Tales from Clubland

Spikers RFC and the Power of Grassroots Rugby in Kenya

BOTR 2026-02-12 Tales from Clubland Africa Rugby, Bottom of the Ruck, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, Kenya Rugby, rugby, Tales from Clubland

spikers rfc

And the power of Grassroots rugby in Kenya

There are rugby clubs built on storied histories, endowments and infrastructure.

Then there are clubs built on belief.

Spikers Rugby Club in Ogembo, Kenya falls firmly into the second category.

A grassroots, community-based side, Spikers RFC is committed to providing meaningful, memorable experiences for its players. Their players range in age from 10-25 years old with around 25 players in the club.

Many of their players come from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The club offers local children a subsidized opportunity to play a sport that, for many, becomes far more than just a game.

Head Coach Wilfred Orina puts it simply:

“Spikers Rugby Club is a community-based team here in Kenya, using rugby to create discipline, opportunity, and hope for young players.”

The word hope carries weight.

Because while rugby might look the same on paper everywhere in the world, the reality of delivering it can be very different depending on where you stand.

We often highlight the struggles that are faced in the grassroots of the sport. However, the struggles that many of us face would be welcomed as blessings from other perspectives.

Built on Passion, Not Resources

Spikers RFC continues to compete in local leagues, entering both 15s and 7s competitions. They train. They prepare. They show up.

But they do so without the financial safety net that many clubs take for granted.

“Our club is built on passion rather than resources. What we may lack in funding, we make up for in commitment.”

This is a familiar story across Clubland and even more of a reason for clubs across the world to take notice. We are not so different from each other.

Volunteers stretching budgets. Coaches doubling as administrators. Players sharing kit. Communities rallying around borrowed fields and improvised facilities.

The difference is that the things most clubs take for granted are cherished by clubs like Spikers RFC. Grassy pitches, matching kits, a changing room, and quality training equipment among many other things are minimum expectations for most clubs.

Even transportation creates a barrier for the young men from Spikers RFC. Transport to away fixtures can determine whether the team gets to compete at all. League fees and operational costs weigh heavily. Training equipment is limited. Many players lack proper kits and protective gear.

Player welfare is an ongoing concern for the club. Access to basic first aid, hydration, and nutrition support is minimal.

Yet Strikers RFC persist and push forward despite challenges that would cause others to fold.

Because the mission matters. The community builds people up. Rugby matters.

More Than Matches

Spikers RFC aren’t simply raising funds to win more games. They are raising funds to create and sustain opportunities for current as well as future players.

Their current fundraising efforts aim to provide new playing kits, medical supplies, improved coaching resources, and the logistical support needed to participate in tournaments throughout the season. This includes travel, food, and accommodation expenses.

These are not the glamorous line items of grassroots rugby. The receipts that rarely make highlight reels.

However, without them there is no rugby.

“Supporting Spikers means helping young people build a better future through rugby.”

That’s not hyperbole. It’s reality.

For many of the players, rugby offers discipline, structure, belonging, and exposure to environments beyond their immediate circumstances. It builds resilience. It builds community. It builds confidence.

It builds futures.

The Universal Language of Rugby

Here at Bottom of the Ruck, we often talk about the invisible scaffolding that holds grassroots rugby together. The volunteers, coaches, maintenance staff, and people that perform many other tasks so that others may play.

Spikers RFC reminds us that this scaffolding exists everywhere from Cornwall to Hamilton to Kenya to Iowa.

The accents may change. The weather certainly does. The passion and heartbeat remains the same.

Young players turning up for the love of the game. Coaches investing time they don’t have. Clubs fight to survive not because it is easy, but because it is worth it.

Spikers RFC is asking for support to remain active and growing. To ensure that players can travel safely to matches, train with proper equipment, and have access to basic medical care. All they wish is to step onto the pitch properly prepared.

Because when grassroots rugby works, it does something powerful.

It gives young people a place to belong.

A Call to Clubland

As with every fundraising effort we highlight here at Bottom of the Ruck, the message to Clubland remains the same. Rugby’s greatest strength has never been money. It’s our community.

Across continents, across time zones, across different languages and leagues. We are connected by the same oval ball.

Spikers RFC may be based in Kenya, but their fight is not foreign to any of us. Transport costs. Kit expenses. Medical supplies. Operational fees. These are pressures clubs everywhere understand.

With thousands upon thousands of clubs around the world and millions of players we have strength in numbers. When one club is in need, it’s not their burden alone. It’s a call to the wider rugby family.

A small donation, repeated dozens or hundreds of times across this global community, can create real, tangible impact. No single club needs to carry the weight. Together we can move mountains.

Today it’s Spikers RFC asking for support so their young players can stay on the field and build a better future through rugby.

Tomorrow, it could be any of us.

How You Can Help

If you’re in a position to help, even in the smallest way, this is one of those moments. Let’s show them what the global rugby community looks like when it rallies together.

Spikers RFC are holding an ongoing Go Fund Me campaign to help raise much needed funds to support their club and players.

Anyone wishing to reach out to the club directly, here is how you can reach the club:

Contact Email

Facebook

Bottom of the Ruck is also putting a call out to rugby kit and equipment vendors who may be in a position to help. Spikers RFC is in need of playing kits, training gear, protective equipment, and basic medical supplies. If your company is willing to donate goods or partner in support of this effort, BOTR is open to providing promotional features, sponsored content, and advertising space across our platform in return. This is an opportunity not just to support a deserving grassroots club in Kenya, but to visibly stand behind the global rugby community in a meaningful way.

