Bottom of the Ruck Hits the Road
Bottom of the Ruck hits the road this spring and summer, diving into the heart of grassroots rugby. From the Bahamas to North Carolina beaches, this tour celebrates clubs, characters, and community. It’s more than matches. It’s stories, connections, and the spirit that keeps Clubland alive week after week.
The Story of Rosie’s Ruck
Rosie’s Ruck is more than a rugby tournament. Founded by 12-year-old Parker Vitagliano-Hill, this youth-led 7s event is raising awareness and funds for seizure alert dogs, inspired by her sister’s journey with epilepsy. It’s a powerful example of how grassroots rugby can bring communities together and change lives.
Monday Morning Ruck: April 6. 2026
The Monday Morning Ruck is a weekly feature from Bottom of the Ruck that provides quick hit news from grassroots rugby clubs around the world.
Locker 71’s Mission to Preserve Grassroots Rugby
Locker 71 is capturing the soul of grassroots rugby by preserving the stories that live inside clubhouses, sidelines, and communities. Through powerful storytelling and visual perspective, their work highlights the volunteers, traditions, and connections that define the game far beyond the pitch—and why those stories matter now more than ever.
Monday Morning Ruck: March 30. 2026
The Monday Morning Ruck is a weekly feature from Bottom of the Ruck that provides quick hit news from grassroots rugby clubs around the world.
Feeding Clubland
Behind every grassroots rugby match is someone feeding the club. From bulk curries to slow-smoked BBQ, volunteer chefs keep players, families, and communities connected long after the final whistle. This article celebrates the unsung heroes of Clubland who turn food into one of rugby’s most important traditions.
The Club Rooms Project: Ponsonby Club Legends
Locker 71 The Club Rooms Project Episode 1 pays a visit to Ponsonby Rugby Club in New Zealand to take a look at their club and rich history.
Swaffham RUFC’s Freddie Steward Fundraiser
Swaffham RUFC is turning grassroots pride into a creative fundraiser with help from England international Freddie Steward. Supporters can enter a prize draw to win his signed England boots while helping the club grow rugby opportunities in their community and continue the grassroots journey that helped launch an international career.
Pelicans Women’s Rugby
Pelicans Women’s Rugby in St. Petersburg is proof that grassroots growth starts with courage and community. In this interview, Dom Beeck shares her journey into rugby, the team’s inclusive culture, and why women in Florida should step out of their comfort zone and give the sport a try.
Preserving the Game’s Memories
Rugby photographers capture the moments that become club history, yet their own stories are rarely told. Bottom of the Ruck speaks with James Booth about life behind the lens, the magic of grassroots rugby, and why the people documenting the game deserve recognition as essential contributors to Clubland.
The Coolest Rugby Tournament in America – Literally
On a snow buried Valentine’s Day in Western New York, the Ken-Ton Misfits hosted the Island of Misfit 10’s — a winter rugby tournament where college and men’s sides battled brutal cold, deep snow, and each other. No sunshine, no excuses — just pure grassroots rugby and the community that…
Spikers RFC and the Power of Grassroots Rugby in Kenya
Spikers RFC in Kenya is proving that grassroots rugby is built on passion, not resources. Facing challenges with transport, kits, and player welfare, the club continues to provide discipline and hope for young players. Now, Clubland has an opportunity to rally behind them and make a difference.
Saving the Stand
Penryn Rugby Football Club is fighting back against Cornwall’s harsh weather with grit, steel, and volunteer power. Founded in 1872, the historic club has launched a “Save Our Stand” campaign to protect its only covered seating and future proof facilities for players, supporters, and the wider community.
Selkirk U14s Bound for United World Games
Selkirk RFC’s Under-14s have been invited to represent the East of Scotland and Scottish Borders at the United World Games in Austria. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity built on hard work, community support, and grassroots rugby pride. The club is rallying to make it possible.
Walkerburn RFC Shutting Doors
The loss of a rugby club is never just a line in a news feed. It’s the loss of a home, a history, and a heartbeat. Walkerburn RFC’s closure after 140 years is a sobering reminder of the fragile reality facing small-town rugby clubs everywhere.
Why We Play the Game
Why We Play the Game is a poem written by Rupert McCall and adapted for this video by members of Briton Ferry RFC in Wales. The poem is a love letter to the sport of rugby and the people that make it special.
Book Review: Ballinasloe RFC 150 Years of Rugby
A heartfelt review of Ballinasloe RFC: 150 Years of Rugby, exploring the dedication, community, and storytelling behind one of Ireland’s oldest rural rugby clubs. A must-read for anyone who loves grassroots rugby, club history, and the people who preserve it.
Flooded but Not Finished: Monmouth RFC’s Road Back After Storm Claudia
Storm Claudia caused devastating flooding at Monmouth RFC, destroying pitches, equipment, and vital infrastructure. As the club faces over £20,000 in losses, volunteers and the wider rugby community are rallying to help a historic grassroots club recover and get players back on the pitch.
Penarth RFC Begins Fight to Rebuild
After a fire gutted Penarth RFC and the Penarth Athletic Club clubhouse, the club is now fundraising to rebuild, replace equipment and memorabilia, and keep rugby, cricket and hockey thriving in the community. Supporters are encouraged to donate or share the crowdfunder.
Heroes of Grassroots Rugby: Celebrating the People Who Keep the Game Alive
Bottom of the Ruck launches Heroes of Grassroots Rugby — a monthly campaign celebrating the players, coaches, and volunteers who build the sport from the ground up.
Grassroots Rugby: Where Passion and Community Collide
Grassroots rugby thrives on passion and community. Discover how players, coaches, referees, and volunteers keep the game alive worldwide.
Skipton RFC: 150 Years Strong
Skipton RFC, one of the world’s oldest rugby clubs, is celebrating 150 years of community and sport. Their volunteer-run club is raising funds to restore its historic clubhouse and facilities—ensuring this Yorkshire rugby home remains a safe, inclusive space for generations to come. Support their campaign today.
QOTW: What is Your Favorite Volunteer Role and Why
Question of the week what is your favorite volunteer role and why?
QOTW: Where is Your Favorite Place to Play?
Welcome to Bottom of the Ruck, where grassroots rugby takes center stage! This is a space dedicated to celebrating the heart of the sport—the clubs, players, and volunteers who make it all possible. Here, we share inspiring stories, promote positivity, and build a community that thrives on connection. Whether you’re…
Tell Us Your Grassroots Stories
Welcome to Bottom of the Ruck, where grassroots rugby takes center stage! This is a space dedicated to celebrating the heart of the sport—the clubs, players, and volunteers who make it all possible. Here, we share inspiring stories, promote positivity, and build a community that thrives on connection. Whether you’re…
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