Category: Rugby News

Bournemouth Rugby Set for Papa John’s Community Cup Challenge

Bournemouth Rugby Club is poised for an exciting and competitive journey in the upcoming Papa John’s Community Cup. The team has been placed in the Regional 2 South Plate and is set to face Wimborne in the first round on the 12th of April at Chapel Gate.

This knockout competition presents a significant opportunity for Bournemouth Rugby to showcase their prowess on the field. Director of Rugby, Will Croker, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and commitment. “The players have been working diligently throughout the season, and we are ready to meet the challenge head-on,” Croker stated.

The format of the competition ensures high stakes for each match. A victory against Wimborne will secure Bournemouth a home game against Winchester in the second round on the 26th of April. The quarter-finals are scheduled for the 3rd of May, followed by the semi-finals on the 10th of May. The competition will culminate in the final on the 17th of May, promising a thrilling series of matches for rugby enthusiasts.

The club encourages its supporters to come out in full force to Chapel Gate and provide the team with the vocal backing that has become synonymous with Bournemouth Rugby. The fervent support from fans could prove to be the decisive factor in the team’s quest for success.

For more detailed information and updates on fixtures, results, and league standings, please visit the club’s official website.

Match Details:

  • Round 1: Bournemouth vs. Wimborne
  • Date: 12th April
  • Venue: Chapel Gate
  • Round 2: 26th April (if victorious)
  • Quarter-finals: 3rd May
  • Semi-finals: 10th May
  • Final: 17th May (TBC)

Supporters are urged to rally behind the team as they embark on their campaign in the Papa John’s Community Cup, striving for excellence and glory

Grant Hancox Smashes 2000 Points Record at Bournemouth Rugby!

It’s official: Grant Hancox, Bournemouth Rugby Club’s captain, and all-around rugby maestro, has reached a jaw-dropping milestone by scoring 2000 points for the club. That’s right—2000 points! Most of us struggle to remember where we left our car keys, but Grant seems to have no trouble keeping track of penalties, conversions, and tries.

This monumental achievement comes on the heels of Hancox earning his 200th cap for the club, solidifying his legendary status among the Bournemouth faithful. To put his career in context: if points were pints, Grant would have just bought the entire bar several times over. And judging by his performance, Bournemouth fans would happily toast him all night long.

From Midlands Mud to Dorset Dynamo

Grant’s rugby journey began at the tender age of seven in the Midlands, where he likely learned to fend off defenders and muddy knees in equal measure. Fast forward to 2014, when he packed his boots, moved to Dorset, and made his debut for Bournemouth’s senior squad at the age of 23. Initially a full-back, Grant soon found his true calling as a fly-half, where he’s been orchestrating rugby magic ever since.

Hancox’s influence has been nothing short of transformative. From leading Bournemouth to a record-smashing title in the South West Premier league in the 2018/19 season to delivering a dramatic, last-second penalty kick to secure a 33-32 win over Winchester last October, Hancox has made a habit of clutch performances. In short, he’s the kind of guy you’d trust to defuse a bomb with two seconds left on the clock.

2000 Points? That’s a Lot of Whistle Blowing

Scoring 2000 points is no small feat—it’s a marathon of talent, determination, and a fair bit of magic dust. Penalties, conversions, tries… you name it, Grant’s done it. His precision with the boot could give a Swiss watchmaker a run for their money, and his game-management skills would make even the shrewdest chess grandmasters envious.

Of course, this season has been particularly sweet for Hancox and his team. Bournemouth Rugby Club is riding high on a 13-match winning streak in the Regional Two South Central league, and Grant’s contributions have been pivotal. Whether he’s slicing through defences or slotting penalties with the accuracy of a guided missile, Hancox has been the heart and soul of the team’s resurgence.

A Leader On and Off the Pitch

Grant isn’t just a points machine—he’s a leader in every sense of the word. His calm demeanour, sharp decision-making, and knack for inspiring his teammates have made him an indispensable part of Bournemouth Rugby’s success. And even a recent shoulder injury hasn’t stopped him. In fact, it seems to have only added to his aura of indestructibility. (We’re starting to suspect he might be Robo-Cop.)

Looking Ahead

As Bournemouth sets its sights on potential promotion, Hancox remains as focused as ever. But for now, fans are revelling in his incredible 2000-point milestone. It’s not every day a player achieves such a feat—let alone one who also happens to be celebrating a decade of dedication to the club.

