Category: Rugby News

Clash of Titans at Chapel Gate!

In a long-awaited face-off, the Bournemouth Lions are set to lock horns with the newly promoted Marlborough, rekindling a rivalry that has lain dormant for years. This clash promises to be a spectacle across Dorset & Wilts as the only two teams from Dorset and Wilts in the league.

Fresh from a hard-fought battle with Bracknell last weekend, the Lions are hungry for redemption. They’re not just seeking a win; they’re on a mission to re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in the league. Despite a few players nursing injuries, the return of key figures has injected a new wave of hope into the squad.

A special Lion’s den welcome awaits Ryan Woodford and Euan Tremlett, both poised to make their debut. Their raw energy and unbridled determination could be the game-changer that propels the Lions to a resounding victory.

Head Coach Dan Connolly’s side have put in hours on the training ground, dissecting every detail of their previous encounter with Bracknell. The return of Johny Young, Ben Goodall, and Joe Desmond is expected to shore up the scrum, an area that showed vulnerability in their last match. In the backline, Grant Hancox’s shift to scrum half, filling the void left by the still-injured Harry Warr, showcases the adaptability of this Lions squad. Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of Josh Sanchez, a rising star and the son of former coach and player John Sanchez.

The Lions’ game plan is clear: maintain their attacking flair while bolstering their defence to keep Marlborough at bay. Marlborough, having secured one victory out of two games this season, bring a mix of confidence and determination. Their performance at home against Brighton demonstrated their potential, but a loss away to Tunbridge Wells serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. With Viliame Waqanidrola and Joe Pittams showcasing their prowess in recent matches, Marlborough arrives with a point to prove.

🕒 Kick-off is set for 3 PM at the electrifying Chapel Gate. 🕒

But that’s not all; the excitement spills over to the Nomads and Wanderers as they kick off their league seasons. The Nomads embark on a road trip to face Andover in what promises to be an epic battle. Meanwhile, the Wanderers venture away to take on a fired-up Swans squad, hungry for redemption after a grueling pre-season clash against none other than Bournemouth. Both Nomads and Wanderers, much like the Lions, are battling through pre-season injuries, yet they rally their strength in numbers to field three formidable sides.

Expect nothing short of fireworks as these spirited teams ignite the league season. The Chapel Gate showdown is only the beginning of what promises to be a sensational weekend of Rugby. Kick off for Nomads and Wanderers is at 3pm.

Head Coach Dan Connolly Sets the Stage for Bracknell Showdown

As the Lions gear up for their clash against Bracknell, Head Coach Dan Connolly took a moment to reflect on the team’s recent performance and offer insight into the upcoming match. The squad’s preseason encounter with Maidenhead served as a litmus test for Connolly and his coaching staff. “It provided a great benchmark for our preseason,” Connolly remarked. “We saw some great advances in our play, but it also highlighted areas that require improvement.”

One of the challenges faced by Connolly and his team is availability due to injury which has lead to inconsistency in fielding the same match-winning lineup. “It’s frustrating that we’ve not been able to field the same match-winning team,” Connolly acknowledged. “However, the players that have stepped up have demonstrated the strength in depth that we have at the club.”

The fierce competition for positions has been a driving force behind the team’s progress. Connolly emphasized, “These players have trained hard to be in contention for the shirt. They’ve shown their dedication and commitment, and I’m confident they’ll seize any opportunity that comes their way to make the selection next week even harder.”

With a squad brimming with talent and determination, Bournemouth Rugby enters the Bracknell clash with a sense of purpose and resolve. Connolly and his coaching staff have been meticulously preparing the team, focusing on honing their strengths and addressing areas of improvement identified in the Maidenhead encounter.

Connolly’s comments reflect a coach who recognizes the potential within his team and appreciates the competitive spirit that drives them forward. As the anticipation builds for the upcoming showdown, supporters of Bournemouth Rugby can look forward to an electrifying match that promises skill, determination, and a testament to the depth of talent within the club.

