A few weeks ago, Storm Claudia brought severe flooding, disruption, and danger to life in Wales and England, especially South Wales, with the town of Monmouth declaring a major incident due to the River Monnow overflowing which inundated the town center and trapped residents. Heavy rain caused homes and businesses to flood, leading to rescues and power outages, prompting warnings for people to avoid affected areas as emergency services responded to widespread incidents. 

Unfortunately, the storm also left a deep mark on Monmouth Rugby Football Club and the community it serves. Every one of Monmouth RFC’s pitches were flooded, rendering them unplayable for the foreseeable future. Two shipping containers used for equipment storage were swept away from their original positions, flooded and their contents contaminated beyond safe use. 

Inside those containers were an immense amount of essential equipment used by the club that included post protectors, tackle pads, rings and shields. All of which had to be disposed of due to contamination risk. The club also lost first aid supplies, match day kit, leisure wear, rugby balls and training bibs. 

As if that wasn’t enough, the electric box controlling the newly installed floodlights at Chippenham Fields was damaged beyond repair — a major recent investment wiped out in a single storm.

In total, replacement costs now sit well beyond £20,000.

And yet, in the midst of it all, Clubland did what it always does.

Over the past few weeks, an army of Monmouth RFC volunteers have shown up again and again. They’ve cleared the containers, sorted through damaged kit, taken inventory of losses, and done the quiet, unseen work that never appears on a scoreboard. This is grassroots rugby at its core — people giving their time, not because they have to, but because it matters.

They’ve also gotten a hand from other clubs. This weekend, New Panteg RFC hosted a U12 charity game with proceeds going to recovery efforts. 

Monmouth RFC is more than a rugby club. It’s a historic Welsh institution that was founded in 1873, a hub for senior rugby, youth and junior development, and home to initiatives like MonFest which is a youth rugby festival that they host each spring. It is a gathering point for families, and a place where lifelong memories are made long before players ever pull on a senior jersey.

That’s why this recovery matters.

The club is now fundraising to replace as much lost equipment as possible, with one clear goal: to get everyone back training and hosting home games as soon as they safely can. The club is determined to see players return to Chippenham Fields early in the New Year — boots muddy, smiles wide, rugby back where it belongs.

If you’ve ever laced up your boots, washed kit late at night, or stood on a cold touchline cheering on the next generation, you’ll understand what’s at stake here. This is one rugby family asking the wider rugby community for help.

If you’re able to support Monmouth RFC on their road to recovery, you can do so here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/monmouth-rfc-on-the-road-to-recovery-from-storm-claudia

We also encourage reaching out to them on their socials with warm wishes. Every contribution, share, and message of support helps ensure that when the waters recede, rugby in Monmouth rises again. Every donation, regardless of size, matters. If you can’t donate, help spread the word to others. 

Because in Clubland, we don’t walk away — we rally.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MonmouthRFC

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/monmouthrfcwales