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Welcome to the Pork Side

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Welcome to the Pork side

Rugby and Ridiculousness with a Greater Purpose

 

Welcome to the Pork Side: Rugby and Ridiculousness with a Greater Purpose

The pub is central to many rugby stories. It has served for generations as an incubator for ideas, planning sessions, board meetings, and the like. Perhaps it is the communal nature of the pub that sets the tone for collaboration and ideas. 

Or it just might be the pints that get the creative juices flowing. 

Like many other great rugby ideas, Jurassic Pork began in a pub. It was during a pub session that Jacob Holt, Slade Collins, and Ed Martin came up with the idea. 

Yes, they are called Jurassic Pork. Great name, right? 

When I first stumbled upon them on social media, earlier this year, the name immediately drew my attention. Then I saw their logo and knew that they were onto something. That was backed up with a fantastic purpose delivered with a tongue in cheek style that is often missing in the rugby world.  

The plan started out modestly, but rapidly turned into something much, much more. One of the core themes of rugby is the draw to be part of something bigger. Jurassic Pork started out as a plan for a social 7s side and evolved into a movement that led to hosting a festival.

All while raising awareness and funds for the renowned rugby mental health charity Looseheadz.

“The team came about when the two other founders had a falling out at a previous team,” Jurassic Pork co-founder Jacob Holt explained. “Then us three hombrés were at the pub in the dead of winter and after some venting, the suggestion ‘why don’t you start your own team?’ was heard.”

Ed Martin came up with the name Jurassic Pork and that was that.

“We initially thought we’d just go and booze across the south coast,” Holt said. “Evolving into what we are wasn’t ever in the question.”

Those wild road trips, tales of squads beating the odds, or clubs that seemingly come out of nowhere. Some of the best rugby stories happen because there wasn’t a plan or expectations. It just happens organically. 

Jurassic Pork began life as a social 7s side with an identity that was difficult to miss. 

How can you not take a pause when you come across a logo designed with a dinosaur/pig hybrid? That says a lot about the people behind the curtain. They started the side to play rugby, have a laugh and certainly not take themselves too seriously.

The group started with plans to enter a bunch of events over the course of the summer. As momentum grew Jurassic Pork’s founders decided there was an opportunity to attach something more meaningful to what they were building.

Looseheadz became a natural partner. Not unlike Jurassic Pork, Looseheadz was an idea born at a rugby club bar. They are Rugby’s mental health charity using the power of the sport to start conversations, tackle the stigma, and ultimately save lives.

“As we started to grow, we decided we’d add a string to our bow and a perspective to everything we do,” Holt said. “Rugby is a very hard-nosed, tough-guy sport. Especially with our players being based in the particularly stoic South West. It’s okay to express yourself. It’s okay to be yourself. It’s okay to open up about how you are.”

That message has become central to Jurassic Pork’s identity, alongside plenty of fun.

Don’t let the light hearted approach fool you. They may lull you into taking them lightly after seeing their slightly unconventional warm ups. Then the squad locks in and plays some seriously good rugby. The kind of rugby made for 7s with plenty of risk, flair, and showmanship. 

Holt admits it took some time for people to figure them out.

“We generally don’t take ourselves too seriously. Then we flick the switch and produce some quite brilliant rugby.”

They didn’t have any expectation of winning trophies, but it happened. Even against some stiff competition they beat the odds. 

What happens after the final whistle says even more about the Pork. After matches, the squad makes a point of bringing both teams together for a mixed photo underneath the posts. 

That culture, combined with their fundraising efforts and distinctive personality, has helped Jurassic Pork build a bit of a following.

“We like to think of ourselves as the Fiji Rugby Team,” Holt joked. “We might not win the World Cup, but we are everyone’s second favourite team!”

Then came PorkFest. What began as an idea for a Barbarians style match at Puddletown RFC grew into something much larger with rugby, live music, vendors and fundraising all coming together. 

Rugby people love biting off more they can chew. There is something in our DNA that keeps us pushing. 

“PorkFest was absolute stress,” Holt said. “It’s quite expensive and, as three founders, we found ourselves dipping into our own pockets to get it over the line.”

One of the great parts about the rugby community is that it has a way of stepping up for great causes. Bands donated their time, vendors contributed portions of their profits and James Newsam Construction, the Wheel Centre and Switched On Electrical sponsored the event.

More than 500 people turned up for PorkFest coming from the local area and beyond. Some came for the rugby and others for the music and festivities. A total of 97 players, men and women, played rugby at PorkFest with 37 different clubs represented. 

Along with the rugby, they had four live bands, two DJ’s, and sixteen musicians to keep the crowd entertained. They even had their own Porkin’ Hell beer produced by Hamhaugh Hops!

The most important piece remained, which is sharing the Looseheadz mission.

“It was an honour to introduce Looseheadz to this part of the world,” Holt said.

For something that started with three friends and some pints, Jurassic Pork suddenly looked like something far greater than a summer 7s side. 

With a season and major event production behind them, what is next for Jurassic Pork?

What started out as plans to play some rugby and have some fun is evolving. The objective is to become a recognizable part of the rugby landscape. The type of group people want to represent whether they are looking for social rugby or a serious test against quality opposition. 

Most importantly, Holt wants Jurassic Pork to remain somewhere people feel welcomed and valued regardless of their ability. This core theme that is at the heart of rugby, but often gets shoved aside when competition takes over. 

“We don’t care if you’re absolutely mustard,” he said. “We don’t mind if the only thing you’ve ever caught is a cold.”

That quote might be the best representation of Jurassic Pork yet. We say it a lot at Bottom of the Ruck. We come for the rugby, but we stay for the people. Jurassic Pork is doing it right. They are having some fun playing the sport while raising money for an incredible cause.

The fun part about dreams is that they don’t need to have limitations. 

“Jurassic Pork could become anything,” Holt said. “The sky’s the limit.”