Driving Forward Rugby Forward in 2023/24

Bournemouth Rugby is brimming with excitement and anticipation for the 2023/24 season. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements we have made in our youth and mini programmes, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Greg Pike as the Youth and Mini Chair. We embrace the future as a club and I’m thrilled to announce some significant structural changes and appointments. These changes will ensure that we continue to provide an exceptional rugby experience while prioritising the safety, welfare, and development of our young players within our community. First and foremost, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Greg Pike for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment during his tenure as the Youth and Mini Chair. Greg’s hard work and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the consistency and continual management of our youth rugby programmes. Greg will continue to be an invaluable member of our Executive Committee, serving as Co-Vice Chair and assuming the new role of Director of Youth Rugby. Driving forward… This is probably the worst kept secret in the club over the summer so I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and more importantly to clarify a few things and set a thought with you for the this season…. After the season ended I was voted in to Chair of the Youth and Mini teams at Bournemouth Rugby. This is a tremendous honour for me. We have a huge amount of talented and dedicated people within the club and to be asked to represent this role within the club is indeed something I’m extremely proud of. I have pride in our club, what we achieve as volunteers and how we come together to embrace one of the best sports in the world. We have a huge opportunity at our Bournemouth Rugby in creating a lasting impact and legacy with the lives of young players. Our agenda is to continue the support for the sport, dedication to fostering growth and development, and a commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, coaches, players, parents and carers. It’s time to build on our values. Greg Pike has been the backbone for the Youth and Mini’s section for the last 9 years. I’d like to personally thank Greg for his hard work over the years for his tireless commitment. I’ve personally been involved with Bournemouth Rugby for number of years and supported the club at first team level in terms of sponsorship before Covid hit. Youth and mini rugby plays a crucial role in shaping young individuals both on and off the field and feeds those teams in the future. Having two young girls myself (both players) it’s even more evident these days youngsters need to find purpose and something they are passionate about. A place that creates happiness. In addition to my new role I also coach the under 9s alongside a dedicated and passionate team of coaches (you’ve probably heard us roar on a Sunday!). Rugby instils life values such as teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, while also promoting physical fitness. confidence and mental resilience. What’s not to love about it. By taking on the role of Y&M Chair we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformative journey for countless young players and provide the support of a high quality coaching eco-system the club provides. Something I’m very serious about, especially in terms of girls rugby and a desire to elevate this opportunity. One of the primary responsibilities as Chair is to create an environment that encourages participation and inclusivity. Our aim along with a new steering group we have formed will involve developing programmes with the age groups that cater to players of all skill levels. We want to ensure every young person has the opportunity to engage with rugby and experience the joy of the sport and the benefits of our rugby family which we will continually promote. By promoting diversity and actively working to eliminate barriers to entry, we can help shape a rugby community here at Bournemouth Rugby that is welcoming and accessible to all that everyone wants to be part of. My objective is to collaborate with all our coaches, managers, parents and other stakeholders to establish a strong support network for the youth and mini players. Build upon our achievement we are all proud of and take our Y&M section to the next level we are all proud of as a club. Our aim is to provide a safe environment, building strong relationships with local schools, sports clubs and the community. Our vision is to build a first class Y&M section that becomes the stepping stone for future opportunity. It’s a long term strategy you are part of so join us on this journey. Above all, we want to create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants within our youth and mini squad. Have fun, create friendships and be the catalyst for amazing memories. The new season started at the weekend and it was a weekend of amazing energy at the club. I was delighted to personally meet so many of you at the gates and look forward to meeting you all in person and welcoming you to an exciting season at the club. So here is my final thought… Bring those earplugs.. Let’s stop purring, let’s make our pride Roar!

Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby’s Resilience and Vision for the Upcoming Season

As we embrace a new season, Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby is poised for an exciting journey filled with challenges, growth, and inspiring opportunities. With our senior, youth teams ready to hit the court, let’s delve into what’s in store for our remarkable club.

