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.

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

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.

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