Hampshire RFU Publishes 2025/26 Annual Report: Reflecting on a Year of Progress, Partnership and Growth

Hampshire RFU is pleased to publish its 2025/26 Annual Report, marking the completion of the first year of delivery against the organisation’s ambitious 2025-2028 Strategy.

The report is more than a review of the past season. It represents an important milestone in Hampshire RFU’s transformation over the last two years, following a comprehensive governance review, the appointment of a new Board, significant investment in digital transformation and the launch of a new strategy in December 2025.

Rather than simply reporting activity, this year’s Annual Report measures Hampshire RFU’s progress against the three strategic missions that will guide the organisation through to 2028:

  • Mission One – Enhance the Rugby Experience
  • Mission Two – Increase Investment and Resources
  • Mission Three – Support Our People and Volunteers

Throughout the report, readers will find evidence of how these priorities have shaped decision-making and investment across the county, alongside stories from clubs, volunteers and partners who have helped make that progress possible.

The report celebrates another year of growth across rugby in Hampshire, highlighting increased participation, greater investment into clubs and facilities, strengthened partnerships, improved support for volunteers and continued progress in growing the girls’ and women’s game. It also showcases initiatives including the Revenue Generation Pilot, Volunteer Recognition Programme, Ready2Ref, club investment and representative rugby, demonstrating how Hampshire RFU is working with clubs to build a stronger and more sustainable future for the game.

Importantly, the report also reflects openly on the challenges that remain. A dedicated Challenges and Learning section recognises the evolving needs of clubs, the importance of player and volunteer retention, and the need to continue developing flexible opportunities that reflect the changing nature of community rugby. Looking ahead, the report outlines Hampshire RFU’s priorities for the 2026/27 season, ensuring the organisation remains focused on delivering meaningful support where it can have the greatest impact.

Publishing the report is also an opportunity to recognise the people behind the progress.

Everything highlighted within its pages has been made possible through the dedication of volunteers, clubs, schools, referees, coaches, players, partners and supporters who give their time, expertise and energy to rugby in Hampshire every week. Whether delivering rugby on the pitch, supporting clubs behind the scenes or helping shape the future of the game, their contribution continues to be the foundation of everything Hampshire RFU achieves.

Hampshire RFU would like to thank everyone who has contributed not only to this Annual Report, but to a season characterised by collaboration, growth, investment and a commitment to supporting rugby across the county.

As Hampshire RFU enters the second year of its strategy, the ambition remains clear: to create outstanding rugby experiences, strengthen clubs, invest in sustainable growth and ensure that rugby in Hampshire continues to be a place where players, volunteers and communities can thrive.

Read the Hampshire RFU 2025/26 Annual Report and discover how, together, we are shaping the future of rugby across Hampshire.

Basingstoke RFC ‘Volunteers and Members – Make & Amend’s’

Looking to reduce operational costs we have as a club looked to energise our voluntary member and non member workforce. ‘Make & Mend Days’ are at the weekend in the off season, normally a Saturday. The Committee work to distil a list of jobs that need to be completed and put out the call to the club across all age groups Men, Women, Girls, Boys and Mini’s. We have picked out three dates so far this summer the first was Sat. 20th June followed by the 27th June and the 11th July.

We meet at the club circa 10.30am and push through to around 4.00pm. Normally followed with some form of well earned refreshments ( age applicable – obviously 🙂 )

The jobs include washing down and painting changing room walls, showers and toilets; Repairing garden furniture and club seats, strimming the grass borders around the club footprint, washing curtains in the clubhouse, window cleaning, placing safety signage in the car park, cleaning rugby training kit such as tackle pads, post protectors and tackle shields.

Last Saturday 20th June we estimate that our volunteers delivered over 100 hrs of free labour resource. We have already received 21 volunteers names for the next event (27th June) which include Mini’s Mum’s & Dad’s, youth across all age groups and Senior squad members from the Ladies and Men.

We purposely mix the volunteer work teams to build friendships and team spirit across the different age and gender groups (with the relevant safe guarding in place).

Our Goal is to try and save £3-5k in annual refurbishment costs, energise and exercise our volunteers, make it fulfilling…., but most of all FUN.