We have also added a Spikers RFC logo t-shirt to our Bottom of the Ruck shop. All profits from the sale of the shirts are being donated directly to the club. Buy a shirt, wear it with pride, and show your support.

Saving the Stand

BOTR 2026-02-10 Tales from Clubland Bottom of the Ruck, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, Penryn RFC, rugby

saving the stand

PENRYN rfc’s battle against time and mother nature

There are plenty of battles in grassroots rugby. Tough opponents. Tight budgets. Mud. Frigid weather. While the battles on the pitch create legendary tales, the toughest battles are the ones that take place quietly behind the scene. One of the most dangerous to a club is dealing with aging facilities. The slow, relentless wear of time and weather that threaten the structures that hold a club together.

At Penryn Rugby Football Club, that battle has become very real.

Founded in 1872, Penryn RFC proudly holds the title of Cornwall’s first rugby club. Known affectionately as “The Borough”, a nod to Penryn’s ancient town charter dating back to 1236, the club has been a cornerstone of its community for over 150 years. Today, that history isn’t just something found in old photographs or dusty trophy cabinets. It lives on through packed match days, a bustling youth section, and a volunteer base that refuses to let the club fade quietly.

But history alone doesn’t keep roofs standing.

Penryn’s current crowdfunding campaign, SOS – Save Our Stand, has a simple but urgent goal to protect and refurbish the club’s covered stand. In Cornwall, where sideways rain and coastal winds are more rule than exception, that stand is more than a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

On match days, Penryn RFC regularly welcomes between 500 and 1,000 supporters. For older fans and those with mobility challenges the covered stand is the only comfortable way to watch the game, soak up the atmosphere, and stay connected to the club they love.

Unfortunately, years of Cornish weather has taken a toll on the facility. Volunteers have already rolled up their sleeves and begun the work, but goodwill alone doesn’t buy steel purlins, scaffolding, rust sealant, or paint.

The club has set a £5,000 target. With just under a month to go, they’re sitting around the 20% mark. Progress has been made, but there is still plenty of room to cover. No pun intended.

Penryn RFC is a textbook example of what “One Club” really means. They type of club that provides rugby for players and supporters of all ages. The club fields teams across every age grade, including boys, girls, men’s, and women’s sides. More than 200 youth players pass through the gates each week, alongside over 100 senior players.

It doesn’t stop there.

The Borough is a genuine community hub. Local groups use the facilities regularly, youth match days can see 400 people cycling through the clubhouse, and the ground serves as a shared space well beyond rugby itself. Maintaining that space by making it accessible, safe, and welcoming is central to Penryn RFC’s long term vision.

That’s why this campaign goes beyond just saving a stand.

Once the stand is secured and safe for the future, The club plans to turn attention to other long overdue upgrades around their facility. The club hopes to refurbish their toilets, changing rooms, and the clubhouse to make it more welcoming. These aren’t cosmetic vanity projects. They’re vital to the future of the club.

Grassroots clubs everywhere face the same challenge. It’s not enough to simply keep the doors open. Facilities must evolve to support modern participation, inclusive, and safeguarding expectations. These tasks are increasingly challenging for clubs being run almost entirely by volunteers.

Penryn’s vision is to be a leading amateur club in Cornwall, built around “The Borough Way,” where everyone is welcome and supported. That includes making facilities accessible for people with physical and learning disabilities and ensuring the club remains a place families want to spend their weekends.

Like so many grassroots clubs, Penryn RFC is run and maintained by a small army of dedicated volunteers. They donate their time, energy, and skills not because it’s easy, but because the club matters.

This Crowdfunder is about backing those people as much as it is funding club improvements. Volunteers keep clubs held together with paper clips, smoke, and mirrors. Rarely are they given the support and funding needed, but somehow they still make things happen.

How Can You Help?

Penryn RFC has laid out four simple ways to get involved:

Donate to their Crowdfunding Campaign if you can
Share the campaign to widen its reach
Contribute rewards as a local business
Run your own fundraiser in support of the cause.

It’s a familiar story heard around Clubland. A historic club. Weathered buildings. Volunteers doing everything they can. What often makes the difference is whether the wider rugby family steps in to help carry the load.

Saving the stand at Penryn RFC isn’t just about steel and scaffolding. It’s about protecting access, preserving history, and ensuring that future generations can gather under cover, cheer their teams on, and feel part of something bigger.

That’s a cause worth backing.

As with other fundraising efforts highlighted on Bottom of the Ruck, the message is the same for those out in Clubland. The strength in rugby is its community. There is nothing like it. I know for a fact that there are a lot of generous and loving members of that community out there.

With thousands upon thousands of clubs across the world, we have strength in numbers. A club in need is a call to all of us in Clubland. Even the smallest donation, replicated hundreds of times, can make a massive difference. We have the ability to lift each other up without impacting any single, one club’s budget negatively.

I challenge Clubland to step up whenever the opportunity arises. This time Penryn RFC is in need of help, the next time it could be your own club. Pay it forward. Even if it comes in small increments.

