Question of the Week – October 13, 2025

Bottom of the Ruck Question of the Week

What’s your favorite rugby volunteer role — and why?

Celebrating the heartbeat of grassroots rugby: the volunteers who make it all happen.

This week, we wanted to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the unsung heroes of grassroots rugby — the volunteers. They’re the first ones to arrive, the last to leave, and the ones quietly making sure everything in between actually happens.

From marking pitches and running socials to organizing schedules, posting updates, flipping burgers, and keeping the books, volunteers are the backbone of every club. Without them, there’s no rugby.

We had a fantastic response to this week’s question on social media, so we decided to expand it into a Tales from Clubland feature. The answers we received were heartfelt and inspiring — exactly what grassroots rugby is all about.

Before we share them, we want to take a moment to say this clearly: from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Every single person out there giving time, energy, and love to their club is helping keep the spirit of rugby alive and growing. You are the pulse of Clubland.

Here are this week’s responses:

🏉 East Dorset Dockers RFC (@eastdorsetdockers) fittingly picked social media admin as their favorite volunteer role. A perfect choice — those behind the club accounts keep everyone informed, connected, and engaged.

🏉 Shreveport RFC (@shreveportrugbyfootballclub) said,

There’s nothing more immediately satisfying than seeing crisply painted lines on the field when the grounds crew finishes.

We couldn’t agree more. There’s something almost sacred about a freshly mowed and painted pitch — a clean canvas before the first whistle. (If you looked through my camera roll, you’d see hundreds of those photos.)

🏉 @justamachuno added,

Maybe not an actual volunteer role, but anything that supports my club’s operation and uplifts my players.

That’s the spirit. Whether you’re coaching, sponsoring, cheering, or just lending a hand — you’re part of the volunteer family.

🏉 @get_fit_with_jared said,

Aside from being the social media guy for my team? My absolute favorite is doing events that help the team recruit or fundraise.

Yes! Getting your club out into the community builds awareness, recruits players, and opens doors. Expect to see a lot more on that topic here at Bottom of the Ruck.

🏉 @james_booth_photography summed it up simply and perfectly:

Anything, if it means the game is on.

That’s it. That’s grassroots rugby. Whatever it takes to make sure the whistle blows on Saturday — that’s the heart of it all.

Also, big shout out to James (and club photographers everywhere) for capturing the game in all its raw, muddy, glorious beauty. Give him a follow if you love seeing rugby through a true grassroots lens.

🏉 @emma.hardy gave a delicious nod to the culinary heroes among us:

Making taco meat for socials.

The club chefs and grill masters rarely see the match because they’re behind the grill or stove making sure everyone else is fed and smiling. Personally, my dream job is touring rugby clubs just to sample all the post-match food!

🏉 The Albany Bootleggers (@albanybootleggers) echoed that vibe with:

Grill master at the drink-up to make sure everyone is fed — and the butler of beer to make sure everyone’s cups are full.

What’s a rugby social without great food, flowing drinks, and laughter among friends? Nailed it, Bootleggers.

🏉 @realrugbywivesofjoco wrapped it up with:

Selling merch.

It might seem small, but that merch tent or clubhouse store is a vital part of club life. It’s where pride becomes visible — shirts, hats, scarves, all sold by someone willing to give their Saturday to help the club grow.

Final Thoughts

To everyone who commented, shared, and celebrated volunteers with us — thank you.

And to the countless people across Clubland who make the magic happen every weekend: the pitch painters, cooks, medics, referees, administrators, match secretaries, kit washers, and everyone else who gives their time — we see you, we appreciate you, and rugby doesn’t happen without you.

Here’s to the volunteers — the foundation, the lifeblood, and the heart of grassroots rugby.