The club pays for sources the cleaning materials, paint, bushes and rollers etc. the volunteers just make sure that they are dressed for the occasion and come with a large measure of ‘Elbow Grease’.

Many of our volunteers who are professional tradesman also arrive with their own tools and fix some quite complex refurbishment challenges that have a significant cost saving.

 

Hampshire Rugby Volunteers Recognised at Special Celebration Event

More than 90 volunteers and invited guests from across Hampshire came together at Winchester RFC to celebrate the outstanding individuals who make rugby happen across the county at the RFU’s annual Volunteer Recognition Event.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of rugby, dedicating countless hours to everything from coaching and refereeing to maintaining pitches, running clubhouses, organising events and creating welcoming environments for players, members and supporters alike. Their passion and commitment are what keep the game thriving at grassroots level.

Each year, the RFU encourages clubs to nominate individuals and groups for its Volunteer of the Year Awards, supported by Switch Car Rental. The awards recognise volunteers across three categories:

  • Unsung Hero – for those who go above and beyond, often unnoticed, to make rugby happen and improve the experience for everyone involved.
  • Game for All – celebrating volunteers who have developed inspiring initiatives to make rugby more accessible and attract new audiences.
  • Keeping Players in the Game – recognising those who have played a crucial role in supporting player retention and helping people stay involved in rugby at key transition points.

This year, more than 100 Hampshire volunteers were nominated by their clubs for the awards. To recognise their incredible contribution, Hampshire RFU invited nominees and guests to a special evening of celebration and thanks at Winchester RFC.

The event began with a welcome drink, providing an opportunity for volunteers from across the county to connect, share stories and celebrate their achievements together. Throughout the evening, nominees were recognised for the countless hours they dedicate to supporting their clubs and local rugby communities.

Guests also took part in a Hampshire RFU raffle, with prizes including a pair of Men’s Six Nations tickets, a Hampshire RFU stash voucher, and, as ever, a selection of refreshments that proved extremely popular with attendees.

Among this year’s nominees, a shortlist of 5 were put forward to the RFU for national recognition:

  • Gemma House – Locksheath Pumas RFC
  • Harry Andrews – Aldershot & Fleet RFC
  • Leonie Randles – Romsey RFC
  • Nigel Spencer – Hampshire Rugby Referees
  • Stefan Hargrave – Trojans FC

The RFU selected Gemma House and Harry Andrews as a national finalists, and will now attend the RFU Volunteer of the Year Awards at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in September.

Hannah Avoth, Director of People at Hampshire RFU, said:
“Hampshire RFU is delighted to celebrate and recognise the amazing contribution of our volunteers across Hampshire. These awards are a really simple and visible way for clubs to thank their volunteers, and we hope to see even more nominations in future years.

“Each of the nominees should be hugely proud of being recognised by their club. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport, and it was fantastic to welcome so many dedicated people to this year’s celebration event. We wanted to recognise not only their nominations, but also the passion, time and energy they bring to the game week in, week out.”

Martin Wilson, CEO of Switch Car Rental, added:
“Switch is proud to support the Volunteer Recognition Programme. Without the dedication of volunteers at every level of the grassroots game, the sport we know and love wouldn’t be able to survive. Well done to all those nominated for this year’s Volunteer Awards.”

The Volunteer of the Year Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the individuals who often work behind the scenes but whose efforts are essential to the success and growth of rugby. Hampshire RFU would like to thank every club that submitted nominations and congratulate all those recognised during the evening.

We look forward to celebrating even more of Hampshire’s rugby volunteers in the years ahead.

 

Hampshire Crowned Bill Beaumont Division 3 County Champions

Hampshire RFU Senior Men have been crowned Bill Beaumont Division 3 County Champions after an outstanding 40-26 victory over Leicestershire in a fast-paced and entertaining final.

The triumph marks the culmination of a remarkable 2026 campaign that has ushered in a new era for Hampshire representative rugby. Built around an open nomination process, a fresh culture and a commitment to representing the breadth of the Hampshire rugby community, the squad brought together players from more clubs than ever before. The result was a team united by opportunity, connection and immense pride in the county jersey.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Rudi Kochanowski and his coaching team of Liam Perkins, Matt Wake, Rich Neill and Team Manager Jordan Cracknell, supported by our physios Suzi le Voi and Carly Jolley, Hampshire produced a performance worthy of champions.