So, here’s to you, Grant: the man who kicks like a mule, thinks like a tactician, and leads like a champion. Bournemouth Rugby is lucky to have you—and if you keep this up, they might just have to rename the club after you. “Grantmouth Rugby,” anyone? Too soon?

 

Scotland star Greig Tonks joins Bournemouth Rugby coaching team

BOURNEMOUTH Rugby is thrilled to announce a major boost to its coaching ranks with the arrival of former Scotland international, Greig Tonks.

Born in South Africa but raised in England from the age of two, Tonks brings a wealth of experience from a stellar playing career that saw him in title-winning form for Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, London Irish and Edinburgh. Internationally, he made the leap from representing England at under-20 level to earning eight caps for Scotland between 2013 and 2017, thanks to his Scottish heritage through his Ayrshire-born mother.

Since retiring in 2019, Tonks has settled in the Bournemouth area with his family—and now he’s ready to make his mark on the local rugby scene as the newest addition to the senior coaching team at Bournemouth Rugby.

Will Croker, Director of Rugby, expressed his enthusiasm at bringing such a high-calibre coach on board: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Greig to the club. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and has let his expertise speak for itself from the moment he joined us. Over the last month, he’s already been working closely with the full-backs, and the results have been fantastic. It’s clear his presence is having an immediate impact.”

But that’s not all—Lions fans may soon see the former international in action on the field as well.
“Greig has started light training with a view to registering as a player. His experience is invaluable, both on and off the pitch, and we’re thrilled to have him involved at every level of the club,” Croker added.

For Tonks, the move marks an exciting new chapter in his rugby journey:
“It’s been great to step back into the game after a bit of time away. The hunger, passion, and commitment from the squad are incredible—they’re eager to grow, improve, and deliver results. As a senior coach, that’s the perfect environment to step into. The focus now is on winning every game and building momentum all the way to the final whistle of the season,” says Greig.

Bournemouth Rugby have enjoyed a scorching 12 game unbeaten run and are now just a point away from the top spot of Regional 2 South Central.

Fans can expect further big things with Tonks now on board, as they face off against Newbury on Saturday at Chapel Gate.

Jordie Wayman: 50 First-Team Caps and Counting

Before Christmas, Jordie Wayman reached a remarkable milestone, earning his 50th first-team cap for Bournemouth Rugby. From his first steps into rugby as a young boy to becoming a key player in the senior squad, Jordie’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and achievement.
Jordie began playing rugby at the age of five with Fordingbridge Rugby Club, where his enthusiasm for the game quickly took hold. A move to Lytchett RFC followed, and it was there that he spent most of his youth rugby years, developing his skills and building a solid foundation for his future in the sport.
At Colts level, Jordie made the move to Bournemouth Rugby, where he continued to shine. His performances earned him a spot in the South West England squad, a proud moment that highlighted his talent and potential.
However, rugby is never without its challenges. A serious injury forced Jordie to step away from the game for a year. Yet, his determination and love for the sport saw him return stronger than ever. At the age of 20, Jordie joined the senior squad at Bournemouth Rugby, where he has been a valuable player ever since.
Reaching 50 first-team caps is a testament to Jordie’s hard work, resilience, and dedication to the game. His journey, marked by highs and setbacks, exemplifies the spirit of rugby and his commitment to Bournemouth Rugby.
The club also extends its gratitude to Sport It First Outlet Poole, Jordie’s sponsor, for their support in helping him achieve this milestone.
Congratulations, Jordie, on this fantastic achievement! The Bournemouth Rugby family is proud of all you’ve accomplished and looks forward to many more memorable moments ahead.
#BournemouthRugby #50Caps #MilestoneMoment #RugbyJourney #SportItFirstOutletPoole

Ryan Morrell: Celebrating 50 First-Team Caps for Bournemouth Rugby

This Saturday marks a significant milestone for Ryan Morrell as he reaches 50 first-team caps for Bournemouth Rugby. A player whose journey has come full circle, Ryan’s story is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and an unbreakable connection to the club where it all began.
 
Ryan’s rugby career started at Bournemouth in the Under-5s, where he played alongside now-international Charlie Ewels, building a foundation in the sport that would serve him well for years to come. He remained a vital part of Bournemouth’s youth teams until the Under-16s, when he took an exciting leap into the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Academy, gaining exposure to a different code of the game.
 