With the summer at a close and players returning to their respective clubs for XVs season, the growth mindset hasn’t changed. They’re still out there raising money for Looseheadz with Pork Quiz nights being held at rugby clubs, recruiting players, and they have even started a run club!

They’re also hard at work creating even more opportunities to represent The Pork in 2027 with men’s, women’s, and Vets sides, different competition levels, and the addition of XVs exhibition matches. 

Want to get involved and support Jurassic Pork along with their mission? 

There are lots of ways to get involved.

You can dust off your boots and pull on the jersey, attend a future PorkFest, support one of their fundraising efforts, become a sponsor, or simply follow along with their social media accounts to see where this thing goes next. 

Jurassic Pork is building something worth being part of. 

Every bit of fun helps Jurassic Pork continue spreading the Looseheadz message. Rugby has always been pretty good at looking after its own, but we’ve not been great with talking about our feelings. 

Sometimes that starts with simply letting someone know it is okay to talk. 

Get involved with Jurassic Pork

Learn more about or support Looseheadz 

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Built on Belonging: Warwick Women’s RFC

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built on belonging

Warwick women’s rfc

 

There are probably easier ways for a rugby player to raise money for her club. Actually, a lot of ideas come to mind. However, Chelsie Jones has chosen a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run.

Next May, the Warwick Women’s RFC player is tackling a 113km triathlon with a goal of raising £1,000 to support a club that has become an important part of her life. 

Jones arrived at the University of Warwick having never played rugby, but with a sporting background. During her first year of Medical School, Jones was looking for something that could provide both a break from the demands of her studies and career while providing a sense of community.

Rugby turned out to be exactly that. A theme that is replicated throughout the rugby community season upon season. The community aspects of the sport are often overlooked, but eventually become the reason why people stick around. 

“I grew up with a military Dad that played and coached rugby but had always felt I wasn’t ‘built’ like a traditional rugby player,” Jones said. “But he suggested that I might find my place amongst the mud and the scrum caps, and he was right.”

Rugby quickly became her favorite part of the week.

“It gave me the inclusive community I needed, but it also built my confidence on and off the pitch, something I’m so grateful for.”

That community has grown dramatically.

Only a few years ago, Warwick Women’s RFC struggled to put a side on the pitch. Today, the club boasts more than 70 women’s members and has reached a major milestone with the addition of an official second team competing in BUCS competition.

The club won both the SRFU Outstanding Club of the Year and the Warwick Students’ Union (SU) Club of the Year for 2025/2026.

Previously, the club worked to arrange development matches for newer players, but ran into multiple obstacles making those valuable playing opportunities difficult to provide. The addition of a formal second side is a big step as it means regularly scheduled matches and increased resource needs. Most importantly, it provides more opportunities for players to experience competitive rugby.

People join rugby clubs to play, grow, and develop their skills. 

“Having BUCS funding and scheduled matches gives more of our members chances to play regularly and learn how to integrate training drills into matches,” Jones said. 

Money raised through her challenge goes towards helping support that second team and bring more opportunities to women’s players. Funds will also help replace equipment and kit while assisting Warwick players interested in gaining first aid and refereeing qualifications.

Warwick’s ambitions extend beyond the touchlines.

The club runs Inner Warrior sessions that bring university rugby programs together to share technical drills, ideas and club communication skills. Warwick Women’s RFC hopes additional funding allows those sessions and connections across the women’s game to continue growing.

Growth is a tricky process. When it comes quickly, focus can be lost on the finer details. It has a way of taking focus away from things that matter the most, such as culture. Behind the growth of the Warwick Women’s sides is a club culture that places just as much emphasis on supporting the person wearing the jersey.

One of the best examples is Rug-tea. A truly unique offering in Clubland. 

Rug-tea began in 2019 as a weekly welfare check in where players met between studies and rugby. Led by the club’s welfare officers, it has since developed to include initiatives such as “Tackle the Taboo,” which creates a comfortable environment for conversations about subjects players might otherwise find difficult to discuss.

Over coffee or tea and a slice of cake, members can talk about everything from rugby and inclusivity to personal challenges away from the pitch.

For Jones, those small moments are part of what makes Warwick Women’s RFC worth swimming, cycling and running 113 kilometers for.

During difficult days, her teammates have held the tackle bags, baked cookies and cheered her through challenges both inside and outside rugby. After returning from injury herself, these efforts represent an opportunity to give something back to the community that helped her find confidence in a new home.

The £1,000 fundraising target helps pay for transportation, equipment, courses and rugby opportunities, but the story behind it is even more important.

Warwick Women’s RFC has grown from around 15 players to more than 70. It would be really easy to get complacent after a period of growth such as that. 

However, they continue to create reasons for women to walk through the door and give rugby a try! This is a lesson that can be used across the grassroots regardless of where you are located. The trial sessions, team events, development opportunities, welfare programs help make Warwick RFC the type of club that people want to return to.

Creating an atmosphere and culture that makes people want to be there is a high honor for any grassroots club. 

Now one of those players is preparing to swim 1.9km, cycle 90km and finish with a half marathon to help make sure the next player through that door finds even more opportunities waiting.

To give to the fundraiser, please follow this link. 

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Powering Hull Ionians, Protecting the Future

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hull ionians solar project

powering the club, protecting their future

 

This is a guest piece for Bottom of the Ruck, shared by the Hull Ionians RFC for release. Here at Bottom of the Ruck, we believe in sharing grassroots stories whether they are written in house or not. Getting stories shared with the community helps increase awareness and show others that they are not alone. Many clubs across the world face similar struggles and overcome those obstacles in different ways. 

When the grassroots rallies around each other, even the smallest donation replicated many times over can have a lasting impact.   

by Claire Britton

Powering Hull Ionians. Protecting Our Future.

Brantingham Park is home to Hull Ionians Rugby Club and a thriving community hub used by thousands of people every year. From rugby, touch rugby and youth sport to community groups, schools, charities and local businesses, our facilities bring people together and help our community thrive.

