Hampshire RFU AGM and Awards 2026: Celebrating a Year of Progress and Achievement

While much of the country settled down to watch England take on Argentina, more than 70 club representatives, volunteers, players and award winners gathered at Romsey RFC for Hampshire RFU’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Awards Evening.

The evening combined the formal business of the Union with a celebration of another outstanding year for rugby across Hampshire, recognising the achievements of our clubs, representative players, volunteers and coaches who continue to make rugby thrive across the county.

Members unanimously approved both the AGM and AFGM minutes before reflecting on a year that has seen Hampshire continue to deliver against its 2025-2028 Strategy – Building a Stronger Future Together.

Following two years of review, modernisation and laying stronger foundations, the evening highlighted encouraging progress across each of the counties three strategic missions, seeing more people playing rugby across Hampshire, investment into clubs increasing, and volunteers receiving greater support and recognition.

Hampshire RFU’s recently published it’s Annual Report, which reflects on the progress made during the first year of the strategy while openly acknowledging the challenges that remain around player retention, club sustainability and volunteer recruitment.

Read the Annual Report here

Reflecting on the evening, Hampshire RFU Chair Neil McRoberts said:

“After a two-year journey of review, modernisation and building strong foundations, Hampshire has made a strong start in the first year of our strategy. More players, more investment into clubs and greater support and recognition for volunteers are clear signs of progress. But this is just the beginning as we continue to take on the challenges of player retention, club sustainability, and recruiting and supporting the volunteers who make our game possible.”

Celebrating Hampshire Rugby

Following the AGM, attention turned to celebrating the people and clubs who have made the past season so memorable.

Hosted by Hampshire RFU President Gary Self, the Hampshire RFU Awards recognised success from every corner of the game, from league champions and representative honours through to volunteers, coaches and clubs making an outstanding contribution to rugby in Hampshire.

This year’s awards marked two important milestones.

For the first time, the Age Grade Coach of the Year and Peter Ebbs Senior Coach of the Year awards were presented as part of the Hampshire RFU Awards, bringing every major county honour together under one roof.

The evening also saw the introduction of two new representative rugby awards.

The Hannan and Moore U17 Trophy was introduced in honour of the first coaches to lead Hampshire’s U17 Boys representative programme. Recognising players at a pivotal point in their rugby journey as they transition towards Colts rugby, the award celebrates commitment, leadership and character that define Hampshire representative rugby.

The Ed Neville U18 Girls Award, named after Past President Ed Neville, recognises his longstanding commitment to and passionate support of women’s and girls’ rugby in Hampshire. The award celebrates exceptional talent, commitment and performance throughout the U18 Girls representative programme while recognising the attitude and dedication that inspire those around them.

Award Winners

Adult Male League & Cup Winners

Competition Winner
Counties 1 Hampshire Champions (NEWS Challenge Trophy) Bognor RFC
Counties 2 Hampshire Champions (ECHO Cup) Farnham II
Counties 3 Hampshire Champions (PINNOCK Cup) Ventnor RFC
Counties 4 Hampshire Champions Fawley RFC
Counties 5 Hampshire Champions Sandown & Shanklin II
Counties 6 South Champions Fareham Heathens II
Counties 6 North Champions Farnborough RFC
Veterans Cup Winners Tottonians RFC
Veterans Plate Winners Portsmouth RFC
Counties 1 & 2 Cup Winners Basingstoke RFC
Counties 3 & 4 Cup Winners Farnborough RFC
Counties 3 & 4 Reserve Cup Winners Tottonians RFC

Representative Rugby Awards

Award Winner Club
Brian Short Memorial Trophy Evie Smith Portsmouth RFC
Robbie Keast U16 Girls Award Imogen Lane Trojans FC
Hannan and Moore U17 Trophy (Inaugural Winner) Thomas Read Havant RFC
Robbie Keast U18 Boys Award George Musselwhite Havant RFC
Ed Neville U18 Girls Award (Inaugural Winner) Jessica Chivers Trojans FC
John Sneezum U20 Captain’s Tankard Cameron Davey Havant RFC
FMT Bunney Trophy – Senior Men’s Bill Beaumont Player of the Year Karter Whittock Petersfield RFC
Senior Women’s Gill Burns Player of the Year Sophie Slimm Millbrook RFC

 

Senior Men’s Bill Beaumont County Champions

A special presentation recognised the outstanding achievements of Hampshire’s Senior Men’s representative squad, crowned Bill Beaumont Division 3 County Champions following victory at Allianz Stadium.