Our 5s team recently concluded a grueling season in the WR5s Premiership league, marked by fierce competition against teams like the Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints, featuring GB Squad players. Although the season was demanding and our team faced its share of setbacks, it’s with unwavering determination that we look ahead. Regrettably, the challenges led to our relegation to the Championship division. However, we view this as an opportunity for renewal and growth. The Championship promises to be an excellent level to nurture new talent and introduce more players to our beloved sport.

Looking ahead, Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby is gearing up for an exhilarating year filled with potential. We’re committed to promoting and expanding our beloved sport throughout the county, and we’re pleased to announce some exciting developments for our Cubs team (ages 8-17). Thanks to funding from the BCP Youth Fund, we’re set to embark on a thrilling journey of events and friendly matches, engaging our youth players as well as those from neighboring teams.

We’re immensely grateful for the support of our new corporate partners, EchoTown Studios and Masham Court Hotel. Their backing is instrumental in propelling our club forward. However, the journey ahead is long, and we’re actively seeking new partners who wish to join us in this dynamic and growing sport. If you share our passion and vision, don’t hesitate to reach out to us about partnership opportunities.

At Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby, we believe in inclusivity and diversity. We extend an open invitation to individuals of all ages and genders with any type of physical disability to come and experience the thrill of our sport. Our senior team trains every Sunday between 10 am and 1 pm at Rossmore Leisure Centre, followed by our juniors until 3 pm. To encourage newcomers, we offer four free taster sessions. We welcome volunteers who can contribute to our team’s success through physiotherapy, coaching, or lending a helping hand with various tasks.

As we embark on this new season, Bournemouth Wheelchair Rugby stands strong, driven by resilience and a vision for the future. We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey as we continue to foster a supportive community and embrace the exhilarating world of wheelchair rugby. Together, we’ll reach new heights and inspire the world through our passion for the game.

LIONS ON THE PROWL: BRACE YOURSELF, BRACKNELL!

After a thrilling opening encounter against Maidenhead last weekend, saw the Lions clinch a narrow victory, prevailing 40-36, showcasing their attacking prowess. The Lions are off to face the mighty Bracknell on Saturday. With the action kicking off at the respectable hour of 3 PM. The battleground? Lily Hill Park.

The Lions, hoping to make it two wins from two this season. But here’s the kicker – there’s changes in the lineup. Why, you ask? Well, it’s all down to player availability and injury. Ben Goodall and Harry Warr are nursing their battle scars, but here’s a ray of sunshine amid the storm – the injury to Ben Meaden isn’t as dramatic as first feared. He’ll be back on the pitch faster than you can say “Chapel Gate.” We’re hopeful he’ll pass a fitness test ready for Saturday.

Man of the Match, Ben Meaden, expressed his elation at receiving the accolade after over 50 games. He praised the team’s performance, particularly highlighting the sharpness in attack. Meaden emphasised the need to address discipline, recognising it as a key factor in challenging the top teams this season.

The return to action after a prolonged summer break saw several new faces grace the field for Bournemouth. Young talents stepping up to the first team marked an encouraging start to the season. The gruelling conditions did little to deter the team’s resolve, with every player from 1 to 18 putting in a commendable effort.

Meaden’s personal form was attributed to a focused preseason regimen, with special thanks to the Strength and Conditioning team.

Reflecting on last season’s encounters with Bracknell, it’s worth noting that Bournemouth faced them away first, resulting in a narrow 10-17 loss. However, when they met at home, Bournemouth emerged victorious with a 23-17 win. Given these past encounters, Saturday’s clash promises to be a closely contested affair.

Now, onto the formidable Bracknell side. Sure, they may have tripped over their own shoelaces in their season opener against Brighton, losing 48-29, but don’t underestimate them. When they play at home, they’re as welcoming as a bulldog in a tutu – and just as determined!

To claim victory here, our Lions will need to unleash their attacking prowess. Fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter against Bracknell RFC. As the team continues to gel and new talents emerge, the promise of an exhilarating season ahead looms large.

Message from the chairman about Match official abuse

Another season is about to start and as a club we will be taking a hard approach to ANY RED CARDS given this season to players, coaches or spectators found guilty of Match official abuse.

