Category: Rugby News

The Manning Chislett Testimonial preview

Bournemouth Rugby fans from across the region and further afield are eagerly anticipating a special event that is set to take place on Sunday 7th May at Chapel Gate. The occasion is a testimonial match between the Alan Manning & Scott Chislett XV and the Bournemouth Chairman & Presidents XV, and it promises to be a memorable day for all involved.

The match is particularly significant because it marks the final time that both Chislett and Manning will play on a rugby pitch. Both players have enjoyed distinguished rugby careers and have been key members of their respective teams for many years.

The testimonial match is being held to recognise and celebrate the contributions of these two players to rugby. Testimonial matches are a way for fans and fellow players to honour long-serving players and to raise funds for them as they retire from the sport.

The Alan Manning & Scott Chislett XV will be made up of some of the most talented players from across the region, including many of Manning and Chislett’s former teammates. The team will be captained by both Manning and Chislett, determined to give him a fitting send-off.

Their opponents, the Bournemouth Chairman & Presidents XV, will also feature some top-quality rugby players. The team will be made up of current and former players from Bournemouth Rugby Football Club, and they will be eager to give the retiring players a tough challenge.

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams playing with great passion and determination. It will be a chance for rugby fans to see some of the best players from across the region in action and to celebrate the careers of two great players.

After the match, there will be food and a disco to honour Manning and Chislett’s contributions to rugby. The testimonial match promises to be a fantastic day out for rugby fans and a fitting tribute to two players who have given so much to the sport. Fans are encouraged to come along and show their support for these two great players on their final day on the pitch.

Scott Chislett an outstanding rugby player

Scott Chislett is an outstanding rugby player, who has made an incredible impact on the Bournemouth Rugby Club. As a fan’s of the sport, we have had the privilege of watching Scott play over the years, and it has been a pleasure to witness his evolution as a player. Scott is an exceptional athlete, and his numerous achievements in rugby are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Having come through the youth and mini set up from the U11s, Scott has been an integral part of the Bournemouth Rugby team, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Scott’s senior journey began in 2004 when he made his debut as an outside centre against North Dorset, which was followed by his first try for the club against Minety. His impressive performance earned him the Chairman’s Trophy for Young Player of the Year, which was just the beginning of a string of accolades that he would win in his career.

Over the years, Scott’s hard work and dedication paid off as he continued to set new records and milestones. He won the Chairman’s Trophy for Young Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons, in 2005/07 and 2006/07. In the latter season, he also earned his 1st XV Honours tie and delayed his flight to New Zealand to play in the promotion playoffs for Bournemouth Rugby.

Scott continued to push himself in the following seasons, setting new records and reaching new milestones. In 2008/09, he scored his second hat-trick against Exmouth and set a new inside Centre career record of 24, formerly held by Dan Cawley. He extended his own record to 34 tries in 2009/10, which earned him the John Plank Travel Trophy for Player of the Year.

Scott’s impressive performance and contribution to the team did not go unnoticed, and in the 2010/11 season, he made his 100th start for the club. He scored over 150 points by October, and by the end of the season, he had extended his own Inside Centre career record to 51. Scott played inside centre for Dorset & Wilts in the County Championship Shield, and his team won the Final at Twickenham against Surrey. On route to the final Scott scoring a Hat trick to secure the teams place at Twickenham.

In the following seasons, Scott continued to break records and reach new milestones, including reaching 250 points in the 2011/12 season and breaking the inside Centre consecutive appearances record in 2012/13. In 2013/14, his point-scoring record reached 300 points, and by the end of the season, he had extended his own inside Centre career record to 103.

Scott’s impressive performance and dedication to the sport continued into the 2018/19 season, where he scored his 400th point against Old Patesians and was selected for the 300th time. He was awarded the Player of the Month for April and amassed over 100 points, taking his points tally to over 500 in all matches. In addition, he was the leading inside Centre with a Career of 209 and a Season of 23. Scott was also the second-highest try-scorer in a career with 82 tries.

Scott’s contribution to the team has been immense, and he has been a vital part of the team’s success, including reaching the promotion playoffs and narrowly missing out on promotion in the 2017/18 season. He was awarded The John Plank Travel Trophy for Player of the Year multiple times, demonstrating his impressive performance and dedication to the sport.

Through his career, Scott has played 341 games, starting 323 of those. He scored 82 tries and 12 conversions, which is a testament to his skill.

In addition to his achievements on the field, Scott has also been an inspiration to many off the field. He is known for his humble and respectful demeanour, and his dedication to the sport has been an inspiration to many young rugby players. Scott has shown that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, and he has set an example for others to follow.