We have ambitious plans for the future. Alongside our successful rugby and community programmes, we want to develop Brantingham Park into a multi-sport destination, creating opportunities for more people to take part in sport, improve their well being and enjoy our facilities. However, rising energy costs are putting increasing pressure on the club. We now spend more than £3,000 every month on electricity. That is money which could otherwise be invested in our pitches, facilities, players and community programmes.

That’s why we’re launching the Hull Ionians Solar Panels Project.

Your donation will be worth three times as much

The club needs to raise £12,500 from our members, supporters and local community. Through the British Gas Energy for Tomorrow Fund, every £1 we raise will be matched with an additional £2, up to the value of £25,000.

That means:
• You donate £10 and British Gas adds £20
• You donate £50 and British Gas adds £100
• Together, if we raise £12,500, British Gas will contribute £25,000
• This will unlock the full £37,500 needed for the project

Every donation, whatever its size, will have three times the impact.

What your donation funds

The £37,500 will help us install solar panels at Brantingham Park. 

This investment will:
• Reduce our energy bills
• Lower our carbon emissions
• Improve the club’s long-term financial sustainability
• Protect funding for rugby, sport and community activities
• Create a greener future for Hull Ionians and our community

Why it matters

Brantingham Park is much more than a rugby club. It hosts community events, school activities, charity fundraisers, NHS services, local business meetings and social gatherings throughout the year.

You can help us enormously to reach our goal by going to our crowdfunding page and donating. Large or small, everything helps.

Click here to donate

You can also sponsor Tim, or get involved yourself and join our Sponsored Social Cycle.

Click here for the Sponsored Social Cycle

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Chelsea Pensioners Join Beccehamian RFC for 24-Hour Sponsored Walk to Support the Beccs Big Build

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chelsea pensioners and beccehamian rfc team up

24 hour walking challenge to raise funds for club improvements

 

For immediate release.

A 20-year friendship between the Chelsea Pensioners and Beccehamian RFC takes another step as the community comes together for a unique 24-hour challenge

Beccehamian RFC is bringing its whole community together for an incredible 24-hour sponsored walking challenge on Saturday 3 October 2026, with three Chelsea Pensioners joining the club to help raise funds for the next stage of the Beccs Big Build.

The challenge will begin at 2pm on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Beccehamian RFC’s home at Sparrow’s Den in West Wickham, with the walk continuing continuously for 24 hours until 2pm on Sunday 4 October.

Players, families, supporters and members from across the club will take turns throughout the challenge, with participants from the Minis, Juniors, Girls, Ladies, Men’s, Vets, Academy, Walking Rugby, Micros, Super Veterans and Social sections all getting involved.

But this is more than just a sponsored walk.

A 20-year friendship with the Chelsea Pensioners

For 20 years, Beccehamian has enjoyed a very special relationship with the Chelsea Pensioners, who have regularly been welcomed to the club for lunches and events and have become much-loved members of the Beccehamian family.

The Pensioners have also been part of some important moments in the club’s recent history, including helping to celebrate the opening of Beccehamian RFC’s new changing facilities (in March 2025, picture below), delivered as part of the Beccs Big Build.

Now, the friendship is taking another step forward.

Three Chelsea Pensioners will join the 24-hour challenge, with one Pensioner walking alongside participants throughout the entire 24 hours. At the end of the challenge, all three will come together to complete the final stages in their iconic scarlet uniforms.

Building the future of Beccs

The sponsored walk is raising funds for the Beccs Big Build an ambitious project to transform the Beccehamian clubhouse and create facilities that will benefit the club and wider community for many years to come.

The project has already seen the completion of new changing facilities, providing improved and more appropriate accommodation for the club’s growing membership, including its thriving women’s and girls’ sections.

The club has also completed its much-loved roof terrace, providing an additional social space overlooking the pitches.

The next goal is to complete the new enlarged social space, together with a lift and improved disabled facilities.

The aim is to create a modern, welcoming and accessible facility that can be enjoyed not only by Beccehamian members and their families, but also by the wider community.

The project has already received support through crowdfunding, grants, donations, sponsored events, Christmas raffles and numerous other fundraising initiatives.

The 24-hour sponsored walk is the latest in a long line of community fundraising efforts to help bring the full vision of the Beccs Big Build to life.

Dave Sweeting, President of Beccehamian RFC, said:

“The relationship between Beccehamian RFC and the Chelsea Pensioners is something we’re incredibly proud of. For 20 years they’ve been coming to the club for lunches and events, and they’ve become a very special part of the Beccehamian family. We’ve been delighted to share some important moments with them, including the opening of our new changing facilities, and our relationship has continued to grow through our shared love of rugby and walking rugby.”

“Having three Chelsea Pensioners join us for this 24-hour challenge is incredibly special. The Beccs Big Build has already achieved so much, but we still have an important final stage ahead of us. We want to complete our enlarged social space, improve accessibility and install a lift so that our facilities can be enjoyed by everyone. We’re hoping the wider community and local businesses will get behind the challenge and help us go the distance.”

Chelsea Pensioner, Pat Callaghan said:

“We’ve always felt very welcome at Beccehamians and over the years the club has become a very special place for us. We’ve enjoyed many lunches and events there and it’s been wonderful to see the club develop, particularly being there to celebrate the opening of the new changing facilities. Through the Scarlet Warriors and our shared love of walking rugby, that friendship has grown even further. We’re delighted to be taking part in the 24-hour walk and look forward to walking alongside the Beccehamian community, helping to raise funds for the next stage of the Beccs Big Build.”

A challenge for the whole community

The club is encouraging people of all ages and abilities to take part.

Participants don’t need to walk for the full 24 hours. Individuals, teams, families and club sections can sign up for an hour or more and raise sponsorship for their participation.