Selkirk U14s Bound for United World Games

BOTR 2026-02-04 Tales from Clubland Bottom of the Ruck, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, rugby, Tales from Clubland, United World Games, Youth Rugby

Selkirk U14s Bound for United World games

A Borders dream headed for austria

There are lots of moments in grassroots rugby that create memories that last a lifetime. These memories are bigger than a single result, season, or any one individual. These moments remind us why community clubs exist, why volunteers give countless hours, and why young players pull on a jersey week after week with pride.

For Selkirk Rugby Football Club’s U14 squad, one of those moments has arrived.

The Selkirk U14s have been invited to represent the East of Scotland and the Scottish Borders at the United World Games in Austria. Taking place this coming June, the United World Games are an international multi-sport event that brings together youth teams from across the globe. The event covers eleven different sports with teams coming from 30 different nations.

It is an extraordinary opportunity for a group of young players, many of whom are still in the early stages of their rugby journey, to step onto an international stage wearing Selkirk colours.

For the players, the meaning is simple and profound.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Kieran Westlake, Selkirk U14 Head Coach and Tour Organiser. “It recognises the hard work, commitment, and discipline they’ve shown throughout the season and gives them a rare chance to test themselves against teams from different countries and cultures.”

Formed in 1907 Selkirk RFC sits at the heart of the Borders, a region steeped in rugby history and identity. Generations of players have pulled on the Selkirk jersey, and the town’s relationship with the game runs deep. This invitation is a chance to showcase this talented group of young athletes, but also show off the strength of grassroots rugby in the Borders. It also highlights the massively positive role clubs play in developing young people both on and off the pitch.

“Wearing the Selkirk kit in Austria means representing our communities, families, coaches, and volunteers who support us week in, week out,” Westlake added. “It’s about pride, responsibility, and inspiring the next generation of players from the East of Scotland and the Borders to aim high and believe that opportunities like this are possible.”

An Invitation That Sparked a Dream

Unlike traditional qualification pathways, the journey to Austria began with a simple but powerful moment: an email.

The squad received an invitation from Richard De Jager of RAM Rugby, who also serves as Rugby Director for the United World Games. Based on that invitation, Selkirk’s U14 squad was confirmed and selected to represent the region at the tournament.

When the news broke, the reaction was immediate.

“When the boys found out, it was a real mix of excitement, pride, and disbelief,” said Westlake. “For many of them it will be their first opportunity to travel abroad and compete in an international tournament, which makes it even more special.”

Families shared that emotion. Parents and carers expressed pride in seeing the players rewarded for their commitment and enthusiasm.

“The response from families has been incredible,” Westlake said. “They’re delighted to see the boys rewarded for their hard work and are fully behind the squad as they prepare to represent both the club and the East of Scotland and Borders in Austria.”

More Than Just Matches

Ask the squad what they are most looking forward to, and you quickly realise this trip goes far beyond rugby.

On the pitch, the appeal is obvious. For the United World Games, the Selkirk U14s will be playing 4-6 games at the event. They’ll also enjoy learning from specialist coaches from South Africa and Europe. The trip also gives the side an opportunity to see and test themselves against players that come from different countries.

Off the pitch, the excitement might be even greater. The tour is the quintessential rugby experience. You’re on the road, experiencing new cultures, playing rugby, and doing it with your friends.

“Travelling abroad together, experiencing a new country and culture, and creating memories as a team is massive for them,” Westlake explained. “Some of the boys don’t even have passports yet, and for a number of them this will be their first time travelling outside of the Scottish Borders, which makes the experience even more special.”

Those experiences shape young people in lasting ways.

“We hope to bring back more than just rugby experience,” Westlake said. “The aim is to return with greater confidence, stronger bonds, and a renewed sense of pride in representing the club and the Borders. Those lessons will be passed on to younger players within the club, helping to strengthen Selkirk Rugby and inspire the next generation both on and off the pitch.”

The Financial Reality

As with most grassroots success stories, there is a practical challenge sitting underneath the excitement. Touring is not cheap. The total cost of the tour is £26,000, covering travel, accommodation, kit, and essential logistics. For a youth squad, that figure is significant.

Rather than allowing that number to become a barrier, the Selkirk community has gone to work.

“We’ve already made a strong start towards our £26,000 target through a wide range of community led fundraising activities,” said Westlake. “These have included local events, bag-packing days, online fundraising through GoFundMe, and generous donations from local businesses, organisations, and individuals.”

Beyond direct fundraising, they’ve also received something equally powerful: encouragement.

“We’ve been hugely encouraged by the support shown online, with a number of well known sportspeople and celebrities sending video messages of encouragement,” Westlake said. “We’ve been sharing those on our social media platforms and they’ve been a real boost for the players while also helping raise awareness of what we’re trying to achieve.”

Next up on the fundraising calendar are a race night, a farmers’ market stall, a car boot sale, and other community led events.

“We’ll continue to post and share the video messages of support as they come in,” Westlake added. “They really motivate the boys and help maintain momentum around the campaign.”

Still, a gap remains.

“And at this stage, the kind of support that would make the biggest difference is wider exposure and financial backing,” Westlake said. “We would love to secure national media coverage to help raise awareness, alongside continued support from businesses, sponsors, and community organisations. Every donation, no matter the size, helps move us closer to our goal and ensures that no player misses out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

A Boost from Rugby’s Biggest Names

The squad has received messages of support from a who’s who of Scottish Rugby greats including Greig Laidlaw, Gavin Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and other well known rugby and non-rugby personalities. The messages of support have left a lasting impression.