The success reflected a new era for representative rugby in Hampshire, with more clubs contributing players than ever before. Representatives from the following clubs were recognised on the evening:

Alton, Andover, Ellingham & Ringwood, Gosport & Fareham, Havant, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Sandown & Shanklin, Tottonians, Trojans, Ventnor and Winchester.

Thank You to Our Leavers

Hampshire RFU also recognised a number of volunteers whose commitment and dedication have helped shape rugby across the county.

Volunteer Contribution
David Dunn Manager of Representative Rugby
Josh Brown Representative Rugby Age Grade Manager
Chris Budden Adult Competitions
Alison Denmead U18 Girls Manager
Luke Wilson U18 Girls Coach
Hannah Roberts U18 Girls Coach
Renny Smith U18 Girls Coach
Paul Hillian U20 Head Coach
Andy Duncombe U20 Coach
Jack Phillips U20 Coach
Jon U20 Coach
Lynne Piddington U15/U16 Competition Organiser
Ian Wells U18 Competition Organiser

Thank you all for the time, passion and expertise you have given to rugby in Hampshire.

Hampshire RFU Awards

Award Winner Club
Special Recognition Jessica Sims, Ophelia Cleugh, Sophie Hargrave Trojans FC
Volunteer of the Year Matt Davis Hampshire Representative Rugby
Age Grade Coach of the Year Stefan Hargrave Trojans FC
Peter Ebbs Senior Coach of the Year Rudi Kochanowski Trojans RFC & Hampshire Senior Men
Fundraiser of the Year Sandown & Shanklin RFC Sandown & Shanklin RFC
Club of the Year Romsey RFC Romsey RFC
Hampshire RFU President’s Award Jed Stone United Services Portsmouth RFC

The evening was a fitting celebration of everything that makes rugby in Hampshire special. From clubs achieving success on the field to volunteers giving thousands of hours behind the scenes, every award reflected the strength of our rugby community and our shared commitment to Building a Stronger Future Together.

Congratulations to every winner, nominee and volunteer recognised throughout the evening, and thank you to every club, player, coach, referee and volunteer who continues to make rugby thrive across Hampshire.

Photo gallery from the Hampshire RFU AGM and Awards Evening below.

Hampshire RFU Conference 2026 Brings the Rugby Community Together

More than 120 volunteers from across Hampshire gathered at Totton College for the Hampshire RFU Conference 2026, bringing together coaches, Club Coaching Coordinators, Safeguarding Officers, Rugby Safety Leads and Youth Chairs for a day of learning, collaboration and sharing best practice.

This year’s conference introduced a new format, bringing together several key volunteer roles under one roof. The approach created greater opportunities for collaboration, encouraging delegates to share experiences, discuss common challenges and explore new ideas to support rugby across the county.

The day began with an engaging keynote from Nigel Redman, who shared his thoughts on succession planning and the importance of developing the next generation of volunteers and leaders within the game.

Following the keynote, delegates moved into role-specific sessions. The coaching programme, delivered by LMP and supported by Hampshire RFU’s U16 Girls Player Development Group, generated excellent discussion and practical ideas, with coaches sharing experiences.

Safeguarding Officers and Rugby Safety Leads spent the morning sharing updates, discussing current priorities and exchanging best practice to help clubs continue providing safe, enjoyable environments for everyone involved in the game.

One of the most thought-provoking sessions of the day focused on Neurodiversity, prompting valuable conversations about how Hampshire RFU can better support clubs by signposting resources, developing coaches’ understanding and creating more inclusive environments where every player has the opportunity to thrive.

Following lunch, the coaching group reconvened for a practical pre-season session led by Theo Rhodes, Hampshire RFU Senior Women’s and Trojans RFC Lead Coach. Focusing on retention, connection and preparation, the session offered coaches fresh ideas to take back to their clubs ahead of the new season. The practical demonstrations were supported by U16 and U17 boys from clubs across Hampshire, whose enthusiasm and commitment helped bring the session to life.