After his time in rugby league, Ryan returned to the local rugby scene, stepping into Colts and senior rugby with New Milton RFC, where his game continued to evolve. University brought new opportunities, and Ryan thrived both academically and athletically, playing university rugby for three years. During this time, he also competed at a high level in National 3 and National 2 rugby for London-based teams, sharpening his skills and gaining invaluable experience.
 
Ryan’s talent on the pitch also saw him embark on an international 7s escapade, playing for some of the top 7s teams in the UK and representing his rugby prowess in one of the sport’s fastest and most thrilling formats.
 
After university, Ryan returned to the South Coast, rejoining New Milton RFC for a period, followed by a short stint at Wimborne RFC. But in 2021, the call of home proved too strong to resist, and Ryan made his way back to Bournemouth Rugby, bringing his wealth of experience and skill back to where it all began.
 
Since rejoining, Ryan has become an integral part of the first team, showcasing his versatility, rugby IQ, and passion for the game. His 50th cap is not just a celebration of his commitment to Bournemouth Rugby but a reflection of his journey through the highs and challenges of a remarkable rugby career.
 
A special thank you to New Forest Fires, who proudly sponsor Ryan at Bournemouth Rugby.
 
On behalf of everyone at Bournemouth Rugby, we congratulate Ryan on this incredible achievement and thank him for his contributions to the club. Here’s to many more caps and unforgettable moments in the Bournemouth kit.
 
#BournemouthRugby #50Caps #RugbyJourney #RugbyFamily #NewForestFires

U15s Player of the Month: Joe!

Joe has shown remarkable maturity and versatility on the rugby field, making him an invaluable member of the U15s squad. His consistent commitment to training has seen him develop into a dynamic player, ready to step up for the team in any position.

Whether it’s controlling the game at scrum half, orchestrating play at fly half, or showcasing his defensive prowess at outside centre, Joe has proven his ability to excel in multiple roles. His determination and strong work ethic have allowed him to refine his skills, playing with an understanding of the game well beyond his years.

Joe’s positive attitude and adaptability are a testament to his character, and his growth as a player promises even greater achievements in the future. Congratulations, Joe—you’re an inspiration to the team!

With thanks to our sponsors:
Levey Construction, Anthony David, South Coast Property Show, Norman Motors, and Cool Loft Conversions.

#PlayerOfTheMonth #TeamworkInAction #BournemouthRugby

U8s Player of the Month: Erin!

Since joining Bournemouth Rugby’s U8s, Erin has proven to be a phenomenal asset to the team. Her compassion and dedication to both rugby and her teammates shine through in everything she does.

Erin is a model player—courteous to coaches, always eager to volunteer, and full of great suggestions. Whether it’s during training or match day, she dives in with enthusiasm, motivating others and spreading positivity. With a constant smile on her face as she steps onto the pitch, Erin embodies the joy and spirit of rugby.

Her commitment to the core values of TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship) is evident in every aspect of her game, setting an inspiring example for her peers.

As Coach Simon says:
“I believe the future of rugby for Erin will hold so much promise, and I can’t wait to see her put into practice all that she has learned.”

Congratulations, Erin! Your hard work and attitude make us incredibly proud.

With thanks to our sponsors:
Lasernet, Safeguard Protection, Bayside Building Consultancy, Bakery Boxx, and The Elm Tree.

#PlayerOfTheMonth #FutureRugbyStar #BournemouthRugby


🎄 Morgan’s Winning Design Brings Festive Cheer to Bournemouth Rugby 🎄

We are delighted to announce that Morgan from our Under 7s team has won the Bournemouth Rugby Christmas Card Design Competition with his incredible festive creation!

The competition was open to all our Youth and Minis players, and we were blown away by the creativity and effort shown in every single entry. Choosing a winner was no easy task, but Morgan’s design stood out for its originality, festive spirit, and brilliant rugby theme – perfectly capturing the joy and togetherness of this special time of year.

Morgan was proudly presented with his prize in front of the team, and his winning design will now feature on the official Bournemouth Rugby Christmas cards sent to our sponsors, partners, and supporters.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Morgan, his Under 7s teammates, and all the talented young artists who took part. Your enthusiasm and creativity are what make the Bournemouth Rugby family so special.

Keep an eye out for Morgan’s design and join us in celebrating his fantastic achievement.

