Brent’s Kilburn Cosmos RFC have been celebrating another successful season.

The men’s first XV reached the final of the Counties Three Herts/Middlesex Plate, narrowly missing out in the closing minutes.

Their growing squad welcomed new players, including graduating junior team players, following in the footsteps of captain Cameron Crane, chair Jim Gibbs and senior Daniel Clarke, all Brent locals who have been with the club for many years.

A second XV also played friendlies this season, while Cosmos Ladies have also been building after appointing Rod Harrison as head coach.

Harrison has a wealth of experience and great enthusiasm for growing women’s rugby, with the squad welcoming new members as well as returning players such as Britt Downes, who reached the record milestone of 75 caps this season after her daughter was born at the start of 2022.

Players from the junior and ladies teams represented Middlesex in county matches, including club captain Casey Leonard and newcomer Kat Wright who has had a fantastic first season after returning to rugby and bringing experience from Women’s Championship level.

The club secured funding and support to carry out essential clubhouse renovation work, supported by club volunteers as well as the charity organisation Volunteer It Yourself, which supports at-risk young people to learn trade and employability skills.

These renovations will help support growing club numbers and Cosmos will host a Family Fun Day on June 25, run the junior section, as part of the Mayor's Community Weekend.

It will be held at the club’s Gladstone Park ground from 10am until 4pm and is free and open to all.

Weekly touch rugby sessions , free and open to everyone, will run on Tuesday evenings during June and July, with no previous experience is necessary, and will culminate in the club's annual Touch Tournament on July 29 at Gladstone Park, with participants and spectators very welcome.

Kilburn Cosmos RFC will also be supporting London Pride, marching in the parade on July 1, and is proud to be open and inclusive to everyone, living the club motto ‘Strength Through Unity.’

For further information about the club, contact club chairs Rachel and George at info@kilburncosmos.co.uk and follow the club on Instagram at kilburncosmosrfc and cosmosrfcladies.