At the same time, Youth Chairs explored the RFU Inclusion Framework, with Hampshire RFU proud to be one of the Constituent Bodies piloting the initiative. The Club Coaching Coordinators also had a sneak peak at the new templates produced by Hampshire RFU to help them better recruit and develop their volunteers – CCC, Lead Coach, Team Manager and Coach role descriptors alongside a coaching skills matrix.

Throughout the day, delegates embraced the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from colleagues working in different areas of the game. The collaborative format generated positive feedback, with attendees valuing the opportunity to share best practice, challenge thinking and leave with practical ideas to take back to their clubs.

Hampshire RFU would like to thank Totton College for hosting this year’s conference, all of the presenters and facilitators for sharing their expertise, and every volunteer who gave up their time to invest in the future of rugby across the county.

The success of the 2026 Conference demonstrated the strength of Hampshire’s volunteer network and reinforced the collective commitment to developing a safe, inclusive and thriving game for players, coaches and volunteers across Hampshire.

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.

 

Growing Rugby in Primary Schools Across Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant

As schools continue to prioritise physical literacy, wellbeing, and character development, rugby offers a powerful vehicle to support all three. Across Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant, there is a significant opportunity for senior leadership teams to embed rugby as a meaningful and sustainable part of school life. This is not about producing elite athletes; it is about developing confident, resilient, and respectful young people.

Below are four key themes to support growth in schools.

1. Interschool Festivals and Competitions

Regular festivals and competitions provide purpose and excitement for pupils while strengthening school identity. A well structured calendar of inclusive, development focused events ensures that rugby is accessible to all, not just the most able.

These festivals emphasise participation, teamwork, and enjoyment, aligning with broader school priorities around inclusion and engagement. They also create natural milestones for pupils and teachers, building momentum and sustained interest throughout the year. Already this academic year, over 400 boys and girls representing 40 local schools have participated in rugby events primarily hosted at Havant, Portsmouth and Trojans rugby clubs.

2. Training Staff to Deliver Rugby in Schools

One of the most common barriers to rugby delivery in primary schools is staff confidence. Investing in staff development is therefore critical.

Primary level training opportunities at no cost are available in your school, delivered by your local school rugby manager luke.worthington@tkat.org. England Rugby also provides a no cost primary school coaching qualification, with courses regularly run in our area. Typically, these CPD sessions are one to three hours and equip staff with the skills and confidence to deliver safe, engaging sessions. Importantly, this creates long term sustainability, with rugby becoming embedded within the PE curriculum rather than dependent on external provision. For example, following a 60 minute session delivered by Luke Worthington, Front Lawn Primary Academy has established a lunchtime rugby club run by their external PE providers for Years 5 and 6.

3. Rugby values as a vehicle to enhance behaviours

For rugby to thrive, it must align with whole school priorities. The core values of rugby are summarised as TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship) and map directly onto the personal development and behaviour frameworks that schools are already striving to deliver.

By positioning rugby as a tool for character education, SLTs (senior leadership teams) can confidently support its inclusion. It becomes more than a sport; it becomes a vehicle for developing leadership, resilience, and positive behaviour across the school.

4. Collaboration with SGOs and Local Rugby Clubs

Sustainable provision is built on strong partnerships. School Games Organisers and local rugby clubs play a vital role in supporting schools with expertise, resources, and pathways.

Collaboration can unlock access to qualified coaches and delivery support, clear transition routes from school to community sport, shared facilities and joint events, and increased opportunities for pupils beyond the school environment. This joined up approach ensures continuity and strengthens the local sporting ecosystem.

Suggested Next Steps for Schools:

  • Review your current PE and sport offer to identify where rugby can complement existing provision.
  • Engage with your local SGO to explore upcoming festivals, competitions, and training opportunities.
  • Identify school staff champions who can lead rugby within schools and support their development.
  • Connect with local rugby clubs to establish partnerships and enrichment opportunities.
  • Pilot a school rugby festival trip to build initial momentum and gather pupil voice.

Rugby has the potential to make a lasting impact on pupils, not just physically but socially and emotionally. With the right structures and partnerships in place, schools across Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant can create inclusive, values driven rugby experiences that benefit every child.

