Falmouth Rugby Club held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25th June 2026 marking a pivotal moment in its over 150-year history with a significant leadership transition.
Julia, who has watched her children grow through the Youth Academy and has taken on various volunteer roles — including a recent position on the sponsorship committee — becomes the club's first-ever female chairperson.
Her appointment symbolises a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, further underscored by the election of Sue Uglow as honorary treasurer.
In her acceptance speech, Julia expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity, stating: “Accepting the chair of this rugby club is an honour and a responsibility I do not take lightly.
"This club is more than a fixture list; it is a home where values are lived, not laminated: respect, discipline, solidarity, and enjoyment.
"As chair, my job is simple to say and hard to deliver: to leave the club stronger than I found it. We thank John and those before him for setting the foundations.”
Reflecting on his seven years of leadership, John Bullock highlighted numerous milestones, including steering the club through the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Alongside outgoing treasurer Mark Adkins, he noted: “We have left the club in a better position than we inherited.”
A notable achievement during his tenure was his instrumental role in establishing the Women’s Rugby programme, in collaboration with Lydia Hawkins and Emma Parkman.
Emma Parkman was re-elected as honorary secretary, joining an expanding team of "PowerFal" women on the committee. The committee expressed profound gratitude to John and Mark for their years of dedicated service, recognizing their contributions to the club’s success.
Re-elected co-vice chairs James Instance and Danny Trick are eager to support the new committee and board of directors in their evolving goals along with president Mike Tegidgo.
The AGM also celebrated the addition of new Life Members, Mick Stevens and Martin Webb, who received resounding applause for more than 25 years of service given to the club.
The guiding message throughout the AGM was a commitment to serving members and adapting to the evolving landscape of the sport.
With an optimistic outlook for the future, Falmouth Rugby Club expresses immense gratitude to the many volunteers, coaches, and supporters who dedicate their time for the greater good.
For those interested in supporting the club — whether through time or resources — please reach out to communications@falmouthrugbyclub.co.uk
Message from the new chair
"Valued club members, friends, teammates, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters,
"Thank you for the trust you've placed in me. Accepting the chair of this rugby club is an honour and a responsibility I do not take lightly. This club is more than a fixture list; it is a home where values are lived, not laminated: respect, discipline, solidarity, and enjoyment.
"First, a word of gratitude: to our outgoing chair John Bullock and committee — thank you for your service. To our coaches, team managers, first aiders, grounds crew, bar staff, and the volunteers who turn up early and leave last — you are the heartbeat of this club.
"To our players across senior Eagles men and women, Colts, Raptors touch, Youth Acdemy — your effort makes the badge mean something.
"And to families, sponsors, and our wider community — your belief keeps us moving forward.
"For those who do not know me: I'm Julia Rowe. I'm married to Brendan Rowe; we have two marine businesses here in Falmouth and three children. We are investors, sponsors, members, and parents.
"Our involvement in Falmouth Rugby Club started 22 years ago when our eldest son first picked up a rugby ball, and our youngest is currently in the under-16s. For the last three years, I have held the Sponsorship role, and this club has been part of our family life ever since.
"As chair, my job is simple to say and hard to deliver: to leave the club stronger than I found it. As a committee, we will focus on what is best for the club as a whole — its people, its finances, and its future.
"We are committed to running this club with transparency, care, and sound governance, ensuring that everyone who walks through that gate — player, parent, volunteer, or supporter —feels that this is a club worth being part of.
"We also recognise our duty of care to everyone in our rugby family, particularly our younger members. Welfare and safeguarding will always be taken seriously here.
"This is your club. We are only its custodians. So please — come and speak to us tonight, drop us a message, or put your ideas forward in the weeks ahead. We will listen, we will take your suggestions seriously, and we will deliver what is viable.
