Launch your season with RugbyFest

RugbyFest is a nationwide celebration of rugby, taking place from Friday 3 to Monday 6 October 2025. It follows the conclusion of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and is a chance for communities to come together and celebrate the tournament.

Supported by the Red Roses, clubs, schools, colleges, universities and community organisations are invited to run their own local events, such as taster sessions, family fun days or mini festivals, to celebrate the sport, welcome new faces and mark the start of the season.

Why Run a RugbyFest Event?
Running a RugbyFest event helps your club:

  • Celebrate rugby union at all levels
  • Attract new players, supporters and volunteers
  • Engage families and promote inclusion
  • Inspire the next generation especially girls and young women
  • Be part of a national movement, celebrating off the back of the Red Roses’ journey in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

By registering your RugbyFest event, your club could:

  • Be in with a chance to host a visit from a Red Rose
  • Be one of the first 200 clubs to register and claim either a women and girls rugby event pack or a T1 Rugby equipment pack
  • Enter a competition to SuperCharge your RugbyFest with a game-changing prize

How to get involved
1. Read the Terms and Conditions here
2. Register your event by completing our form to host a RugbyFest event between 3 and 6 October 2025 here
3. Plan, Promote, Celebrate!

The clubs below have already signed up for the event and it would be great if you could join them:

• Havant RFC
• Trojans RFC
• Alton RFC
• Eastleigh RFC

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Alex Roe (RFU Club Developer) via email – alexroe@rfu.com

 

New Investment Secured for Hampshire Clubs

Hampshire RFU joins a new and innovative 18-month pilot project aimed at helping grassroots rugby clubs become more financially resilient and sustainable.

Supported by the RFU, the pilot will see the appointment of a specialist contractor working on behalf of Hampshire RFU to support a cluster of community clubs from across the county. By bringing clubs together to share services, as well as ideas and good practice of successful activities, the initiative will focus on unlocking new revenue opportunities from existing club facilities, such as bars, function rooms, car parks, and pitches – while also identifying cost savings across key operational areas.

Working closely with each participating club, the appointed contractor will provide tailored, hands-on support to explore commercial opportunities and improve operational efficiency.

Steve Grainger, Executive Director of Rugby Development of RFU said:

“Community clubs are the heartbeat of rugby union, and we understand the financial challenges many of them face. This pilot project reflects our commitment to supporting clubs beyond the game itself – helping them become more sustainable, more resilient, and more able to thrive in the years ahead.”

Neil McRoberts, Chair of Hampshire RFU, added:

“This is an exciting moment for Hampshire rugby. Being chosen to join this pilot can be attributed to the hard work we’ve put in over the past year to reposition and restructure our Constituent Body. It’s also proof of our commitment to bringing new ideas and fresh investment into our clubs. We’re proud to be involved and see huge potential for this project to help build stronger, more financially sustainable rugby communities across the county.”

The role of the specialist contractor is currently open for applications. To find out more about the role, view the full scope of work and apply, visit the Hampshire RFU Vacancies Page.

The intended outcome for this role will be to prove its financial worth, with all the learnings used to inform future support models across the rugby landscape.

When it comes to first aid supplies, are you ready?

To help you get prepared ahead of gameday, our partner, Physique Management, is running their are ‘You Ready’ campaign this summer to help you out with what you need.

There’s some great content coming up including videos from professionals, guides with handy tips, competitions and much more.

Make sure you give them a follow on socials so you don’t miss out (@PhysiqueMgmt)

You can find all the details here:

https://www.physique.co.uk/Buyers-Guides/AreYouReady?pp=hampshirerfu

 

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.

 

Keep Your Golden Roles up to Date in GMS

Keep Your Golden Roles up to Date in GMS

As we move through AGM season, there may be some reshuffles in your clubs’ or CB’s volunteer roles. This makes it especially important that your Golden Roles in GMS reflect your current team — ensuring you get the right information and support for your clubs.

The Game Management System (GMS) is the primary source of information for the RFU and CBs when contacting clubs. Making sure these details are accurate — and that the appropriate GMS Access is set for each person — helps keep communication clear and effective.

Additionally, Hampshire RFU’s new website uses this information to keep clubs up to date with relevant and tailored messages — whether that’s related to facilities, coaching, safeguarding, or other key aspects of community rugby.

If you’re unsure how to make these updates, please see the guides below:

Should you need further assistance, please reach out to Community Rugby Help or raise a ticket directly with the GMS Help Desk through the Feedback tile.

Thank you in advance for keeping your Golden Roles up to date — this guarantees we’re able to reach the right people with the right information at the right time. If you have any specific GMS inquiries, please feel free to get in touch with us – admin@hampshirerfu.com

 

Hampshire RFU Honda Volunteer Awards 2025 Celebrated 

The Hampshire RFU marked a joyous evening of recognition as more than 80 guests gathered to honour the outstanding dedication of volunteers across the county.

The prestigious Honda Volunteer Awards, supported by England Rugby’s national Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme, received over 100 nominations from clubs throughout Hampshire.

Hosted at Havant RFC, the ceremony brought together volunteers, club officials and County representatives to enjoy food and festivities celebrating grassroots rugby’s unsung heroes.

A total of three main award categories were honoured:

  • Unsung Hero – Hannah Avoth – Ellingham and Ringwood RFC
  • Connecting the Community – Joshua Williamson – Farnbourgh RFC
  • Game for All – Jordan Coffin and Alan Day – Millbrook RFC

Each category represents a vital aspect of volunteer contributions:

– the Unsung Hero acknowledges those working tirelessly behind the scenes;

– Game for All rewards innovation in making rugby more accessible;

– Connecting the Community celebrates those who bring clubs into closer community alignment.

At the ceremony, we were also able to announce that Hampshire were selected with 2 winner nominations to progress to the national stage, where finalists will be invited to the Honda Volunteer of the Year Gala evening at Twickenham this August.

Millbrook RFC – Jordan Coffin and Alan Day (Game for All) and Farnborough RFC – Josh Williamson (Connecting the Community) are awarded this honour.

Hampshire RFU’s continued partnership with Honda and England Rugby ensures the invaluable contributions of its volunteers receive the attention and recognition they richly deserve.

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