Oxfordshire rugby club unveils 5,000 seater stadium plans

Chinnor RFC revealed the plans today (Tuesday, March 24) with the arena proposed to be built in Thame.

In an official statement published online, the club’s chairman Nick Stainton said: “I’m extremely excited to announce on behalf of the Main Board that Work will commence, subject to planning approval, on a new 5000 seater covered Stadium at the end of next season

“We are lucky to have a Family benefactor that is underwriting the whole cost of this scheme that will make the club completely sustainable going forward, albeit we have always operated with this principle.

READ MORE: Police execute warrant at property in Oxfordshire town

“We remain committed to being a whole community club at all levels at the Club that we have developed over the last 20 years.

“We are particularly proud that we are enhancing our community side to make further outreaches, and are overwhelmed that the community has embraced our ambitions.

“The Stadium will be available for community use and entertainment for the local community’s benefit.”

Alongside the significant off-the-pitch news, the board also confirmed that head coach Nick Easter’s contract has been extended.

The former England international will remain in charge for the upcoming season.

READ MORE: Police issue alert warning householders to ‘stay vigilant’

Nick Easter has signed a new contract. (Image: Chinnor RFC)

CEO Simon Vickers said: “This will continue to further our ambitions to always operate at the top level of the league that we are in.

“Our sustainability will dramatically improve, albeit so will our costs, but we will always at least balance the two whilst investing further into community benefits.

“This may possibly be the most significant infrastructure improvement the Champ has seen for many decades, particularly from a debutant side.

“Nick Easter’s contract has been extended further, which will greatly enhance our ability to perform both on and off the field.

READ MORE: Here’s why Michael Caine’s Oxfordshire mansion has £1m price drop

“Nick Easter is very keen to assist our ambitions and will be appointed to the Main Board to help us achieve them.”

Nick Easter said: “I’m delighted to be signing on at Chinnor and continuing to be part of a great club and its journey.

“There were other exciting opportunities on offer which I am hugely grateful for, but in the end, I put a lot of thought into the people in an establishment and at Chinnor, they are some of the best I have worked with in rugby.

“They also make me feel valued and trusted in what I do. Alongside this, the club has ambition, which is also important, something which has shone through on and off the field as we continue to grow sustainably in a hotbed of rugby.”