The club is also hoping to attract rugby players, former internationals, sporting personalities, celebrities and local heroes to join the challenge for an hour and walk alongside the Chelsea Pensioners and Beccehamian members.

Local businesses and organisations are also being invited to support the event, either by sponsoring the challenge as a whole or by supporting specific elements.

Sponsorship opportunities include the Presenting Sponsor (£2,500), Gold Sponsor (£1,000), Silver Sponsor (£500) and Community Sponsor (£250), with bespoke sponsorship and in-kind support also welcomed.

Businesses can also support specific elements of the event, including food and refreshments, first aid and welfare, start and finish facilities, event equipment, raffle prizes, individual hours, teams or participants.

The organisers believe the event will be not only a significant fundraising opportunity, but also a celebration of the community that has grown around the club.

24 HOURS. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE BIG BUILD.

Beccehamian RFC is calling on local businesses, families, former players, supporters and the wider community to get involved – whether by walking, sponsoring a participant, sponsoring part of the event, donating a raffle prize or simply coming along to support the walkers.

Event: Beccehamian RFC 24-Hour Sponsored Walk
Date: Saturday 3 October – Sunday 4 October 2026
Start: 2pm, Saturday 3 October
Finish: 2pm, Sunday 4 October
Location: Beccehamian RFC, Sparrow’s Den, Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 9BB
Fundraising: The Beccs Big Build
Special guests: Three Chelsea Pensioners
Media contact: Sarah McCandless
Email: beccehamianfundraising@gmail.com
Fundraising Link: Beccs 24-Hour Walk with the Chelsea Pensioners

Club Website: Beccs 24-Hour Sponsored Walk with The Chelsea Pensioners: Saturday 3th to Sunday 4th October 2026

About Beccehamian RFC

Beccehamian RFC is a community rugby club based at Sparrow’s Den in West Wickham. The club brings together players and families across Minis, Juniors, Girls, Ladies, Men’s, Vets, Academy, Walking Rugby, Micros, Super Veterans and Social Rugby.

The club is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and community-focused environment and to developing facilities that can support its members and the wider community for generations to come.

About the Beccs Big Build

The Beccs Big Build is a long-term project to transform and improve Beccehamian RFC’s facilities. New changing facilities and the club’s roof terrace have already been completed. The next stage is the completion of the enlarged social space, together with improved disabled facilities and a lift, creating a more accessible and inclusive clubhouse for the future.

For sponsorship enquiries:
Sarah McCandless – beccehamianfundraising@gmail.com

24 HOURS. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE BIG BUILD.

SPONSOR • SUPPORT • WALK WITH US

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Cheddar Valley RFC Rallies Around Club Captain Damien Green

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cheddar valley rfc rallies around club captain

 

We talk about it all the time here at Bottom of the Ruck and on our social media accounts. Rugby clubs are built around people who are willing to give their time to others. Coaches that share their wisdom with the next generation of players, volunteers making chaos look easy, and those that do whatever is needed to help their club.

Without these people rugby doesn’t happen.

At Cheddar Valley RFC, Damien Green has long been one of those people.

Now, his teammates are stepping forward for him.

Cheddar players have launched fundraising efforts to help their 2025/26 Club Captain undergo private surgery following a serious rugby injury that left him living with constant pain and mobility issues. 

Following the injury, Damien was diagnosed with a Lumbar Disc Herniation causing Nerve Root Compression. The condition resulted in severe sciatica along with numbness, tingling and weakness in his legs. He has now been waiting more than six months for surgery through the NHS, with no indication of when the procedure might take place.

That wait means prolonging the pain that he endures daily.

A specialist advised that surgery could potentially take place within the next month. Only if it can be funded privately. From there, the hope is that along with rehabilitation Green returns to running within six months.

“I’ve been truly blown away and humbled by a group of people that I have the honour and pleasure of calling my friends. It’s fair to say that due to injury, the last 8 months have been more than difficult,” said Damien Green in a post on the fundraising campaign site. “It is so easy to take for granted simple daily activities.”

For his teammates at Cheddar, helping Damien get there is about giving back to someone who spent much of his life doing exactly that for others.

Damien proudly served in the Royal Navy before working as a paramedic for more than 20 years. Today, he continues to care for patients through his role within the NHS.

Then there is rugby.

As Cheddar RFC’s Club Captain, Damien gives countless hours to the club. His contribution goes well beyond the playing field. He supports junior rugby and regularly helps with the tedious tasks required to keep a grassroots rugby club running.

So, his teammates decided that it is their turn to look after him.

Players are organizing a series of fundraising challenges and events to help cover the cost of Damien’s surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

For their first challenge they went big. As in mountain sized big.

This past weekend, Cheddar RFC players tackled the National Three Peaks Challenge climbing Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Yr Wyddfa (Wales) within 24 hours. The challenge involves a total walking distance of about 37-42 km (23-26 miles), an ascent of around 3064 meters (10,052 feet), and driving distance of 743 km (462 miles). 

The players successfully completed the challenge in support of their Captain. These efforts pushed the fundraising even closer to their goal. 

More fundraising events are expected to follow, with the club also encouraging anyone who wants to support Damien to get involved or even organize an event of their own.

Every donation, regardless of size, gets Damien a little closer to receiving the treatment he needs and beginning his recovery. For those unable to contribute financially, simply sharing his story with friends, family, teammates and the wider rugby community can help extend its reach.

This is one of the most amazing parts of the rugby community. The words “With You” mean so much more to us. When someone needs help, we turn up whether you’re on the pitch or out in life.

“To me, rugby is a family game that extends far away from the pitch,” adds Damien. “No words will ever convey the depth of gratitude I feel for what they are trying to do, and just as importantly to all those who have found it in their hearts to contribute.”

Rugby clubs rally around their own and Cheddar Valley RFC is doing exactly that.

To learn more about the fundraising efforts, please follow this link. 

At Bottom of the Ruck, we believe every grassroots club is built on people that care. 


