RCL FAMILY: Matt Welford

22nd April 2026

Discover the story of someone who makes our community so special. Today, a well known face around Boy Konen, coaching from U6 to U18 and member of the Super Serie's team La Buvette : Matt Welford!

Can you introduce yourself in a few words? 

I’m Matt, 47 yrs old and played a couple of seasons as a player, a very long time ago, before turning up at a u6 training session with my oldest son in about 2013 and finding myself back out on the pitch.

What is your role within the club? 

I’ve coached every age group through the école (which I ran for a short period of time) and junior sections and am currently with the u18s.

What motivated you to get involved with the club? 

I love rugby… played a lot when young and despite a creaking body a colleague convinced me to come down to training at RCL. When I had children I wanted them to try the sport that had given me a lot of good memories.

Which accomplishment/task are you proudest of?

The accomplishments aren’t mine… I’ve just been there trying to help and guide and improve the kids I’ve coached. I’ve enjoyed being there and have hopefully made some sort of an impact… but that would be for others to say.

What’s the funniest or most unusual moment you’ve experienced as a volunteer? 

Letting the air out of my inflatable Santa suit and then forgetting to take it off and finding myself at the bar in front of all the kids at the Xmas party has to be up there… or almost any event organised by Paul Sweetnam.

Complete the sentence: “Being a volunteer means…” 

I don’t know what it means but it gave me something to do of real value that I’ve enjoyed immensely.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitating to become a volunteer? 

What else are you going to do… stand at the side of the pitch getting cold?

Many thanks Matt, and there's a Santa evidence for all of you (give a heads-up to fulfill the Santa's position next Christmas :D)