This will be across the club at all levels.

Bournemouth Rugby will not tolerate such ill discipline as it falls far from our club and sport values.

Anyone found guilty will be expected to attend the club disciplinary hearing and will also be expected to pay the sanctioned fine that comes with this charge.

I feel it is unfair on all other club members that we should spend their club funds for your actions.

Please take this as a final warning regarding this matter.

Regards

Simon.

Annual General Meeting – 2023

1900hrs - WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST 2023 VENUE - CHAPELGATE

Thank you if you have already replied that you are attending. The meeting will be open to all members. Please register to attend via the link https://forms.office.com/e/eREtQn6eiA, or by emailing Becky Hill Directly secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk your membership will be verified and further details and papers will be sent out to you in due course.

The Agenda, Proxy Form and Election of Officers Nomination Form are attached. If you can’t attend in person but would like to nominate a Proxy, please return the Proxy Form to Becky Hill, at secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk Likewise, if you’d like to nominate anyone for any of the Officer positions please return to Becky, by Monday 16th August.

Minutes of last AGM, Accounts, Finance Report, Chairman’s Report and Proxy forms will be sent in advance.

We hope you can join us.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://forms.office.com/e/eREtQn6eiA

We would welcome questions in advance even if you are unable to attend the AGM. If you have any questions please send these to Becky Hill secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk

click to Download your forms

AGM Proxy Form 2023

AGM Election of Officers and Nomination 2023

2023/24 Youth & Mini Leadership Team

As we the new season approaches, Bournemouth Rugby Club is brimming with excitement and anticipation. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements we have made in our youth and mini programs, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Greg Pike as the Youth and Mini Chair. Greg’s unwavering commitment and passion have been the driving force behind our success. However, as we embrace the future, we are thrilled to announce some significant changes and appointments. These changes will ensure that we continue to provide an exceptional rugby experience while prioritising the safety, welfare, and development of our young players. 

First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Greg Pike for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment during his tenure as the Youth and Mini Chair. Greg’s hard work and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and success of our youth rugby programs. His passion for developing young talent and his ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment for our players have been instrumental in shaping the future of our club. While stepping down from his role as Youth and Mini Chair, Greg will continue to be an invaluable member of our Executive Committee, serving as Co-Vice Chair and assuming the new role of Director of Youth Rugby. Greg will oversee the entire youth section of our club, from the Lion Cubs through to the Academy players along side our Youth and Mini Chair, Jamie Shanks. Their wealth of experience and expertise will provide invaluable guidance as we strive to create a nurturing and competitive environment for our young players.

We are delighted to introduce Jamie Shanks as the new Youth and Mini Chair of Bournemouth Rugby Club. Jamie brings experience and a deep passion for youth rugby to his new role. His dedication and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to guide our youth and mini programs forward. Jamie’s vision for nurturing young talent and his commitment to player development will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our club.

Assuming the responsibility for the exciting world of mini rugby at Bournemouth Rugby Club is Chris Gould, who will remain as the Minis Vice Chair.  With his expertise, we are confident that our mini players will continue to develop their skills and love for the game under his guidance.

Andy Taylor will continue to take charge Fixtures for the upcoming season. Andy’s meticulous approach and organizational skills will ensure that our players have a well-planned and enjoyable fixture schedule, allowing them to showcase their abilities against other clubs and foster a spirit of fun, healthy competition and enjoyment of the game.

Sian Reid has been appointed as the TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) Lead for Bournemouth Rugby Club. Sian’s commitment to player welfare and her understanding of the intricacies of these critical areas will play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive environment for our youth and mini players. She will work closely with the coaching staff and parents to ensure that each player’s needs are met, both on and off the field.

Simon Hortop will continue in the role of Safeguarding Lead for the club. Simon’s extensive experience and expertise in safeguarding will ensure that all players are protected, and their welfare remains our utmost priority. He will be supported by Janet McKrill and Sian Reid and Catherine Roberts, who will work closely together to implement robust safeguarding procedures.