Stand with Cheddar. Share the link. Donate if you can.


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GHA Rugby Club Launches Campaign to Expand All-weather Facilities

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GHA Rugby Club

Launches campaign to expand all-weather facilities

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 AUGUST 2026

Premiership Rugby Club launches £500,000 campaign to expand all-weather facilities

GHA Rugby Club and The GHA Charity (Scottish Charity Number SC046458) have launched a two-year campaign to raise £500,000 to improve the club’s all-weather 3G pitch facilities at Braidholm.

The 3G500 campaign will pay for the refurbishment of the club’s existing all-weather 3G pitch and the conversion of its third grass pitch into a second all-weather 3G pitch. The project will increase the amount of rugby and other sports that can take place, helping meet growing demand from club members and the wider community. The second all-weather 3G pitch would mean more training and matches can go ahead during the winter months, while reducing pressure on the grass pitches and reducing the repair work and pitch closures that come with heavy usage during wetter weather.

This fundraising campaign comes as GHA continues to grow, with membership increasing year on year. Increasing numbers of children, young people and adults are taking part across the club, and continued investment in girls and women’s rugby and schools outreach work also adding to the demand for reliable training and playing space at Braidholm.

Each week, 600 GHA players, from Primary one through to the senior teams, are on the pitches at Braidholm, with many training or playing three times a week. Alongside them are coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters, visiting teams and their fans, as well as 11,000 local people who attend events such as the Giffnock Beer Festival and GHA’s fireworks display.

Braidholm is also used by a range of other sporting organisations, including Glasgow City FC, East Kilbride Pirates, The OLM Football Team, First Touch Football, Glasgow Gaels Gaelic Football Club, Giffnock North Athletic Club, Stamperland Football Club and the University of Strathclyde. The ground has also welcomed professional teams including the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Stormers and Emirates Lions when they have been playing against Glasgow Warriors. That level of use puts huge pressure on the pitches.

Campaign Director for 3G500 and Past President of GHA Rugby Club, Gordon Adams, said,

“Every generation of GHA members has inherited something special. The facilities we have today are here because people before us gave their time, energy and support to the club.

“We’re now asking this generation to do the same. This project is about making sure Braidholm continues to provide opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy sport for years to come.”

GHA Managing Director Adam Gordon added,

“We’ve reached the point where we simply need more all-weather space. Our existing all-weather 3G pitch is in constant use and, when the weather is particularly bad, training and matches on the grass pitches have to be cancelled.

“Refurbishing the existing all-weather 3G pitch and creating a second 3G pitch would give GHA a more reliable space for our own training and rugby matches whilst ensuring that the other clubs and organisations can use Braidholm throughout the year too. We know that being able to get out and play sport is important for everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing, and we don’t want poor weather to be a barrier to that. It will make a huge difference to all those that use Braidholm for sport.”

GHA is asking everyone connected with the club to get behind the fundraising, from players past and present to parents of the children on the pitches. The club also hopes that local business, families and the wider community will get involved to help reach their target.

There are already a number of fundraising events in the pipeline, with more ideas being worked on, and anyone with an idea for a fundraiser, big or small, is encouraged to get in touch.

The campaign is also looking for volunteers to help organise events, approach sponsors, support marketing and communications, and assist with administration. Anyone interested in supporting the campaign, volunteering or sponsoring 3G500 can find out more and register their interest through the 3G500 webpage.

https://www.gharugby.co.uk/introducing-3g500-building-the-future-of-rugby-at-braidholm-call-for-volunteers/

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When Losing Isn’t the End: The Jarrovians Men’s Story

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When Losing Isn’t the End

The Jarrovians Men’s Story

Some grassroots rugby stories are about trophies. Others are about survival.

Sometimes those paths converge to create a legendary story.  

Founded in 1978, Jarrovians RFC, based in the northeast of England, is approaching their 50th anniversary. The club currently supports men’s and women’s sides along with youth programs from U6 to U17. The club offers rugby for players of all abilities. 

For their men’s side, the rebuilding process over the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable.

During the 2020/21 season, everything seemed to unravel as the Black & Ambers found themselves at a crossroads. Just like many others, the side struggled post-pandemic. Playing numbers dipped and opponents that had once been competitive fixtures suddenly steamrolled Jarrovians. They failed to record a single victory and conceded more than 1,200 points over the course of the season.

That could have been the beginning of the end for the squad, but they dug deep, made adjustments, and fought their way back from the brink. 

Bottom of the Ruck caught up with Club Legend Barry Grimwood to talk about the lows and the perseverance that helped Jarrovians bounce back. A recent inductee into the Jarrovians Hall of Fame, Grimwood joined the club in the early 1980’s and has been a fixture at the club ever since. He is active throughout the region supporting the men’s, women’s and junior sides at Jarrovians.

Showing Up Anyway

When I asked what kept the squad together through such a difficult period, the answer wasn’t about tactics or training plans. 

It was about people.

“A lot of the old-school vets who attend the club would always have an encouraging word after the game. Maybe we were lacking certain skill sets to progress, but the heart was there… plus there’s always the next game.”

That may be the most grassroots rugby answer imaginable. It takes heart to play the game and even more heart when things aren’t going well. There is beauty in not giving up when you’re facing difficult odds.

At the time, there was no promise that the following week would be any better. No guarantee that reinforcements were coming.

Sometimes survival is a victory in itself.

The Importance of One Win

The 2022/23 season wasn’t dramatically different in the standings.

There was only one victory, but that one result changed everything.

“Having put that first W on the board was a fantastic feeling, more so as it was against Seghill RFC, a team north of the Tyne who had been a bit of a nemesis to Jarrovians. The boost it gave to the team, and the club, was massive.”

Outsiders might look at a season with one win and see another disappointing year.

Inside the clubhouse, there was a glimmer of hope. That win was a silver lining. Just like in life, momentum in grassroots rugby rarely arrives all at once. It starts with a change in attitude, change in focus and small habits that lead to results. 

