Hampshire RFU Strategy 2025–2028
Building A Stronger Rugby Future Together
Who We Are
Hampshire RFU is the proud home of rugby across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and the Channel Islands.
We exist to help every club, school, college, university, volunteer, and player thrive, from first touch to first team.
Rugby in Hampshire is built on passion, teamwork, and community. Our 43 clubs, 3 universities, and thousands of volunteers deliver the game week in and week out.
Together, we represent over 12,000 players and 2,800 volunteers who bring the sport to life.
We’re proud of our history and we’re determined to shape a modern, inclusive, and sustainable future for everyone in our game.
Our Vision
To unite and empower Hampshire’s rugby community by fostering participation, living our values, and inspiring excellence — on and off the field.
We aim to make Hampshire the most connected, inclusive, and forward-looking rugby community in the country.
Our Mission
To modernise how rugby is governed, delivered, and grown in Hampshire by:
Enhancing the rugby experience
across all ages and formats
Increasing investment and resources
for our clubs and communities
Optimising the time and talent of volunteers
to make the greatest possible impact
Our Values
We live the Spirit of Rugby — TREDS:
These values shape every decision we make and every relationship we build – with clubs, volunteers, and players alike.
Our Strategic Focus
Our work over the next three years will focus on three clear missions, each with a measurable goal, shared accountability, and visible benefits for our rugby community.
This is in addition to our devolved and core responsibilities from the RFU as detailed here.
This strategy has been developed taking into account key stakeholder feedback and input, specifically including:
- Member club needs (Club Development Survey)
- RFU strategic plan
- Wider stakeholder feedback (HRR and HSRFU)
Mission 1: Enhancing the rugby experience
Goal: Grow participation and retention across all ages and formats.
We will modernise competitions, improve the player experience, and open up flexible, social, and accessible formats that help more people play and stay in the game.
We’ll invest in coaching, officiating, and youth pathways to ensure every player can reach their potential.
What this means for clubs:
- Easier access to competitions to aid player retention
- More support for transition from youth to adult rugby
- A bigger focus on girls’, inclusive and school rugby
- Continued support for representative rugby
Mission 2: Increasing investment and resources
Goal: Grow new investment into Hampshire rugby year-on-year.
We will help clubs become more financially resilient by unlocking funding, partnerships, and sponsorships.
Our Facilities Plan and sustainability projects will support long-term growth and modern club environments.
What this means for clubs:
- Support clubs to become investment ready
- Access to workshops and sustainability advice
- New sponsorship and partnership opportunities
- Shared learning across the Hampshire network
Mission 3: Optimising the time and talent of volunteers
Goal: Improve volunteer satisfaction and support across Hampshire.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our game. We’ll focus on recognition, training, and digital tools that make volunteering simpler, more rewarding, and better connected.
What this means for clubs:
- Enhanced volunteer recruitment, celebration & recognition
- Better access to training, CPD, and leadership development
- Shared templates, resources, and best practice
- Stronger safeguarding and compliance support
Measuring Our Progress
We will track and share progress through clear, measurable goals:
| Measure | 2024/2025 Baseline | 2028 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Registered players via GMS data | 12,231 | 13,500 |
| New investment via finance reports | £9,800 | £80,000 |
| Club satisfaction via Club Needs Survey | 3.4 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
Progress will be reviewed annually and reported openly through club forums and digital channels.
Delivering the Strategy Together
This strategy belongs to everyone involved in rugby across Hampshire.
With the board, clubs, volunteers, schools, universities, HRR, HSRFU and the RFU working together, we can make our game stronger, more sustainable, and more enjoyable for all.
Together, we are Hampshire RFU.
For an overview of the team of Directors leading this work, click here.
To read more about what Hampshire RFU delivers to, click here.