Tries came from Rory Penfold, Tom Fieldsend, Ben Turner and Struan Robertson, while Leo Tongue crossed twice. Tongue’s second was the standout moment of the afternoon – a highlight-reel score that saw him gather the ball directly from a restart and race away to score, restoring Hampshire’s advantage immediately after a Leicestershire try.

Throughout the campaign, Hampshire’s defining strength has been its collective spirit. Players, coaches and clubs embraced a shared county identity, creating a resilient and connected squad that captured the imagination of supporters across the county.

The 40-26 victory not only secures the Bill Beaumont Division 3 title but also provides a fitting reward for a group that has helped reignite pride in county rugby across Hampshire.

The Owton’s Player of the Match was incredibly difficult to award after so many standout performances……..from the hard carrying and defensive of work of Karter Whittock, to the clinical finishing of Leo Tongue and the tactical play & kicking of Tom Meyer, every player deserves recognition, but the award went to Sam Olie who’s outstanding performance in attack and defence was a cornerstone of the day.

A huge thank you to the traveling supporters who created a great atmosphere and also to our programme sponsor Owton’s Family Butchers and to the match day polo sponsor Solent Commercial Management Ltd. The amazing match day images were provided by WindandSurf Images and are available here.

Supporters can relive the full match on the RFU YouTube channel: RFU YouTube channel match replay.

 

Hampshire RFU Schools Touch Festival Brings Together 12 schools and 140 Young Players in Pilot Event

Hampshire RFU, on behalf of Hampshire Schools RFU, proudly hosted its inaugural Year 5/6 Schools Touch Rugby Festival, bringing together 140 children from across the county for a fantastic celebration of rugby, teamwork and participation.

Following local School Games competitions, 12 schools from across Hampshire were invited to take part in the pilot festival, creating an exciting opportunity for young players to represent their schools and enjoy a day of competitive touch rugby.

The event was organised by Hampshire RFU’s Executive Director and expertly scheduled by School Rugby Manager (Havant, Gosport and Portsmouth), Luke Worthington, who used Tournify to ensure a smooth running order.

A team of 16 student leaders from Barton Peveril College played a pivotal role throughout the day. Having received training in college pre event, the leaders delivered warm-up activities, officiated matches and helped create a positive and enjoyable environment for every player involved. Their enthusiasm made them excellent role models throughout the day, demonstrating the TREDS values in the way they led, supported participants and represented the game.

Hampshire RFU would like to thank County Women’s Team Manager and Trojans Safeguarding Lead, Vicki Berry, alongside Trojans Youth Chair and Hampshire RFU Young Rugby Ambassador Champion, Dan Power, for their support in delivering the event. A huge thank you to Trojans FC for hosting the event – especially marking out the pitches.

The participating schools were:

  • Cherbourg Primary School
  • Fair Oak Junior School
  • Liss School
  • Ludlow Junior School
  • Matchwood Primary School
  • Padnell Junior School
  • Queen’s Inclosure Primary School
  • Ropley Church of England Primary School
  • Spring Hill Primary School
  • The Crescent Primary School
  • Townhill Junior School

Throughout the day, teams competed in round-robin pool stages before progressing to final placement matches against teams from the corresponding pool positions, ensuring every school enjoyed meaningful and competitive rugby. Every child left with a smile and a medal!

The festival demonstrated the growing appetite for touch rugby within Hampshire schools and highlighted the positive impact that strong partnerships between schools, volunteers, colleges and rugby clubs can have on providing memorable sporting experiences for young people. A show of hands demonstrated that less than a third of the 130 children played in a community rugby club and as a result Hampshire RFU is sending the schools a list of clubs local to their catchment areas to help encourage transition to club rugby.

Hampshire RFU would like to thank all players, teachers, volunteers, officials and supporters who contributed to the success of this pilot event. We look forward to building on its success and welcoming even more schools to future festivals.

Festival Winners: Queens Inclosure Primary, Waterlooville

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