East London Rugby Football Club is absolutely delighted to congratulate our Club President, Nick Bracken OBE DL, on his re-election as the Essex representative on the national RFU Council.

This prestigious re-election ensures that grassroots rugby across Essex—and specifically here at East London RFC—will continue to have a passionate, experienced, and highly respected voice at the highest level of English rugby governance.

Driving Policy and Protecting the Grassroots Game

The RFU Council plays a vital role in driving the strategy, policy, and regulations that govern rugby union from Twickenham down to local community clubs. Meeting four times a year, the Council is responsible for:

Policy & Regulation: Deciding the rules that govern the domestic game, player safety, and club membership.
Oversight: Holding the RFU Board of Directors to account on behalf of the member clubs.
Grassroots Advocacy: Ensuring the views, challenges, and successes of local Essex clubs are clearly communicated and supported nationally.

Nick's continuation in this role ensures stability, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to increasing participation rates and volunteering across our county.

A Lifetime of Leadership and Service

Nick's re-election is a testament to his tireless dedication to both the sport and the wider community. Born and raised locally in Plaistow, Nick has been a cornerstone of East London RFC for decades, serving as a past chairman and our current Club President.

Beyond Memorial Park, Nick boasts an incredible record of public and charitable service:

Distinguished Career: Former Newham Police Borough Commander and Enforcement & Safety Director at Newham Council.
Royal & Civic Duties: Serves as the Representative Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for Havering as part of the Greater London Lieutenancy.
County Leadership: Successfully served as the President of the Essex County RFU for the 2022/23 season.
Charitable Impact: Founder of the Silver Hippos Rugby Football Club, organizing annual charity cycle rides that have raised over £85,000 for The Atlas Foundation to improve the lives of deprived children across the globe through rugby.

Proud to Stand Behind Our President

Nick has always been a champion for the thousands of hours that volunteers put into the sport, famously noting during his county presidency that without the dedication of local volunteers, "all our clubs would be bankrupt."

Speaking on behalf of everyone at the club, East London RFC Chair Kat Salthouse noted the collective pride felt across the entire blue and white community:

"Nick represents the very best values of rugby union—teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. We are incredibly proud to see him re-elected to the RFU Council. His wealth of experience is a massive asset to English rugby and ensures that the clubs of Essex remain in safe, capable hands."

Congratulations, Nick! We look forward to supporting you throughout your next term.