From starting rugby at 27 to celebrating cup success with the Nomads, Alun “Crunchie” Cranch has packed plenty into his seven years at Eastbourne Rugby Club. And when he’s not battling it out in the front row, you’ll probably find him exploring the Downs with his dog, Roy, or enjoying a well-earned pint!

In this article, we’re catching up with Crunchie and shining a spotlight on Lodestone Financial Planning, Crunchie's sponsor this season.

Meet the Player: Alun “Crunchie” Cranch

At 34, Crunchie is a familiar face in the Eastbourne front row, covering both tighthead and loosehead prop. His rugby journey started a little later than most, but seven years on, he’s certainly made up for lost time!

How did you get into rugby?
“I started late at 27. I decided I wanted to start playing and came down to the club one day and never looked back.”

What do you get up to when you’re not playing rugby?
“Normally you will find me on the Downs or in the woods with Roy the dog, or having a pint in the pub.”

Who’s your favourite professional player?
"Jack Willis."

Why the front row?
“Tight/loose head prop because I’m too fat and slow to play anywhere else!”

What’s the best thing about match day at Eastbourne?
“Running out with the boys all fired up and hearing the atmosphere from the supporters.”

What’s your favourite club memory?
“Winning the cup with the Nomads.”

If you weren’t playing rugby, what sport would you play?
“Any sport where my body doesn’t hurt for 3/4 days after.”

And finally, the all-important desert island question…

Who would survive longest on a desert island?
“Not sure he would survive but it would be fun to watch Dylan Viles try!”

Meet the Sponsor: Lodestone Financial Planning

Based on Framfield Way, just around the corner from the club, Lodestone Financial Planning Ltd has grown from a one-person mortgage and protection business established in 2012 into a team of five, offering advice across a broad range of financial services.

From helping people buy their first home to protecting their families, investing for the future and planning for retirement, Lodestone supports clients through the different financial stages of life. Its services include mortgages, life insurance, buildings and contents insurance, pensions, investments and estate planning.

With a private meeting room at its local office and staff specialising in different areas of advice, the team aims to provide guidance tailored to each client's needs and objectives.

We asked Gareth Evans, Financial Planning Consultant at Lodestone and long term club member about the business...

What’s the best part of running a local business?
For Lodestone, it’s all about helping local people and being part of their journey.

The team particularly enjoys supporting people through major life milestones, whether that’s buying their first home, protecting a growing family or planning for a comfortable retirement."

Why support Eastbourne Rugby Club?
The club was a natural place for Lodestone to get involved. Gareth has been connected with Eastbourne Rugby Club for several years, initially supporting his son through the Minis before joining the coaching team and helping out behind the scenes.

That connection has continued to grow, with one of Lodestone’s own staff members also joining the club as a player. It’s a great example of how local businesses and community sport can support one another.

Who would be your dream dinner guest?
Gareth had a few rugby legends in mind!

"Nigel Owens would be a fascinating guest, particularly for a conversation about how he maintained such a high standard of refereeing and commanded authority on the pitch for so many years.

Kevin Sinfield would also be high on the list, with his extraordinary support for his friend Rob Burrow, his work raising awareness of motor neurone disease (MND) and, for a keen runner, plenty to talk about.

Double Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi would be another brilliant choice, offering insights into leadership and what it takes to bring a team together at the highest level."

But if the aim was pure entertainment, Gareth suggested inviting Joe Marler and James Haskell round for dinner!

A huge thank you to Gareth and everyone at Lodestone Financial Planning for supporting Eastbourne Rugby Club and Crunchie in particular! It’s partnerships like these that help strengthen the club’s links with the local community, both on and off the pitch.

To find out more about Lodestone Financial Planning, visit www.lodestone.financial, follow the team on Facebook and Instagram, or pop into the Framfield Way office for a coffee and a chat.

And next time you see Crunchie in the front row, make sure you give him a cheer - just don’t ask him to play anywhere else!