Match Report: Hampshire U18 Girls 10 – 12 Surrey U18 Girls
CB Representative Programme – Game 3 | 15th January 2026 | Petersfield RFC
The Hampshire U18 Girls concluded their CB Representative Programme with a spirited performance against Surrey U18 Girls on Sunday, 15th February, at Petersfield RFC. Despite earlier concerns about the weather and pitch conditions, the game went ahead thanks to the outstanding efforts of the host club — whose preparation and management ensured the fixture could be played safely. Hampshire extends sincere thanks to everyone involved in making that possible.
With several players unavailable through injury and other commitments, Hampshire fielded a smaller squad but showed exceptional resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout a hard-fought encounter that ended in a narrow 12–10 defeat.
Persistent rain made for challenging conditions, but both sides adapted admirably. Surrey struck first and led 7–0 at half-time. The opening period was shortened by five minutes following an injury to the Surrey captain — Hampshire sends best wishes for a swift and full recovery — and the second half was extended to maintain a full contest.
Hampshire came out firing after the break, with Jess S crossing the line to close the gap. As the rain intensified, the home side continued to apply pressure, and Lola finished a well-constructed attacking phase to give Hampshire a 10–7 lead in the final quarter. Surrey, however, responded quickly with a decisive try to edge ahead 12–10, which proved enough to secure the win.
There were impressive performances across the Hampshire squad.
- Forward of the Match: Co-captain Beattie
- Back of the Match: Co-captain Emma
- Players’ Player: Jess S, for her relentless work rate and impact.
A special mention goes to Amelia (United Services Portsmouth RFC), who made her Hampshire debut in tough conditions and rose to the challenge with composure and commitment.
Hampshire RFU Ex-President Ed Neville and team sponsor Steve Prest were on hand to present Amelia with her debut pin — a memorable moment that capped off a proud day for the squad. The team also sends its best wishes to those recovering from knocks sustained during the match.
A huge thank-you once again to Petersfield RFC for their hospitality, and congratulations to all the players and staff for their hard work throughout the representative programme.
Report by: Alison Denmead
Maintaining Standards and Respect Across the Game
As we enter the final stages of the season—with rearranged fixtures, weather-affected pitches, and cup competitions placing extra demands on clubs and volunteers, Hampshire RFU wishes to acknowledge the tremendous effort being made across the county to keep rugby being played.
However, alongside these pressures, we have also seen an increase in incidents of unauthorised individuals entering the playing enclosure and other instances of poor pitch-side behaviour.
In line with Rugby Football Union regulations, only match officials, players, and physios / first aiders are permitted within the field-of-play and in-goal areas during a match. These restrictions exist for safety reasons and to protect the integrity and management of the game.
To help ensure rugby remains safe, fair, and enjoyable for all, the following behaviours are not permitted under RFU Regulations and Game-Management Protocols:
- Entry to the playing enclosure by spectators, non-playing coaches, or replacements not formally called onto the field
- Coaching staff leaving the designated technical area or walking the touchline during play
- Verbal abuse, dissent, or confrontation directed at match officials
- Derogatory, negative, or abusive comments towards players, coaches, or officials
- Use of offensive, intimidating, or inappropriate language
- Direct or indirect confrontation with match officials
- Raising concerns outside of official club channels
Everyone involved; players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators, shares responsibility for upholding the RFU Core Values (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship).
While the closing stages of the season naturally bring intensity and emotion, there is no excuse for behaviour that undermines respect or safety. Rugby’s strength lies in the Values we live by and demonstrate, and we must ensure these remain visible at every level of the game.
Spectators and club members who witness inappropriate behaviour are encouraged, where appropriate, to report it to a club official so it can be addressed in accordance with RFU policy.
All reported incidents will be reviewed by the Hampshire RFU Disciplinary Committee, and sanctions will be applied where necessary.
Let’s finish the season positively, with teamwork, respect, and enjoyment at the heart of every match.
Hampshire RFU & HRR
Powder Monkey Brewing joins Hampshire RFU as sponsor of the Board and Lead Volunteers
Hampshire RFU is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Powder Monkey Brewing, who will become the official sponsor of the Hampshire RFU Board and our Lead Volunteers. This partnership brings together two organisations united by shared values of community, commitment, and continuous improvement.
Powder Monkey Brewing, based in Gosport, is built on a deep respect for craftsmanship, collaboration, and local pride, principles that mirror the dedication and spirit of rugby in Hampshire. From their historic naval site, the Powder Monkey team have reimagined tradition to create something modern, energetic, and community-focused, just as Hampshire RFU works to build an inclusive, dynamic future for rugby across our county.
This partnership directly supports Hampshire RFU’s mission to enhance the playing experience, increase club investment, and optimise the time and impact of our volunteers. Through their sponsorship, Powder Monkey Brewing recognises the tireless efforts of the volunteers who drive the delivery, growth, and governance of rugby in Hampshire. These individuals are the lifeblood of our game, ensuring players, coaches, and clubs continue to thrive.
Neil McRoberts, Chair of Hampshire RFU said,
“We’re thrilled to partner with Powder Monkey Brewing, a local company whose values and energy align so strongly with our own. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of Hampshire rugby, and this partnership celebrates their passion, commitment, and contribution to the sport we all love.”
Andy Burdon CEO of Powder Monkey Group commented,
‘This partnership reinforces our position in terms of support for sport and our locality.
As a company we are passionate about working with likeminded organisations such as Hampshire RFU; sport plays such an important part in our communities.’