🎅 Merry Christmas to all from Bournemouth Rugby! 🎄

Sponsorship is vital for growing rugby talent in the community

One of Poole’s newest stores has announced that it will be sponsoring two Bournemouth Rugby players and a community rugby outreach programme this season.

Sport It First on the High Street opened earlier this year and offers a huge selection of top sportswear brands. The building was previously home to Iceland supermarket and has been fully refurbished.

The vital sponsorship will provide Bournemouth Rugby first team players Jordi Wayman and Fiifi Adjaye with the cost of club membership, kit and medical insurance.

“We’re proud to be sponsoring Bournemouth Rugby and investing in local sporting talent. Being able to help Jordi and Fiifi allows them to fully concentrate on playing to the best of their abilities. With our range of exclusive sportswear, we can also kit them out properly,” says George Cole, director of Sport It First.

Bournemouth Rugby player Jordi Wayman, 23, believes that Sport It First’s sponsorship has given him peace of mind: “They’ve kindly sponsored me for the whole of this season. It’s nice to have that backing with club membership, club funding and my medical cover for any injuries. It allows me to play with without worrying about anything.”

Sport It First is also a community sponsor for Bournemouth Rugby’s partnership with Rippa Rugby, which provides rugby coaching into local primary and secondary schools. The programme is currently coaching in 22 schools across the region reaching upwards of 700 children per week through P.E consultancy provision and after-school coaching sessions.

Bournemouth Rugby community rugby manager, Stuart Gallagher says: “There is a big gap in schools where rugby is not on the curriculum, and they don’t have the rugby knowledge or teachers. We’re often in the privileged position of introducing rugby for the first time to growing numbers of children. With sponsorship we can now focus on our key targets of promoting girls’ rugby and helping players from less advantaged backgrounds.”

The community rugby initiative would only be made possible by the support of Bournemouth Rugby’s community patrons.

James Croker, commercial director at Bournemouth Rugby, says: “The community partnership work we do is incredibly significant, and we’re demonstrating that rugby can be a sport for everyone. With record numbers of young people now participating in the game, it’s testament to the generosity of our community patrons such as Sport It First. Rugby has so many wellbeing benefits and with support we’ll continue bringing people together.”

A special discount code of ‘Lions10’ has also been created to celebrate the Sport it First sponsorship with Bournemouth Rugby and can be used by customers.

Honoring Mike Wilkes – A True Bournemouth Rugby Legend

Bournemouth Rugby is proud to celebrate one of our longest-serving and most cherished members, Mike Wilkes. Mike has been part of the club for over 40 years, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.

As a skilled and dependable hooker, Mike was a cornerstone of the 1st team in the 1980s, known for his fairness, mobility, and team spirit. Off the pitch, his professionalism as a chartered surveyor was admired by all who worked with him. Mike’s straightforward, efficient, and kind nature has touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Mike will be joining us with his family and friends for the pre-match lunch at Chapel Gate ahead of our game against Tottonians. This occasion provides an opportunity for us to come together as a club to celebrate Mike’s incredible contributions and the friendships he has built over the years.

Former Chairman Michael Yeoman captured the essence of Mike perfectly in this tribute:

MIKE WILKES – 40 Years a Member

It was back in the 80s (seems like the stone age!) when Dave Richardson, a prop of great wisdom and playing ability, said to me: “Chairman, there’s a chap coming to Bournemouth who used to hook when I was playing for Worcester. He is a nice guy, and I think you’ll find he is very useful.”

Introduced to Mike for the first time, I quickly found every word that Dave said about him was true. After a game in the 2nd team, he quickly made it to hooking for the 1st team and was an automatic selection for a long time. Mike was a non-confrontational player, unusually for a hooker! No need to resort to trickery or illegal means to get results. He played hard but fair and was extremely mobile… a great man to have in your side.

In his profession as a chartered surveyor, he practised in Bournemouth, and his surveys and reports were highly sought after. Those who read his reports respected his judgement, and his survey work was always comprehensive and full of information. Quite simply, in work and on the rugby field, Mike was straightforward and efficient, easy company, one of the best, and as many of us here today will agree, someone we are all pleased to call a friend.

Michael Yeoman
Chairman 1988–1989

Mike, we want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for all you have given to Bournemouth Rugby over the years. You have been an inspiration and a cornerstone of our club.

We send all our love and best wishes to you and your family. You are, and always will be, a treasured member of the Bournemouth Rugby family.