“For the boys, many of whom have grown up watching and admiring these figures, it’s been incredibly special,” said Westlake. “It’s a huge confidence boost and a moment they will never forget. Knowing that people who have represented Scottish rugby at the highest level are taking the time to encourage them makes the opportunity feel even more real and meaningful.”

The impact goes beyond morale.

“The messages have lifted spirits, strengthened belief, and reinforced the idea that hard work and commitment can open doors to amazing opportunities,” Westlake said. “They’ve brought the team even closer together and continue to motivate the boys in both their rugby and their fundraising.”

A Call to Clubland

To local supporters, businesses, and former Selkirk players who may be considering helping, the message from the squad is heartfelt and direct.

“By donating, you’re not just helping fund a rugby tour, you’re investing in young people, in the future of Selkirk Rugby Club, and in the wider Borders rugby community,” said Westlake. “This opportunity gives the players a chance to represent their town and region on an international stage, build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, and create memories that will stay with them for life.”

“For local businesses and former Selkirk players in particular, this is a chance to give something back to a club and community that has given so much to so many,” he added. “Your support helps remove financial barriers and ensures every player can take part, regardless of background. With your help, we can make this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible and inspire the next generation to continue the proud Selkirk rugby tradition.”

These types of opportunities don’t come often. As with other fundraising efforts highlighted on Bottom of the Ruck, the message is the same for those out in Clubland. The strength in rugby is its community. There is nothing like it. I know for a fact that there are a lot of generous and loving members of that community out there.

I challenge Clubland to step up whenever the opportunity arises. This time Selkirk RFC lights the beacon, the next time it could be your own club. Pay it forward. Even if it comes in small increments.

To donate to the Selkirk U14s tour, you can follow this link to go to their Go Fund Me which is already close to reaching its goal.

Walkerburn RFC Shutting Doors

BOTR 2026-01-31 Tales from Clubland Borders Rugby, Bottom of the Ruck, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, rugby, Scottish Rugby, Tales from Clubland, Walkerburn RFC

Walkerburn RFC shutting doors

the fragile reality of village rugby

There are some announcements in rugby that hit harder than a final score ever could. Not stories of relegation, key members lost before their time, or financial struggles.

The loss of a club, especially one steeped in history, sends ripples throughout clubland.

This morning, Walkerburn Rugby Football Club announced that it will cease operations following its final Walkerburn 7s tournament on May 30th, 2026. Located in the Scottish Borders, the club was founded in 1884. That is more than 140 years of history. A place that has carried generations of stories, muddy boots, shared laughter, and pride.

It is the kind of post no one ever wants to read or write about. Here at Bottom of the Ruck we try to maintain a positive view and promote feel good stories, but we also cannot put our head in the sand. At times we need to show the stark realities of grassroots rugby.

Sadly, this is a story that feels increasingly familiar. Walkerburn RFC are not alone as others have suffered the same fate and unfortunately they won’t be the last. The changing landscape of the world, recreational pursuits, and culture presents challenges that we all face in clubland.

A Club That Did Everything It Could

Walkerburn’s committee did not arrive at this decision lightly. They were close to shutting doors just a couple of years ago and rallied support to keep the club going.

In their announcement, they wrote:

“It is with real sadness and heavy hearts that we announce Walkerburn Rugby Football Club will cease operations following our final Walkerburn 7s tournament on May 30th 2026.”

They went on to explain the realities behind that decision:

“After months of exhaustive efforts to find a sustainable path forward, the reality we face is stark. A chronic shortage of available players has made it almost impossible to replenish squad numbers and field a team. Off the field, the financial burden of essential maintenance and upkeep has become insurmountable.”

They also made something else very clear:

“This announcement isn’t to assign blame; it is a confirmation of the situation.”

Walkerburn’s committee tried to reignite the flame. I remember it well as I followed the story closely. Their centenary 7s tournament was followed by a renewed push to grow and engage surrounding clubs.

As they shared:

“Two years ago, we held our centenary 7s tournament, which we believed at the time became the spark that re-lit the WRFC flame, and we saw real interest from other clubs around us to help keep us in the rugby community.”

There was hope, albeit short lived. The realities of their situation were overwhelming. Maintaining the club year round was not feasible without being able to put out a side consistently.

This is not a failure of effort by anyone at Walkerburn RFC. It is a collision with the sad reality of community sport.

The Brutal Truth of Small Town Rugby

Small towns and villages produce some of the most authentic rugby cultures on earth. They also operate with the thinnest margins that can be disrupted with the slightest shift. Youth move away to go to university and don’t return, jobs disappear and adults leave to find other opportunities. I grew up in this kind of town and that is evident when I return to visit. It is a shell of what it was decades ago.

Population decline creates a smaller player pool and limits the number of available volunteers. There are less commercial sponsorship opportunities which leads to infrastructure issues as facilities cannot be maintained.

The cracks are often not seen until it is too late. Then it is glaringly obvious. Playing numbers begin to dwindle, fixtures forfeited, and club activities wane which produces even more financial stress. It becomes a spiral that is difficult to escape.

When participation dips even slightly, the effects are immediate. Even 5-6 years later, many clubs are just now recovering from the impact of the global pandemic.

Walkerburn chose transparency in their announcement which should be applauded. They chose honesty and a final celebration rather than a silent disappearance.

