, Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester GL1 5NS

👧 For girls in Years 7–11 (from September)

✅ Free refreshments at every session
✅ Goodie bag for all new players
✅ New players always welcome

Bring a friend and come and give rugby a try!

📞 Mike – 07722 563432
📞 Rob – 07921 727711

💗💙 There’s a place for you at Old Cryptians RFC.

🏉

05/06/2026

Old Cryptians RFC Appoint Andy Royce as Senior Coach for 2026–27

Old Cryptians RFC are delighted to announce the appointment of former player and club captain Andy Royce as Senior Coach for the 2026–27 season.

Outgoing Director of Rugby Paul Vidgen said:

“Firstly, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to our departing coaching team, Jack and Josh Flounders, for the tremendous amount of hard work, commitment and countless hours they have given to the club over the last season. Many people do not fully appreciate what goes into coaching a senior rugby side, and it is important that their contribution is properly recognised.

“I would also like to recognise Rob Trigg, who has served as club captain for the past four years. Rob has led the club through some challenging periods, while also battling back from a serious injury that kept him out of action for a season. Throughout that time he has remained a true leader, an inspiration to our players, and someone who has always led from the front.

“Looking ahead, we are extremely pleased to welcome Andy Royce into the role. Andy brings a wealth of rugby experience, a deep understanding of the club and its values, and a genuine passion for developing players. As a former player and captain, he understands exactly what it means to represent Old Cryptians and we are excited to see him lead the next chapter of the club’s journey.

“We believe Andy is the right person to help rebuild, develop and strengthen the senior section, and everyone at Old Cryptians wishes him every success for the season ahead.”

The club looks forward to supporting Andy and the coaching team as preparations begin for the 2026–27 campaign. 🟦🟨🟥

05/06/2026

📣 OLD CRYPTIANS RFC AGM – YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU 📣

All members are urged to attend the Old Cryptians RFC Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 24th June at 7:00pm.

This is a hugely important meeting for the future of the club. Decisions made at this AGM will help shape the next chapter of Old Cryptians RFC, and it’s vital that members turn up, have their say, and support the continued growth of the club.

Nominations are now open and the nomination form is up on the noticeboard. Please ensure all nominations are submitted and displayed ahead of the meeting.

We are also urgently looking for volunteers to support a range of roles across the club. Without people stepping forward, the club simply cannot continue to progress in the way we all want it to. If you can help in any capacity, please speak to Martyn or Vidge.

This club has reached 100 years through the efforts, commitment, and passion of its members. Now it’s our turn to protect and strengthen its future.

Your support matters. Your voice matters. Please make every effort to attend.

100 years – God Bless Their Souls

04/06/2026

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING TOMORROW NIGHT! 🚨

Something special is on the way for everyone connected with Old Cryptians RFC...

We've got some exciting news to share, and you won't want to miss it.

Keep an eye on our social media channels tomorrow evening as we reveal what's next for the club.

⏰ Announcement drops tomorrow night 👀



100 years – God Bless Their Souls

31/05/2026

Presentation Evening 2025/26 Season
https://www.oldcryptiansrfc.co.uk/photos/presentation-evening-202526-season-1172964.html?utm_campaign=event_share&utm_medium=post&utm_source=facebook

30/05/2026

🏉 Girls Rugby Starts This Thursday! 🏉

We’re excited to kick off our Girls Rugby Pre-Season Training this Thursday 4th June at Old Cryptians RFC.

Whether you’ve played before or are completely new to rugby, we’d love to see you there!

📅 Thursday 4th June
⏰ 6:00pm – 7:30pm
📍 Old Cryptians Rugby Club, Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester GL1 5NS

👧 For girls in Years 7–11 (from September)

✅ Free refreshments at every session
✅ Goodie bag for all new players
✅ New players always welcome

Bring a friend and come and give rugby a try!

📞 Mike – 07722 563432
📞 Rob – 07921 727711

💗💙 There’s a place for you at Old Cryptians RFC.

🏉