Simon Carkeet reflects on the changes and the season ahead

“We are immensely grateful to Greg Pike for his exceptional contributions as the Youth and Mini Chair over the years. Greg’s dedication and passion for youth development have been truly inspiring, and his impact on our club cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, we have witnessed tremendous growth and success in our youth programs. On behalf of Bournemouth Rugby Club, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Greg for his tireless efforts and congratulate him on his new role as Director of Youth Rugby.

As we look ahead to the forthcoming season, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional rugby experience for our young players, nurturing their talent, and fostering their love for the game. Our focus remains on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every player can thrive and reach their full potential. The forthcoming season promises exciting opportunities for growth, development, and competition, and we are committed to ensuring that our youth and mini players have a memorable and rewarding experience.

Together with our talented coaching staff, dedicated volunteers, and supportive parents, we are confident that Bournemouth Rugby Club will continue to be a place where young players can excel both on and off the field. We eagerly anticipate the season ahead and the chance to witness the progress and achievements of our academy, youth and mini sections.

Let’s come together, as a united Bournemouth Rugby Club, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our players, and shape the future of our club. Bring on the forthcoming season!

BOURNEMOUTH ACADEMY LAUNCH 13th JULY 2023

Are you an ambitious rugby player who in September will be of the age for year group 11, 12 or 13? Do you want to develop in an environment where you have the opportunity to achieve your goals and be the best version of yourself?

On Thursday 13th July at 7pm we’d love you to join us at Chapel Gate for a presentation of what the season holds and how we will ensure that your development is at the forefront of everything we do. There is no commitment and we’d love to see any player who wants to test themselves.

Combining some of the best and most experienced coaches in the region, led by Academy Director Jo Burns (Level 3 Coach) the coaching team will support your development and ensure that you:

  • Enjoy yourself with existing and new team mates
  • Have the opportunity to test and improve your capability
  • Develop attributes in all facets of rugby – mental, physical, technical & tactical.

We recognise that The Academy is essential to the continued growth of our senior section. The Academy will be closely supported by senior coaches Dan Connolly (Senior Rugby Head Coach, Level 3 Coach, Bath DPP Coach, International Player) and Mike Pope (Level 3 Coach, Senior Rugby Coach, Bath PDG Coach, Bath DPP Centre Lead, Ex Professional Player). You journey through The Academy will also be overseen by dedicated pathway coordinators Dom Davies and Jeff Allum.

Not only will you receive top class coaching, focused on you, but you can also expect:

– Player centered, games focused training
– Videoed games
– Leadership development
– Analysis for team and individual improvement
– S&C training plan
– Suitable for use in GCSE & A-Level PE
– Physio support
– Opportunity to test yourself at county and regional level (in the last two seasons 14 players have played county rugby, 4 have played regional rugby)
– Season highlight reels
– Support in gaining additional coaching through DPP/PDG programmes (in the last two seasons 14 players have followed a DPP programme and 4 players have been part of Bath PDG programme)

2023/24 Fixtures

Roaring onto the rugby scene, the mighty Bournemouth Lions are geared up to take on the challenge of the Regional 1 South Central League in the upcoming season! Brace yourselves for an unforgettable display of skill, strength, and tenacity on the field! With the fixtures released pre-season preparation is well under way.
We are delighted to unveil the fixtures for the Bournemouth Nomads team in the upcoming season! Brace yourselves for an incredible display of rugby prowess as we gear up to compete in the highly competitive Counties 1 Hampshire League! But that’s not all—get ready for some intense local rivalry as we face off against neighboring teams in thrilling matchups!
We are thrilled to announce the league games for the Bournemouth Rugby Wanderers team for the upcoming season! Get ready to witness some epic rugby action as we compete in the Counties 3 Tribute Dorset and Wilts League South! 🏆🔥

Kick off times for Bournemouth Home games are scheduled for 1500 Sept, Oct, March , April & 1400 Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. However these are subject to change.  We are awaiting KO times for away games. All kick off times are subject to change and little to no notice. Keep your eyes peeled on social media for latest news.