That matters.

I’ve Been Watching This One Closely

I have followed Walkerburn’s situation for the past couple of years. Their announcement a couple of years ago hit me harder than I can explain or fully understand. I have no ties to Walkerburn RFC. None whatsoever. I’ve never stepped foot on their pitch or sank a pint at their club.

Although I would have loved to just as I cherish every opportunity to visit a new club.

After hearing of their plight, I spent the next few sleepless nights thinking about them. I couldn’t shake it from my mind. Perhaps the story hit close to home. At the time, my club was still struggling to recover from the ill effects of the pandemic. The future was uncertain and my resiliency was wearing thin.

I thought about all of the time, effort, and love that went into my own club. Then I thought about the magnitude of 140 years of that same effort and love. All of the people that pulled on the Walkerburn jersey. The people who cared deeply, volunteered countless hours and those who wanted, desperately, to find another answer.

Even though I had little to offer, I reached out to Walkerburn RFC. I offered to do anything that one could, from a long distance, to help their cause. Which, honestly, isn’t a whole lot. At this stage they were already in motion to rebuild and found renewed support from their community.

I continued to follow their story hoping for a happy ending that I knew, deep down, was statistically unlikely given their obstacles.

The Courage to Say Goodbye Properly

Walkerburn’s committee is rightly heartbroken having given their all trying to save the club.

They clearly stated:

“Speaking on behalf of the current committee, we are utterly heartbroken. Every single one of us has poured our hearts into saving this club. To be the committee that must close the doors feels like a failure, even though we know, rationally, that we have done everything humanly possible.”

They also refuse to let the club fade away quietly which is admirable. Aiming to give the club and the Walkerburn 7s a proper send off.

Their final tournament is not framed as an ending, but as a celebration:

“Our final Walkerburn 7s tournament in 2026 will be a celebration of everything WRFC has represented.”

A celebration. A thank you. A goodbye with intention.

There is dignity and love in that.

A Question We All Have to Sit With

If a club founded in 1884 can disappear… What does safety actually look like for any of us?

That question isn’t meant to cause fear. It’s meant to inspire awareness. Don’t take anything for granted. Complacency is a dangerous bed mate in clubland. Safety could be fleeting if the proper steps aren’t taken to guarantee sustainability.

It would be easy to frame this as a local tragedy, but it isn’t. This could happen anywhere across the rugby world. The loss of any club, whether they’re two years old or 140 years old is a tragedy for the grassroots.

Clubs in urban, well populated, areas struggle. Rural clubs struggle even more.

Distance. Population density. Economic pressure. Competition from other nearby clubs. Changing lifestyles are all part of the equation.

All of it challenges the model that rugby has relied on since clubs were born: volunteer run, community anchored clubs supported by passion. Pinpointing collapse isn’t always so obvious and in many cases it isn’t avoidable despite heroic efforts.

Passion still exists, but it cannot absorb unlimited stress.

Recruiting and Retention matters
Youth pathways matter
Facilities matter
Financial planning matters
Volunteer support matters

And in some cases all of these points are mute as even the best laid plans can go awry. It is a cruel reality.

Choose Rugby

At Bottom of the Ruck, we talk a lot about choosing rugby.

This is what that really means:

Showing up. Bringing a friend. Helping coach. Buying a beer (if you’re old enough). Sharing a post on social media. Donating when you can. Volunteering an hour.

Small actions. Repeated. Over time.

That is how clubs survive.

Not through miracles.

Through community.

To Walkerburn RFC

Walkerburn RFC closed their statement with words that deserve to be echoed far beyond the Borders:

“To rugby: thank you. To our club: Our legacy will endure long after the final whistle.”

Clubland thanks Walkerburn RFC for 140+ years of rugby. Thank you for the players that you produced, the matches you hosted, and the memories you created.

Your legacy does not vanish because your gates close.

It lives in every person who ever pulled on your jersey.

It lives in every opponent who you played against.

It lives in the stories that will continue to be told.

Rest well, Walkerburn RFC.

And to every small-town club reading this:

You matter more than you probably realize.

My offer stands to all clubs out there struggling. I’m not a magician or brilliant strategist, but I’ve been through most of the highs and lows that come from sitting in the trenches of grassroots rugby. I’m always happy to talk, lend guidance, serve as a sounding board or help in whatever way that I can. Because grassroots rugby matters.

You can contact me here.

Why We Play the Game

BOTR 2026-01-16 Tales from Clubland Bottom of the Ruck, Briton Ferry RFC, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, rugby, Rupert McCall, Tales from Clubland, Wales Rugby

why we play the game

a poem by Rupert Mccall

Adapted and Recited by Briton Ferry RFC

It was a busy week for me, so I didn’t get much time to sit down and write. So, I thought that I’d try something a little different and post a video.

Below is an adaptation of the Rupert McCall poem “Why We Play the Game” recited by Briton Ferry RFC. The poem is a beautifully powerful love letter to grassroots rugby. This video came out in 2014 and hits me in the feels every time that I watch it. Every. Single. Time.

The grassroots are filled with real people that tell real stories and carry the culture of rugby to new generations. That is Clubland. Rugby is built on the grassroots, a solid foundation built by people purely for the love of the sport. While professional teams (not clubs) struggle to maintain footing with budgets that aren’t sustainable, we stand strong in the grassroots. We have our struggles and challenges that has shaped a collective resilience. We are strengthened by our trials and tribulations.

