All Grassroots, All the Time Bottom of the Ruck is dedicated to celebrating everything that makes grassroots rugby great — the passion, the people, and the stories from the heart of the game.
Whether it’s a muddy pair of boots, the refreshing feeling of a new season, or a club rebuilding numbers, Bottom of the Ruck is where grassroots rugby gets the recognition it deserves.
Recent Posts
Why We Play the Game
Why We Play the Game is a poem written by Rupert McCall and adapted for this video by members of…
Why “We’ve Always Done it this Way” is a Poor Strategy
Tradition is the soul of grassroots rugby, but outdated systems can quietly hold clubs back. In this Club Ops 101…
Grassroots Community Club Rugby and the Last True Community Sport in America
Grassroots community club rugby remains one of the last true examples of a locally governed, volunteer-driven sport in America. In…
Top 5 Wishes for Grassroots Rugby in 2026
Grassroots rugby is not broken—it’s the beating heart of the game. As the new year approaches, this article outlines five…
The Myth of the Super Volunteer
Volunteer burnout is quietly killing grassroots rugby clubs. The Myth of the Super Volunteer explores why it happens — and…
Book Review: Ballinasloe RFC 150 Years of Rugby
A heartfelt review of Ballinasloe RFC: 150 Years of Rugby, exploring the dedication, community, and storytelling behind one of Ireland’s…
Flooded but Not Finished: Monmouth RFC’s Road Back After Storm Claudia
Storm Claudia caused devastating flooding at Monmouth RFC, destroying pitches, equipment, and vital infrastructure. As the club faces over £20,000…
The Glue That Holds Us Together
Grassroots rugby survives on the heart and hard work of volunteers. From early-morning field setup to late-night cleanup, these unsung…