Together, Hampshire RFU and Powder Monkey Brewing are raising a glass to the people who make rugby possible, and to a partnership that will continue to strengthen the game throughout Hampshire.
A Weekend to Remember: Hampshire Girls’ Rugby Shines from Grassroots to England Pathway
An amazing weekend of rugby, smiles, and muddy fun showcased the incredible depth and spirit of girls’ rugby across Hampshire, from the newest and youngest players at the Love Rugby Festival to the talented U16s Girls on the England Pathway.
At Basingstoke RFC, over 40 U8–U11 girls from Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey came together for a morning full of energy, teamwork, and inspiration. Funded and administered by the RFU and delivered in partnership with Hampshire RFU, the festival marked a major milestone, with Hampshire RFU taking the lead as a delivery partner for the first time, strengthening the bridge between grassroots and pathway rugby.
The day kicked off with a lively mass warm-up before players rotated through skill-building zones designed to boost confidence and enjoyment of the game. Contact challenges, laughter, and plenty of muddy moments followed, all underpinned by the infectious enthusiasm of the Hampshire Girls U16 Player Development Group (PDG), who played a key role in planning and delivering the event.
Eight of the PDG players; Lilly, Sari, Alice, Bella, Scarlett, Bo-Louise, Evie, and Bonita, brought real energy and empathy, inspiring the next generation and proving the power of role models within the pathway. Their encouragement even sparked three young attendees to declare they now “wanted to join their local club!”
The next day, the coaches and girls of the Hampshire Girls U16 PDG, were back in action, this time for a playing opportunity against Kent Rugby, hosted at King Edward VI School’s Wellington Sports Ground. Over 100 girls applied their skills in a day of high-quality, competitive rugby. Hampshire impressed with their strong defensive structure and ruthless attacking play, a reflection of the growing quality within the county’s development system.
Huge thanks go to Trojans FC, King Edward VI School, and volunteer referees Jason Kehoe and Lee Foster for their superb contribution to the day’s success.
Together, these events represent more than just festivals or matches, they are milestones in the continued growth of girls’ rugby in Hampshire. With a 12% increase in age-grade girls playing across the county, the momentum behind the game has never been stronger.
From the first smiles at the Love Rugby Festival to the fierce competition of the England Pathway, the future of girls’ rugby in Hampshire is looking brighter than ever.
Hampshire RFU Launches Young Rugby Ambassadors Pilot – Clubs Invited to Get Involved
Hampshire RFU is excited to announce the launch of an innovative new initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of rugby leaders across the county: the Young Rugby Ambassadors (YRA) Pilot Programme.
This pilot programme will bring young voices into the heart of rugby development, giving aspiring young players a platform to influence youth rugby at both club and county level – directly supporting our mission to enhance the rugby experience for all. We’re looking to partner with 4–5 forward-thinking clubs who want to be part of shaping the future of youth engagement in Hampshire.
What Are Young Rugby Ambassadors?
Young Rugby Ambassadors are passionate individuals aged 14–21 who want to make a positive impact on the rugby experience for young people in their club. Through the programme they’ll help gather and share feedback, support club and county events, champion rugby’s core values (TREDS: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship), and represent their peers in discussions about how youth rugby can be improved.
What Will Ambassadors Do?
As part of the pilot, Young Rugby Ambassadors will:
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Gather views and feedback from young players at their club.
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Share insights to help shape youth rugby in Hampshire.
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Promote TREDS Values and encourage positive engagement.
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Support the planning and delivery of club and county events.
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Attend youth forums and workshops.
Why Take Part?
Through involvement in the pilot, participating clubs will benefit from:
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Stronger youth engagement – giving young members a real voice and sense of ownership.
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Leadership development pathways – helping nurture future volunteers, coaches, and club ambassadors.
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Enhanced club culture – energised by fresh ideas and youth-led initiatives.
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County recognition and support – including guidance from Hampshire RFU throughout the pilot.
By working together, can shape the YRA pilot to ensure a positive impact on your clubs – optimising your time and resources!
For the young people involved, the programme offers valuable opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership and communication skills, and work with peers across the county — all supported by their club and Hampshire RFU.
Expression your clubs interest
If your club would like to be one of the initial pilot clubs helping to shape this exciting new programme, we want to hear from you!
Express your interest via the online form: Club Expression of Interest
CRY Heart Screening at King Edward’s School – Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd February 2026
Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) will be holding heart screening sessions at King Edward’s School on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2026.
Rugby in Hampshire has sadly seen several families affected by undiagnosed heart conditions — including the tragic loss of Ben Smith, who passed away before his 17th birthday. These CRY testing days play a vital role in detecting underlying heart issues in young people and can lead to early intervention.
Each session typically results in around 10% of participants being referred for further investigation. The screenings are open to 14–35 year olds, covering both junior and adult rugby players.
The two testing days are funded by donations to the Ben Smith Fund, established in Ben’s memory. Thanks to this support, 200 young people will be screened over the weekend. CRY continues to rely heavily on donations, as each test—usually costing over £150 per person—is offered at a significantly reduced rate of £70.
CRY and the Ben Smith Fund are deeply grateful for every contribution, including a recent generous donation from Tour International Ltd. Donations help ensure that more young people can access heart screenings and potentially life-saving early diagnoses.
For more information about CRY, the Ben Smith Fund, or to book a screening, please visit:
https://www.c-r-y.org.uk/benjamin-michael-smith/
You can also find the official letter with full booking details here.
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