In this situation, it was a single result, but a milestone that stood as a starting place.

New Faces, New Standards

The following season brought incremental improvement, with new players and fresh coaching ideas helping Jarrovians triple their win total from the previous season.

Three victories may not seem like much to write home about, but tell that to a squad that had only won one match the previous two seasons. 

Those three wins laid the foundation for something much bigger.

Ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, the club underwent significant change.

A new coaching team arrived bringing higher standards and a fresh perspective. A new chairman, Mark Handy, himself a former player, stepped into the role after Brian Berry’s long service. A dedicated team manager helped strengthen the club behind the scenes.

Perhaps most importantly, Deacon Wallace took over as Captain.

“He had a fire in his belly and that was infectious, something we had not seen at the club since the mid-80s and 90s.”

Belief combined with strong leadership is a recipe for success. 

Success Breeds Success

The transformation that followed was remarkable.

The same club that had spent years as the league’s whipping boys suddenly became champions of Durham/Northumberland Division 3, earning promotion to Division 2.

Looking back, the difficult years made the success even sweeter.

“Having gone through the seasons as the whipping boys of the league made the newly found success all the sweeter, meaning we were in with a fighting chance of decent recruitment, which has proved fundamental to where we are today. Success breeds success.”

There’s a lesson there for every grassroots club.

Players want to be part of something moving in the right direction. Even if it is small, incremental positive steps. Often that movement starts long before the league table reflects it. This is where the importance of leadership comes in. Strong leaders show the vision and build belief. 

More Than the First XV

The turnaround hasn’t been limited to Saturday afternoons.

The club’s junior section has continued to flourish, now fielding multiple teams every Sunday. Many of those young players are coached by former players, supported by an army of passionate volunteers.

The club’s women’s side continues to grow.

Their men’s 2nd XV has returned.

A veterans team takes the pitch on Friday evenings.

Momentum is a funny thing. When you have it, things start to fall into place. However, none of it happens by accident and momentum can be lost much easier than it is gained.

“A lot of what has been achieved has been down to the volunteers whose numbers continue to grow.”

That sentence could probably be copied and pasted into the story of thousands of rugby clubs around the world.

Proving It Wasn’t a Fluke

Promotion often brings its own challenges.

The 2025/26 season tested Jarrovians against stronger opposition, but instead of falling back, they embraced it.

They finished fifth in Durham/Northumberland Division 2 with a 12-10 record. Their finish could have been even higher were it not for six narrow defeats. If a few of those matches went a different direction, the squad could have placed even higher. 

The squad added the Durham Junior Cup to the trophy cabinet. Another piece of silverware and more confirmation that their turnaround wasn’t temporary.

Now, as the club looks ahead to the 2026/27 season and another year closer to its 50th anniversary, there’s genuine excitement about what comes next.

A Message to Clubs Fighting Their Own Battle

We know that clubs all throughout Clubland are struggling in different ways. Which makes telling stories like this even more important. Poor seasons happen as numbers ebb and flow. Every club struggles from time to time.

A bad game or season doesn’t make you a poor club. 

So, for my final question to Mr. Grimwood, I asked what advice they would give to another grassroots club sitting at the bottom of its league, wondering whether things will ever improve.

The response deserves to be read by every club committee, coach, and player who has ever questioned whether it’s worth carrying on.

“Persevere. Field a team whenever possible. It may mean you’re on the wrong end of a thumping from the opposition. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other clubs who may have more players than you and don’t get picked. They will be as grateful as you to get a game on a Saturday afternoon. They may like your setup and decide to stay.”

Grassroots rugby isn’t built by clubs that never struggle. It’s carried on by clubs that face those obstacles and find a way. 

Jarrovians RFC is proof that a difficult season (or two or three) doesn’t have to define tomorrow.

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Voyagers Set Sail for NOLA in 2027

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voyagers Set Sail in 2027

French Quarter Fest old boys tournament

 

You may know Bottom of the Ruck from our dedicated coverage of grassroots rugby promoting clubs, events, and our culture. Now, you can add touring to our growing list of offerings. 

We are excited to announce that the BOTR Voyagers are headed to New Orleans, Louisiana to compete in the Voodoo Rugby French Quarter Fest Old Boys Rugby Tournament the weekend of April 10, 2027.

This will be a social rugby tour built around everything we love about grassroots rugby. Great people, good laughs, competitive spirit, and an unforgettable weekend spent with the rugby community.

The initial Voyagers squad are being formed as a touring side for men’s players aged 35+ who still love pulling on the boots, sharing a beer (if that’s your thing), and embracing the camaraderie that makes rugby special long after our serious playing days fade away. This is not about chasing championships or pretending that our bodies recover quickly from playing. This is about rugby tours done properly.

New Orleans is the perfect setting for the Voyagers’ first major outing. Rugby, music, food, culture, and lifelong memories all wrapped into one legendary city.

The Voodoo Rugby French Quarter Fest might just become one of the top social rugby weekends in the United States, drawing old boys sides for a celebration of rugby culture and community. It is exactly the type of event Bottom of the Ruck wants to support and showcase.

The focus for this tour is simple:

  • Good social rugby
  • Community
  • Experiencing the world famous New Orleans culture
  • Bringing together players from different clubs and rugby backgrounds
  • Having fun and meeting new people

We are currently gathering interest from players who would like to tour with the Voyagers April 9-11, 2027. To submit your interest, please complete this form and we’ll be in touch with further details. 

Tour Details

Event: Voodoo Rugby French Quarter Fest Old Boys Tournament
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tournament Date: April 10, 2027
Division: Old Boys 35+, tournament organizers are hoping to add a 45+ division as well

Players interested in joining the tour are encouraged to complete the interest form so we can begin planning numbers, logistics, and future communications.