The poem adaptation was released as part of Briton Ferry’s 125th Anniversary. A community rugby club located in South Wales, Briton Ferry RFC offers rugby for all ages in a friendly, family-focused environment.

If you haven’t seen this before, enjoy! If you’ve seen it before, watch it again and remember Why We Play the Game.

Book Review: Ballinasloe RFC 150 Years of Rugby

BOTR 2025-12-18 Tales from Clubland Ballinasloe RFC, Book Review, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, rugby, Tales from Clubland

book review

Ballinasloe RFC: 150 Years of Rugby

I am a self-proclaimed rugby romantic. No shame in that declaration. I wear it proudly. The sport has played a massive role in shaping who I am, how I think, and how I view community. Rugby has a way of sneaking into your life, staying longer than you expect, and quietly influencing the person you become along the way.

The bibliophile in me—yes, that is a real word—salivates at the opportunity to add to my ever-growing collection of rugby books. Sitting high atop that collection are club history books. There is something uniquely powerful about them. Honoring and paying respect to the past is an essential part of growth, whether we’re talking about individuals, clubs, or entire rugby communities.

That said, maintaining and documenting club history is not for the faint of heart. It is a true labor of love—or, depending on the circumstances, a form of self-inflicted abuse. Anyone who has ever attempted to gather old match reports, faded photographs, or half-remembered stories from former players knows the feeling. At times, it feels less like research and more like an archaeological dig, complete with missing artifacts and contradictory oral histories.

I know this struggle all too well.

A few years ago, when my own club approached its 10th anniversary, I naively decided to start writing a club history book. Ten years of history—how hard could it be? The answer, of course, was very. I was in well over my head. What began as an exciting passion project quickly became a reminder of how fragile memory can be and how much effort it takes to properly preserve it. That project has since been tabled for a future 20th anniversary edition.

Now, imagine doing that for a club with 150 years of history.

That perspective alone sets the stage for what makes Ballinasloe RFC: 150 Years of Rugby such an impressive achievement.

When I eagerly unwrapped Ballinasloe Rugby Football Club’s 150th Anniversary book, I couldn’t have been more pleased. I don’t need to have a personal connection to a club to enjoy its story—good club history transcends geography and allegiance. From the outset, this book exceeded expectations. It is a hardcover (bonus points immediately), well-bound, thoughtfully laid out, and filled with photographs that bring the narrative to life. At 281 pages, it is unapologetically substantial, the kind of book that feels earned the moment you pick it up.

Author Declan Quinn spent three years researching, compiling, and shaping the club’s story into a cohesive and engaging account of Ballinasloe RFC’s past 150 years. Located roughly 45 minutes east of Galway, Ballinasloe RFC is recognized as one of the oldest rural rugby clubs in Ireland—a distinction that carries both pride and responsibility. The dedication required to see a project of this magnitude through to completion cannot be overstated.

One of the most admirable aspects of the book is Quinn’s acknowledgment of the collective effort behind it. This is not presented as a solo triumph, but as a shared endeavor. The acknowledgements section reads like a roll call of clubland itself—former players, volunteers, historians, family members, and supporters—all contributing pieces to a much larger puzzle. It’s a reminder that rugby clubs, at their core, are built by communities, not individuals.

Once inside the pages, the book unfolds chronologically, with chapters dedicated to specific eras of the club’s history. This structure works well, allowing readers to see not just the progression of Ballinasloe RFC, but also the evolution of rugby itself. As expected, accounts from the earliest years—dating back to 1875—are understandably limited. Records were sparse, members long since passed, documentation inconsistent, and memories long faded.

Still, what is available from those early years is fascinating. Match reports from the club’s first decade highlight just how different the game once was—from the style of play to the tone of reporting itself. Reading these accounts feels like peering through a small window into a distant version of the sport we know today.

As the decades progress, the narrative naturally becomes richer. Photographs become more plentiful. Names repeat across generations. Familiar clubland themes emerge—periods of growth, moments of struggle, rebuilding years, and golden eras fueled by committed volunteers and passionate players. Even without having walked the grounds at Ballinasloe, the rhythm of the story feels instantly recognizable to anyone who has spent time in grassroots rugby.

Collections, like these, are so important to maintaining the fabric of our sport. Reading the stories was a great reminder that we’re not alone. Most clubs have enjoyed success and also experienced struggles. What makes this book particularly effective is that it doesn’t try to sanitize history. It embraces the full arc of the club’s journey. Successes are celebrated, but challenges are not ignored. That honesty is what gives the story weight. It feels real. It feels earned.

Ultimately, Ballinasloe RFC: 150 Years of Rugby is more than just a commemorative book. It is a testament to the idea that clubs matter—that places where people gather around a shared love of the game deserve to have their stories preserved.

A staggering amount of time, effort, and care has gone into this project. I am proud and humbled to add it to my collection, and genuinely in awe of everyone who played a role in bringing it to life. For anyone who loves rugby not just as a sport, but as a community and a culture, this book is a reminder of why we do the work to preserve the past—so that the stories don’t disappear when the people who lived them step away.

Interested in purchasing your own copy of this masterpiece? Follow this link to purchase.