 

Hampshire Hosts Red Roses Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour

Hampshire RFU was proud to support the recent visit of the Community Rugby Trophy Tour – the Red Roses Rugby World Cup trophy, which visited a number of clubs and events across the county this last week.

The tour provided a special opportunity to engage players, clubs and schools, while highlighting the continued development of the women and girls’ game in Hampshire.

The trophy’s first stop was at Alton RFC, where it featured at the U11 County Festival. The event welcomed 240 girls and boys, offering young players the chance to take part in a brilliant day of rugby.

It then moved to Trojans FC, which hosted the U7, U8 and U9 County Festival, which saw more than 700 children taking part. The visit also coincided with the final women’s fixture of the season between Trojans Women and Bath Ladies, providing a strong example of the senior women’s game in action.

At Havant RFC, the focus was on schools rugby, with over 130 girls from local primary and secondary schools participating in a T1 festival. The event reflected the increasing levels of engagement in the girls’ game at school level, supported by the work of the Schools Rugby Manager.

The tour concluded at Ellingham & Ringwood RFC, where an open girls’ session was delivered, supporting both new and existing players to play and enjoy rugby together.

Across all venues, the visit of the trophy was warmly welcomed and provided a wonderful opportunity to promote the game and recognise the progress being made locally.

Hampshire RFU has seen continued growth in participation this season, with a 3% increase in the women’s game and an 18% increase in girls’ rugby. This equates to over 200 new women and girls playing the game across the county!

The trophy tour was a fitting way to acknowledge this progress and to reinforce the county’s ongoing commitment to developing rugby at all levels across Hampshire.

Hampshire U18 Leagues Complete for 25/26 Season

Hampshire U18 Leagues 25/26 – Season Complete

The Hampshire U18 leagues for the 25/26 season are now complete, marking the end of the first year under the new competition structure.

This format brought together 24 clubs from across the county, with the aim of creating balanced leagues, meaningful competition, and regular rugby for all sides. Across the divisions, that has delivered. Matches remained competitive throughout, with league positions and outcomes still in play right up to the final round.

There has been clear progression across squads, strong commitment from players and management teams, and a consistent effort from clubs to get fixtures played despite the usual challenges around availability and bad weather.

Final League Standings

  • Division 1 Winners: Winchester Academy 1st XV
  • Division 1 Runners-Up: Trojan Eagles
  • Division 2 Winners: Portsmouth Colts
  • Division 2 Runners-Up: Overton Colts
  • Division 3 Winners: Petersfield Colts
  • Division 3 Runners-Up: Vectis Colts
  • Division 4 Winners: Tottonians Colts
  • Division 4 Runners-Up: Winchester Academy 2nd XV

Congratulations to all league winners and runners-up, and to every club involved in making the season work.

Attention now turns to the knockout competitions. Teams will move into the Cup, Plate, Bowl, and Shield, with quarter-finals scheduled for Sunday 22 March 2026.

A strong league phase sets up what should be a competitive, well-contested knockout stage to close out the season, with all finals held at Winchester on the 26th of April.

Ian ‘H’ Wells
Hampshire Under 18 League Organiser 25/26 season

 

Hampshire Girls U16 PDG Shine in Dual Victory Away at Essex

Hampshire’s Girls U16 England PDG delivered an impressive performance on the road this weekend as the county’s teams travelled to face Essex in their third playing opportunity of the programme.

Both Hampshire sides secured victories, but the focus of the day extended beyond the results. Players were encouraged to put their recent training into practice, showing creativity, confidence and a willingness to try new skills in a match environment. The progress made by both squads reflected the hard work and commitment shown during recent coaching blocks.

In a memorable end to the day, Essex provided a special surprise for the players by bringing out the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy, giving the girls a rare opportunity to take photos with one of the sport’s most iconic prizes.

The squad now moves into coaching block five this week as preparations continue for the final fixture of the programme against Gloucester in April.

Hampshire RFU would like to thank the volunteers and parents whose support makes these opportunities possible, along with programme sponsors Bridge Beauty and Sports Physio for their continued backing of the girls’ development group.

Most importantly, congratulations to the players for their enthusiasm, effort and commitment throughout the day.

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