Opening Whistle

We’re back with another week of our new weekly feature that takes a quick look at news across Clubland.

Grassroots rugby action was a bit lighter than normal this past weekend due to the holiday. We’re also nearing the end of the season in the Northern Hemisphere, so fewer matches are being played weekly. 

I’d like to send a massive thank you and shout out to all of the accounts that have been sharing their content with me and/or inviting me to collaborate with them. We’re stronger together and it is a pleasure to help share your content!

BOTR Recap

I was busier than normal this week in real life, so there was only one new article posted to the website aside from the Monday Morning Ruck. However, it was one of my favorite pieces to date. If you haven’t given it a read, have a look. You won’t be disappointed to learn more about what Locker 71 is doing to preserve grassroots rugby stories.

Locker 71’s Mission to Preserve Grassroots Rugby

Monday Morning Ruck: March 30, 2026

From the Touchline

• Medicals Rugby Football Club in England have a unique request from the rugby community. They and the RFU are looking to locate relatives of former player Dr. Stephen Peel who represented England in 1946. 
• This past weekend, one of the largest 7s tournaments in the United States took place in Florida. The Tropical 7s brought in teams from far and wide for a multi-day event with lots of action on and off of the pitch. Stay tuned for a more detailed wrap up on BOTR later this week.
• Shreveport RFC (USA) are on tour in England and opened up against the Teignmouth RFC Vets. The two sides locked into an epic 48-40 battle with the home side coming out ahead. In true rugby tour form, that’s just where the fun began as they carried that same spirit into the clubhouse for what appeared to be a wild night. A massive shout out goes to Shreveport RFC for carrying on the touring tradition!
• Congratulations to Cartha Queens Park RFC Men’s 1st XV, who were crowned Scottish Rugby Union National 4 Champs this past weekend. I’m a little biased, as they are one of my favorite clubs to visit and a must stop every time I’m in Glasgow. I’m sure there was one heck of a celebration.

Laying the Foundations

• For the second year in a row, a group from Erdington RFC took on the Sutton Fun Run. Their mission is to raise funds for their mini & junior sections and to raise funds for a mental health charity. 
• On Saturday May 2, 2026 Hamilton Marist RFC are hosting Ricey’s Charity Match with the Marist Legends XV taking on the NZ Police International XV. All proceeds from the event are going to MND NZ and Hospice Waikato. 

Grassroots Realities

As some careers are ending and others beginning, it is important to remember the privilege and honor that it is to be able to play the game. Playing careers, at any level, are relatively short. Enjoy your time, respect each other, and most of all… have fun!

When you’re done playing, whenever that is, please stay involved in the sport. For rugby to grow and flourish we need more than just players. We need the people that work behind the scenes to keep it all running smoothly. If you have ever played rugby someone did that for you, whether you know it or not. Help pay it forward and provide the same to the next generation. 

Small gestures matter when it comes to being a volunteer. You don’t need to give 20+ hours a week. Many hands make lighter work. Most grassroots clubs are happy to get any sort of help, large or small. 

Something We Missed?

Weekly features, like this, only work because of Clubland. Just like your favorite grassroots referee, we also don’t have eyes everywhere. If your club had a moment this weekend, big or small, tag us on Facebook and/or Instagram. We’ll share the news and it may be included in next week’s Monday Morning Ruck.

You tag. We share. Let’s grow the game together.

Closing

Not every moment makes a headline. When it comes to the grassroots, unfortunately most don’t. However, that doesn’t make them any less meaningful. 

Across pitches everywhere this weekend, the game kept moving forward, because people care enough to keep showing up.

That’s Clubland. How can you not be romantic about that?