Flooded but Not Finished: Monmouth RFC’s Road Back After Storm Claudia

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Flooded but not Finished

Monmouth RFC’s Road back

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

Penarth RFC Begins Fight to Rebuild

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Penarth RFC

begins fight to rebuild after fire

In the early hours of Monday morning, disaster struck one of Wales’ oldest and proudest rugby clubs. A fire tore through Penarth RFC, home to the Penarth Athletic Club, gutting the clubhouse and leaving behind heartbreaking destruction. Decades upon decades of irreplaceable history — memorabilia, trophies, photographs, equipment — gone in hours.

For a club that has stood not just as a sporting venue but as the beating heart of a community, the losses run far deeper than material items. This was a home. A gathering place. A keeper of stories.

But if grassroots sport has taught us anything, it’s this:

Buildings can burn, but community does not.

Within hours of the fire, support began pouring in — from local residents, former members, neighboring clubs, and the wider rugby family across the UK and beyond. Because everyone who has ever belonged to a grassroots club knows this truth instinctively:

A club isn’t a clubhouse.
A club is its people.

Penarth RFC and the Penarth Athletic Club have long been more than the place to play rugby, cricket, or hockey. It’s where generations gather to belong and celebrate moments.

The fire took out the walls. It took cherished relics of history. But it didn’t — and couldn’t — take the spirit of Penarth.

The Road Ahead

The club now faces the huge task of rebuilding, restoring lost memorabilia, replacing crucial equipment, and keeping rugby, cricket, and hockey thriving in Penarth. The club has launched a crowdfunder to fuel the recovery and rebuild the club for the next generation.

Funds raised will help:

Begin essential rebuilding work
Replace equipment destroyed in the fire
Support multi-sport teams so they can continue training and competing
Keep the club running during recovery
Protect the future of a space that has served Penarth for lifetimes

It doesn’t matter whether a donation is large or small — every donation is a brick in the rebuild. And for those who cannot donate, sharing the campaign means just as much. This is what grassroots sport looks like when we are at our best: no one left to fight alone.

Support the Rebuild

➡️ Crowdfunder Link:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/fc7d003113da7701a742ddf282f3af54

At Bottom of the Ruck, we believe every grassroots club — from small town pitches to large facilities — is built on something unbreakable: people who care.

Penarth may have lost a clubhouse.
But they haven’t lost their club.

And they won’t — not if others keep showing up.

Stand with Penarth. Share the link. Donate if you can. Help them rebuild their home.

Heroes of Grassroots Rugby: Celebrating the People Who Keep the Game Alive

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Heroes of Grassroots Rugby

Celebrating the People Who Keep the Game Alive

A new Bottom of the Ruck campaign honoring the unsung heroes of grassroots rugby.

Grassroots rugby runs on passion — not paychecks. It’s built by the people who show up early, stay late, and do it all for the love of the game. They’re the ones putting in monumental efforts on and off of the pitch, reaching milestones, coaching in the rain, chalking lines on the pitch, driving kids to tournaments, cooking food, fundraising for jerseys, and keeping the lights on in clubhouses across the country.

At Bottom of the Ruck, we believe those people deserve to be celebrated. That’s why we’re proud to launch Heroes of Grassroots Rugby, a new monthly feature series dedicated to shining a light on the volunteers, players, coaches, referees, and supporters who make our sport what it is.

Why We’re Doing This

Rugby is a game with heart and at its heart are communities.

From small-town clubs to long-standing organizations held together by friendship and sweat equity, grassroots rugby is built on the backs of everyday heroes. Yet all too often, their stories go untold only known by a few.

Heroes of Grassroots Rugby was born from a simple idea: to give those people their moment. To share their stories, honor their impact, and remind the wider rugby world that while professional rugby may fill stadiums, it’s grassroots rugby that fills lives.

Every month, we’ll spotlight one individual who embodies the spirit of community rugby. It might be a veteran player still suiting up after 20 years. It could be the team administrator who keeps everything organized behind the scenes. Or the parent who started a youth program because no one else would.

Their names might not be in the papers, but their fingerprints are on every try scored and every club that keeps going year after year.

How It Works

Starting this month, Bottom of the Ruck will publish one feature story at the end of each month celebrating a Hero of Grassroots Rugby.

Nominations are open to everyone — whether you’re part of a club, a local rugby union, or just someone who wants to recognize a deserving friend.

To nominate a hero:
👉 Visit bottomoftheruck.com/heroes and complete the short nomination form.

You’ll be asked to share a few details about your nominee, including:

Their name, club, and role (coach, player, volunteer, referee, supporter, etc.)
A short explanation (150–300 words) of why they deserve to be recognized
Provide optional photos of the Hero in their element

Each month, one nominee will be selected and featured on Bottom of the Ruck’s website and social media channels.

The first Hero of Grassroots Rugby will be announced at the end of November 2025.

What Makes a Hero of Grassroots Rugby

We’re looking for the unsung legends — the people who embody rugby’s core values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect.

Heroes come in many forms:

The coach who builds confidence, not just teams.
The volunteer who shows up, every weekend, without ever asking for thanks.
The referee who keeps the game fair and fun for everyone.
The player who inspires teammates with heart, not ego.
The supporter who brings energy, laughter, and love to the sidelines.

If you know someone like that, tell us their story. Let’s show them how much they mean to their club, their community, and the game itself.