We are looking for at least 20-25 players to join us in New Orleans and around 30-35 if they end up adding a 45+ division. If they do, we’ll place a team in each division. Everyone will get plenty of playing time.  

What the Tour Fees Include

Final tour fees are still being determined, but are expected to include:

  • Tournament player registration fee
  • BOTR Voyagers playing kit (jersey and shorts)
  • Commemorative Tour gift for each player
  • Bus transportation to and from the tournament on Saturday
  • Team drinks/snacks during tournament day
  • General team/tour organization

Players will also have the opportunity to purchase additional custom kit items designed specifically for this tour.

Player Responsibilities

Players will be responsible for their own:

  • Flights/travel
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Meals and drinks outside team provisions
  • Personal spending expenses

Bottom of the Ruck is working to coordinate accommodations recommended by tournament organizers to help keep the group together throughout the weekend.

Once the final fees are determined, we will communicate them, along with the payment schedule, to all interested players. Kit orders will follow shortly thereafter. 

This tour is open to players from all clubs and rugby backgrounds. Whether you are still playing regularly, dusting the boots off for a social run, or simply looking for a memorable rugby weekend with good people, the Voyagers are about creating an inclusive touring experience centered around grassroots rugby culture.

As with everything Bottom of the Ruck does, this is about celebrating Clubland.

Players joining the Voyagers will also become part of the Bottom of the Ruck storytelling experience throughout the weekend. Our mission is to showcase the culture, personalities, and community spirit that make grassroots rugby special. Expect player interviews, social media features, highlight clips, tour photos, behind-the-scenes content, and plenty of the chaos that naturally comes with a rugby tour to New Orleans.

Well, at least some of the chaos. Not every tour experience needs to be documented.

This is not just about playing in a tournament. It is about documenting the experience, friendships formed, laughs, and the stories that come from throwing a group of rugby people together for a weekend in one of the most entertaining cities in the world. 

Rugby tours remain one of the purest parts of the game. They create stories that stand the test of time, strengthen friendships across clubs and regions, and remind us why so many of us keep coming back to rugby long after our bodies started making strange noises every morning.

New Orleans is calling and the Voyagers are ready to answer.

Interested players can complete the tour interest form to receive updates and future tour details.

And who knows? This may just be the beginning of something special. The New Orleans trip is a test run for future Voyager’s domestic and international rugby tours for men, women, young, and old players from throughout the grassroots.

Planning has already begun on a Canadian Tour and other domestic and international destination ideas are being discussed. 

Because some of the best rugby memories are made far from home.

Keep Rugby Grassy.

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Europcar Supports Grassroots Rugby Clubs in Leicestershire with Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs Ticket Give-away

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Europcar supports grassroots rugby clubs in Leicestershire with ticket give-away

Youth clubs entered into chance to win Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs Tickets

 

Here at Bottom of the Ruck, we focus on the grassroots of the sport. It is our firm belief that the grassroots of the sport are the foundation on which the rest of the sport stands. 

We generally do not report on professional clubs, EXCEPT when it involves their support of the grassroots. For rugby to succeed at all levels a symbiotic bond is needed between the elite levels and the grassroots of the sport. This is the second time in the past season that we have reported on something that involves the Leicester Tigers which is great to see. 

Please see the press release below regarding a recent initiative to provide tickets to the Tigers/Exeter match this weekend to youth rugby clubs. 

With a clear mission to support local rugby clubs at all levels, as part of its on-going sponsorship of Leicester Tigers, Europcar Mobility Group UK has sponsored a prize draw for the upcoming Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs match (31st May). More than 25 grass roots clubs entered the competition, with Veseyans Rugby Club under 11’s team, who will be going up to the under 12’s team in September, receiving the winning tickets.  From the West Midlands, Veseyans have teams in every age group.

As well as attending the match, the team will be invited onto the pitch at half-time for a unique photo opportunity with the team, and will be presented with a box of Europcar and Leicester Tigers branded rugby balls.

“Getting closer to the wider rugby community is a big part of our partnership with Leicester Tigers,” explained Tim Morris, Marketing Director, Europcar UK & Ireland. “As the club works closely with over 50 local grassroots rugby teams it made complete sense to run a ticket give-away that would provide a unique experience on what will be a pretty important match in the season. We hope the event will be especially exciting and inspirational for the young players from Veseyans Rugby Club, some of whom may not have had the opportunity to meet their heroes and watch a professional rugby match live before.”

Europcar, headquartered in Leicester, has partnered with Leicester Tigers since 2023 and recently renewed its commitment to the Club until at least the summer of 2029. As part of the sponsorship, Europcar has naming rights on the West Stand at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium and branding in other key areas of the stadium, programme, website and tickets.

Europcar also works with the entire Leicester Tigers squad – players, coaches and other staff – and supports fans and other affiliated businesses with their mobility needs with a range of special offers.

“It’s great to see Europcar support our local community activity with this competition for tickets to our final game at home for the season,” said Ben Duke, Head of Community at Leicester Tigers.  “We are really looking forward to welcoming the members of Veseyans Rugby Club, under 11’s and 12’s team.”

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Choose Brave. Choose Her.

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Choose Brave. Choose Her.

Girls Rugby National Championship Showcases the future of the sport in the usa

 

This weekend, some of the best young rugby players in the country will descend on Utah for the 2026 Girls Rugby National Championships, an event that continues to grow into one of the top showcases for youth girls rugby in the United States. More than 700 athletes, representing over 30 teams from across the country, gather May 15–16 for a celebration of competition, opportunity, and community.

But according to tournament director Nichol “Nikki” Bartell, the championship is about far more than results on the scoreboard.

“This tournament is about changing the narrative,” Bartell told Bottom of the Ruck. “It’s about showing girls that they belong on these fields, in leadership positions, in referee roles, in college pathways, and eventually on national and international stages if they choose.”

That vision is captured in the tournament’s central message: Choose Brave. Choose Her.

