Hampshire RFU AGM & Awards: A night of progress, recognition and celebration

Hampshire RFU welcomed representatives from 25 of its 34 clubs to a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, marking a pivotal moment for rugby governance in the county. The evening, hosted at Trojans FC, was a celebration of both the business of rugby and the people who make it thrive.

New Board Appointed to Lead Hampshire Rugby

At the heart of the AGM was the appointment of a new Hampshire RFU Board, tasked with steering the county into the future. The new board reflects a blend of continuity and fresh leadership, aiming to develop a vibrant, safe, and inclusive rugby environment across Hampshire. This was just one part of a fantastic season, more details of which can be found in the 2024 Annual Report here.

New President, Gary Self, formally took over from outgoing President Ed Neville, paying tribute to his dedication. A special mention was also given to Richard Showan, a stalwart of Hampshire RFU and Hampshire Referees.

The restructured board brings together a team with a broad range of skills, all committed to growing the game at every level, from grassroots to representative rugby.
(For full details of the new board appointment, visit: Hampshire RFU appoints new board)

Celebrating Rugby’s Unsung Heroes at the Hampshire RFU Awards

Following the AGM, the evening transitioned into the Hampshire RFU Awards 2025, recognising the players, volunteers, clubs, and officials who embody the spirit of rugby in Hampshire.

Representative Rugby Awards

  • Senior Men’s Player of the Year (FMT Bunney Trophy)
    Winner: Fraser Bruce (Worthing RFC / Club Hampshire 1XV)
    Recognised for his leadership and commitment in the Bill Beaumont County Championship.
  • Senior Women’s Player of the Year (Gill Burns Trophy)
    Winner: Natasha Bullock
    Celebrated for her outstanding performances and leadership during this year’s campaign.
  • Brian Short Memorial Trophy
    Winner: Chase Thomas (Hampshire U17s)
    Awarded to a young player who epitomises team spirit and selfless effort.
  • Robbie Keast U16 Award
    Winner: Beattie Markby Brans (Ellingham & Ringwood RFC / Hampshire Girls U16 PDG)
  • Robbie Keast U18 Award
    Winner: Rosie Wragg (Trojans FC / Hampshire U18 Girls)
  • John Sneezum U20 Captains Tankard
    Winner: Luigi Forconi (Winchester RFC)

Club League Champions 2024-2025

  • Counties 1 Hampshire – Havant II (22 wins from 22) – NEWS Challenge Trophy
  • Counties 2 Hampshire – Millbrook RFC (16 wins from 16) – ECHO Cup
  • Counties 3 Hampshire – Andover II (16 wins from 16) – PINNOCK Cup
  • Counties 4 Hampshire – Alton RFC
  • Hampshire Premiership South – Millbrook II
  • Hampshire Premiership North – Basingstoke II

County Badges for Outstanding Service

  • Sandra Coffin – For contributions to girls’ rugby and safeguarding.
  • Amie Boyes – For long-term commitment to U16 Girls DPP rugby.
  • Adam Leal – For services to Hampshire Referees and international officiating.
  • Matt Davis – For dedication to the County Women’s team.

Special Volunteer Awards

  • Administrator of the Year – Mel Chiwera (Aldershot & Fleet RFC)
    For exceptional leadership in rebuilding the club’s mini and junior section.
  • Fundraisers of the Year – Tristan Pattison & Nick Smith (Romsey RFC)
    For the inspirational Rugby4MND campaign, raising nearly £7,000 for Motor Neurone Disease research.
  • Unsung Hero – Alison Edmonston (Trojans FC)
    For tireless work in girls’ rugby and safeguarding initiatives.
  • Young Volunteer of the Year – Alfie James (Hampshire Rugby Referees)
    Recognised for his commitment to officiating and developing as a Young Match Official.

Club of the Year

This year’s Club of the Year Award was jointly awarded to Havant RFC and Trojans FC, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the rugby community. Both clubs have hosted numerous county events, festivals, and training opportunities, going above and beyond to support rugby at all levels.

As the baton passes to a new leadership team, Hampshire RFU looks forward to a season of growth, collaboration, and innovation to support the game across the county.

Hampshire RFU Delivers Rugby Fun at Hampshire School Games 2025

Hampshire School Games 2025

Hampshire RFU was proud to support the Hampshire School Games Sport & Physical Activity Festival 2025, held at Winchester Sport & Leisure Park and surrounding venues on Thursday 26th June.

In a huge celebration of inclusive sport, 130 children from 13 different schools from across Hampshire & IOW enjoyed an exciting introduction to rugby, with sessions delivered by a team of enthusiastic and aspiring young coaches from Barton Peveril College, Bitterne Park Sixth Form and King Edwards School. The event was a non-competitive, positive experience focused on encouraging less active children in Years 4–6 to get involved in new sports and physical activity.

The Hampshire RFU team was delighted to be part of this county-wide showcase alongside over 40 different activities, helping to inspire the next generation of players through fun, engaging rugby experiences.

As the young coaches delivered an exciting carousel of rugby activities, including Rugby Rounders, Rugby Relays and Tag Chaos, conversations with the schools teachers took place, exploring the state of rugby in schools, discussing T1 Rugby and building connections for the future.

We are proud to have contributed to such a fantastic festival and to play our part in making rugby accessible and enjoyable for all.

A special thank you to the amazing leaders who created such wonderful memories for all those who attended.

Groundforce Day 2025 at Ellingham & Ringwood RFC

Groundforce Day 2025

Ellingham members from across ERRFC teamed up on Saturday 14th June to get the club ready for the new season. A huge thank you to Hampshire RFU for providing funds to re-point the paving stones, fix some of our fencing and spruce up our physio room.

We have a huge project underway this summer to prepare the club for the Women’s RWC and the superhuman efforts of our people, from 8-80 years old will make all the difference.

 

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