Be Part of the Movement

The Heroes of Grassroots Rugby campaign isn’t just about recognition — it’s about connection. Every story we share helps build pride across Clubland, showing the world what grassroots rugby really stands for.

We also welcome partners who want to support this initiative through sponsorships, merchandise donations (for prizes) or community collaborations.
If your organization believes in the power of grassroots sport, contact us at inthebottomoftheruck@gmail.com to learn how you can get involved.

Keeping Rugby Grassy

At Bottom of the Ruck, we’ve always said “no grassroots, no rugby”.
This campaign is a celebration of the people who prove that every week. The people who give their time, their passion, and their love for the game.

Let’s make sure their stories are told.

Nominate your Hero of Grassroots Rugby today at 👉 bottomoftheruck.com/heroes.

Every rugby club has its own traditions, characters, and stories—but at the center of it all stands the home ground. (3)

Grassroots Rugby: Where Passion and Community Collide

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grassroots rugby

Where Passion and Community collide

What Is Grassroots Rugby?

Grassroots rugby is built on passion, commitment, and community. It’s the foundation of the sport worldwide, thriving because everyday people choose to get involved. Whether you’re stepping onto the pitch, picking up a whistle, organizing a fundraiser, cheering from the sidelines, or mentoring the next generation, there’s a place for you in rugby.

Here are a few ways you can play your part in grassroots rugby and help the game grow.

Players: The Heart of the Game

Grassroots rugby clubs welcome players of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. From complete beginners to seasoned veterans, there’s always room to learn, grow, and belong.

In 2009, World Rugby defined five core values — integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect — as the sport’s foundation. While opinions may vary on some of World Rugby’s decisions (mine included), those principles remain powerful. They reflect rugby’s deeper purpose: developing people, not just players.

On the pitch, you’ll be challenged physically and mentally. But you gain teamwork, resilience, humility, leadership which extends far beyond the game. Rugby strengthens not just your body but your mind and sense of belonging.

The bond between teammates goes deeper than the final whistle. They become family, the kind that shows up when life gets hard. I can’t even begin to count the times my teammates have supported me and my family off the pitch. Family isn’t always about blood. It’s about commitment.

Coaches: Guiding the Next Generation

Behind every great team stands a coach who gives their time, energy, and heart to help players reach their potential. At the grassroots level, most coaches are volunteers balancing careers, families, and the game they love.

A good coach does far more than teach tactics. They mentor, motivate, and model what it means to be part of something bigger. Every well run session and every small victory on the field is built on hours of unseen effort.

For former players, coaching is one of the best ways to stay connected to rugby without the Monday morning soreness. Even helping once a week makes a difference. And for parents, there’s nothing more rewarding than sharing the game with your children, side by side on the field.

Referees: Keeping the Game Moving

Without referees, rugby simply doesn’t happen. They protect player safety, uphold fairness, and represent the sport’s respect driven culture. Referees don’t just enforce laws, they embody rugby’s spirit. But here’s the truth: we need more referees. The shortage at the grassroots level affects everyone. Many players don’t realize you can start refereeing while you’re still active.

Seeing the game through a referee’s eyes not only builds empathy, it makes you a better player. You gain a deeper understanding of the laws, the pressure, and the rhythm of the match. Becoming a referee is also a great way to stay fit, give back, and remain part of the rugby family long after you hang up your boots.

Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes

Rugby clubs don’t run on autopilot. They run on volunteers. These are the people lining fields, organizing tournaments, selling raffle tickets, managing social media, or cooking post-match meals. They may not make the match report, but their fingerprints are everywhere: on every event, every try scored, every young player smiling in a new jersey.

When your playing days are done, stay involved. The most rewarding part of volunteering isn’t the recognition, it’s knowing that you’ve helped others fall in love with rugby the same way you did.

Every well cut pitch, balanced budget, and cleaned clubhouse represents someone who cares deeply. It’s a thankless job done purely out of love. And that love is what keeps grassroots rugby alive.

Why Grassroots Rugby Matters

Grassroots rugby is more than sport, it’s about belonging, connection, and character. It teaches teamwork, resilience, and trust. Involement creates lifelong friendships and gives people a place to call home.

In many ways, rugby mirrors life: you get knocked down, you get back up, and you rely on those around you to move forward together. Every person who contributes, whether through playing, coaching, refereeing, or volunteering helps strengthen the game’s foundation. They are the reason rugby remains the most community driven sport in the world.

Rugby has shaped my life in ways I never expected. It has taken me around the world, introduced me to incredible people, and given me a sense of purpose that goes far beyond the pitch. The best version of myself exists because of rugby. The sport continues to challenge me, grounds me, and inspires me to give back more than I thought possible.

At Bottom of the Ruck, we believe that rugby’s true heartbeat isn’t found under stadium lights. It’s in muddy boots, early mornings, and shared laughs after long days. The people who make grassroots rugby happen are shaping something bigger than sport. They’re building community, one tackle, one try, and one volunteer shift at a time.

Get involved. Join your local club. Be part of something bigger than yourself.

Have a Grassroots Hero that deserves recognition? Nominate them for a feature by contacting us.

About Bottom of the Ruck
Bottom of the Ruck celebrates the heart of grassroots rugby — the players, coaches, referees, and volunteers who make the game possible. Through stories, interviews, and campaigns like #KeepRugbyGrassy, we give a voice to the people and clubs that keep rugby authentic, inclusive, and community-driven.

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