For Bartell, the slogan represents a deliberate investment in girls and women in sport, particularly in spaces that are still fighting for visibility and support.

“To me, ‘Choose Brave. Choose Her.’ is about intentionally investing in girls and women in sport at every level,” she said. “It’s choosing to create opportunities even when things are difficult, underfunded, or still growing. It’s choosing visibility, leadership, safety, confidence, and community for female athletes.”

This message feels especially timely as girls and women’s rugby continues riding a wave of momentum globally. The recent Women’s Rugby World Cup shattered records for attendance, engagement and viewership which has bolstered playing numbers.  Meanwhile domestic youth girls participation continues to rise. Across the country, more clubs are adding girls programs and families are increasingly investing time and resources into the sport.

Bartell believes the growth happening around the national championship reflects something much bigger than a single event.

“It shows that girls rugby is no longer a niche conversation, it’s growing into a real movement,” she said. “Families are traveling across the country because athletes want this experience. Colleges are recruiting more aggressively. More clubs and schools are investing in girls programs. We’re seeing stronger competition, deeper player pools, and more girls entering rugby younger and staying in the sport longer.”

She compares the current trajectory of girls rugby to the rapid rise women’s soccer experienced over the last decade.

“There’s momentum, and people are starting to recognize the value and opportunity that exists in women’s rugby.”

The 2026 championship field reflects just how broad that growth has become. This year’s event includes 21 high school teams and seven middle school teams from across the United States. Programs from traditional rugby strongholds and emerging regions alike will compete, including teams from Hawaii, Montana, Colorado, Wisconsin, New York, Idaho, California, and Utah.

That future is something Bartell hopes every attendee can feel during the weekend.

“I hope they leave feeling seen, valued, inspired, and connected,” she said. “Of course we want great rugby, but beyond that, we want athletes to walk away realizing they’re part of something bigger than just a tournament.”

She also emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere where everyone involved feels welcome and appreciated.

“We want families to feel welcomed. We want coaches and referees to feel appreciated. We want young girls watching from the sidelines to think, ‘I want to be here someday.’”

That community centered mindset feels deeply familiar to anyone involved in grassroots rugby. Behind every successful tournament are countless volunteers, coaches, referees, parents, trainers, media, and organizers quietly putting in the work to provide the best experience possible for players.

According to Bartell, this championship would not exist without that support network.

“Honestly, this event only exists because of community,” she said. “Behind the scenes are volunteers taking parking shifts, parents helping with hospitality, referees traveling across the country, coaches mentoring athletes, sponsors donating food and recovery products, media teams helping tell stories, and organizations working together to make something bigger than themselves.”

She specifically credited the Utah rugby community for stepping up in a major way to support the event, including Utah Youth Rugby, the Utah Rugby Referee Society, local clubs, sponsors, photographers, vendors, athletic trainers, and volunteers.

“Grassroots sports survive because people care deeply enough to keep showing up.”

That sentiment sits at the very heart of what Bottom of the Ruck aims to celebrate. Rugby has always been more than matches and trophies. We are all part of the grassroots rugby ecosystem trying to leave the game better than where we found it. It’s the people carrying cones to fields, the coach teaching new players how to pass, parents helping with snacks, and organizers creating opportunities for the next generation.

Despite massive progress in girls and women’s rugby, there is still work to do when it comes to visibility, funding, sponsorship, and access. Bartell believes continued storytelling and media attention will be critical to sustaining growth.

“Visibility changes everything,” she said. “The more girls see women competing at high levels, the more they believe there’s a place for them in the sport. Livestreaming, storytelling, social media, sponsorships, and media coverage all matter because they help athletes feel recognized and valued.”

At the same time, she stressed the importance of local clubs and grassroots programs in retaining players for long term involvement in the sport. The potential for life long involvement in rugby, not just as a consumer, is truly unique in the American sporting landscape.

“Big international events inspire people, but local clubs and youth programs are what actually retain players long-term,” she said. “Women’s rugby also has something really special culturally — there’s authenticity, inclusiveness, toughness, leadership, and connection. People are drawn to that once they experience it.”

Looking ahead, Bartell hopes championships like this continue building pathways at every level of the game.

“At the grassroots level, I want more girls introduced to rugby in safe, supportive environments,” she said. “At the elite level, I hope this helps normalize the idea that girls rugby deserves national platforms, livestreams, sponsorship investment, media attention, and professional-level support structures.”

Perhaps most importantly, she hopes one of the athletes competing this weekend eventually grows into the next generation of leaders within the sport. For the sport to continue to grow and become more sustainable, new leaders need to emerge to build on the success of the past. 

“The dream is for a young athlete attending this weekend to someday play college rugby, represent the USA, coach, referee, or lead within the sport herself.”

This weekend in Utah, rugby matters as much as ever. Championships always do.

However, the bigger story is the one unfolding around the sidelines with a growing movement of athletes, families, organizers, and communities choosing to invest in the future of girls rugby.

Choose Brave. Choose Her.

Participating Team List

Middle School:

  • Belmont Shore Youth Rugby
  • LCA Rugby Club
  • Majestics Rugby Club
  • United Girls Rugby
  • Wolverines Rugby Club
  • EPA Razorhawks
  • Westlake Drua

High School:

  • Sacramento Harlequins
  • Belmont Shore Rugby
  • LCA Rugby Club
  • Amazons
  • Majestics Rugby Club
  • United Girls
  • Herriman Girls Varsity
  • Wolverines Rugby
  • Provo Steelers
  • Hydra Rugby (MT)
  • Rocky Mountain Rugby Football Club (CO)
  • City Honors WRFC (NY)
  • Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (WI)
  • Eagle High School Lady Mustangs (ID)
  • Meridian Warrior Rugby (ID)
  • Summit High School (CO)
  • Kahuku (HI)
  • Westlake Drua (UT)
  • Westside Lions (UT)
  • Wasatch (UT)
  • Salt Lake Venom (UT)
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