A newly elected President of Portadown Rugby Football Club has said he is “truly humbled” to have been entrusted to the position despite never having had the “privilege” of donning the shirt as a player for the club.
Announced as the official new club President on May 28, Phil Spragg will take up the reigns at Chambers’ Park for the 2026/27 season.
In a letter to club members, Phil explained he has been involved with the club for 25 years and said he feels “deeply honoured to have been elected as its President”.
Continued Phil: “Thank you for placing your trust in me. That I never had the privilege of wearing the Portadown shirt as a player only serves to make the placement of your trust in me more special; I am truly humbled.”
Phil is bringing an impressive level of enthusiasm to the club and promises to endeavour to honour those who came before him by diligently building upon their legacy.
“To all my predecessors, if I can represent our Club only half as well as you have done then I will consider my tenure to have been successful,” he said. “Watching you represent our Club from the side-lines, as it were, I would sum up your service in one phrase: ‘Respect our past, embrace the future’.
“Thank you for building such a culture of community, respect, inclusivity, camaraderie, and passion for the game we love. You have each helped to set a solid foundation for us to follow, and I promise to honour that legacy by protecting the core values that make this club so special.
“I hope to take the lessons of our past and continue to use them as building blocks for an even brighter future. Let’s continue to invest in the development of our players, junior and senior alike, support our coaching teams and volunteers and engage with our rugby and local communities, whilst continuing to diversify through sporting and commercial partnerships.”
The new President took the opportunity to wish Club Captain, Ben McKinnon; Women’s Captains, Kellie Lavery and Az Cousens and their teams every success on the field of play.
“Equally, I would also like to wish all our players, guardians, coaches, and management of all our teams a successful and enjoyable season,” he continued. “I very much hope you enjoy a competitive and injury-free season.
“To all our volunteers, our Club could not function without your help. We are extremely fortunate to have such a group of dedicated individuals who give up their time to ensure the smooth running of our Club; the opening of our extensively refurbished clubhouse for the coming season will be a fitting testament to your commitment and dedication.
“A special word of thanks to all our generous sponsors for their continued support, which, as ever, is appreciated. I would be grateful if all our members could support them in return whenever and wherever possible. Without our sponsors we would be in an extremely challenging situation.”
Finally, Phil set his ambition for the year ahead, adding: “Let’s make the coming year one of meaningful connection, shared purpose, and lasting impact right across our Club. Gaudio Certaminis!”
Of Phil’s appointment, Portadown RFC said: “Phil has been a dedicated part of our club for over 25 years, and his passion, loyalty, and commitment to Portadown RFC have been evident throughout that time. His message to our members, players, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters reflects the values that make this club so special, community, respect, inclusivity, and pride.
“As we begin a new season together, we look forward to Phil leading the club with enthusiasm and dedication while continuing to build on the strong foundations laid by those before him.
“Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Phil into his new role as Club President. We wish him every success for the season ahead at Chambers Park.”