In conclusion, Scott Chislett is an exceptional rugby player and a true legend of the sport. His achievements on the field are nothing short of remarkable, and his unwavering dedication to the game has made him a respected figure both on and off the field. It has been a privilege to watch Scott play over the years, and I am honoured to be able to write this testimonial for him. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest rugby players in Bournemouth’s history, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players for years to come.

Bournemouth Rugby Club Players Selected for South West U20s Trials

Ten of Bournemouth Rugby Players have been playing for the Dorset and Wilts Under 20s County team this season. Connor Moore, Louis Allum, Stan Vincent, Oli Claude, James Saund, Fin Raworth, Maverick Goodchild, Josh Wickens, Nathan Duffield, and James Brookes have all been representing the county team with distinction.

The Dorset and Wilts Under 20s County team is made up of the best young rugby players from the region, and it is a significant accomplishment for any player to be selected for the team. The fact that ten Bournemouth Rugby Club players have been playing for the county team this season is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent.

The Dorset and Wilts Under 20s County team has been having a successful season, with wins against tough opposition to ensure that they won their pool with big wins. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaching staff and players. Congratulation to all players who have played a part in this successful team selected from the county’s teams.

We are proud to see Conrad Carkeet supporting the Dorset and Wilts County Coaching Team and Ian Moore, leading the county’s Under 20s team this season also with Martyn Peel from Dorchester RFC. Having taken extensive rugby knowledge to training and games and will also develop their own coaching skills which Carkeet and Moore will be able to bring back to the club to support the continued development of Bournemouth Rugby.

Bournemouth Rugby Club is proud to announce that six of these players have been selected for the South West U20s trials. Connor Moore, James Saund, Nathan Duffield, James Brooks, Stanley Vincent and Maverick Goodchild have all been chosen to participate in the upcoming trials, which will be held on May 28th at Bristol Grammar School.

The South West U20s trials are a crucial step towards representing the South West at the U20s level. The trials will be attended by some of the region’s most talented young rugby players, all competing for a spot on the team. Bournemouth Rugby Club is thrilled to have so many of its players selected for this opportunity.

Connor Moore, a talented scrum-half, his impressive performances have earned him a place in the South West U20s trials. Maverick Goodchild, a dynamic winger, has also been selected for the trials. Goodchild’s speed and quick thinking on the pitch have made him a valuable asset to the Bournemouth Rugby Club.

Nathan Duffield, James Brooks, Stanley Vincent, and James Saund are all talented forwards who have been selected for the South West U20s trials. Duffield, a strong and powerful prop, has been an integral part of Bournemouth Rugby Club’s forward pack this season. Brooks, a skilled flanker, has consistently demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing teams’ attacks. Vincent, a towering back-row, has impressed with his lineout skills and physicality on the field. Saund, a hard-working prop, has shown his ability to make tough tackles and provide support in the scrum.

Bournemouth Rugby Club’s Director of Rugby, Matt Sturgess, expressed his pride in the players’ selection, saying, “We’re incredibly proud to have so many of our players selected for the South West U20s trials. It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. We wish them all the best of luck and look forward to following their progress in the trials.”

The South West U20s trials promise to be an exciting and competitive event, with some of the region’s most talented young rugby players vying for a place on the team. Bournemouth Rugby Club is proud to have its players represented at such a high level and wishes them all the best for the trials.

Director of Rugby reflects on the season

As Director of Rugby at Bournemouth Rugby, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all of the support you have shown us throughout the season. Your unwavering dedication has truly made a difference and has helped us achieve great success.

To our players, thank you for your commitment to the team and your outstanding performances on the field. You have demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, and have made us all incredibly proud.

To our members, supporters, parents, coaches, and managers, thank you for your unwavering support both on and off the pitch. Your enthusiasm and encouragement have been a driving force behind our success, and we could not have achieved our goals without you.

To our ex-com, sponsors, and partners, thank you for your generous contributions to our club. Your support has allowed us to provide our players with the resources they need to excel, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued investment in our team.

As we reflect on the season, we are reminded of the incredible community that surrounds us and the impact that we can have when we work together towards a common goal. I am delighted to acknowledge the tremendous success that our teams have achieved on the pitch this season. From the juniors to the seniors, we have witnessed outstanding performances and victories that have brought great joy and pride to our community.

As we look to the future, we are excited to build on this success and continue to grow and develop the club. We will work tirelessly to provide our players with the best opportunities to improve their skills, and to foster an environment of inclusivity and teamwork that encourages everyone to reach their full potential.

Once again, thank you for your support, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for Bournemouth Rugby and look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Announcing the Winners of our Prize Draw

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our recent prize draw, which took place over the weekend at the Bournemouth Rugby Youth Festival. The festival saw teams enter from across England and Wales, from u7s to u15, making it an exciting and diverse event. Not only was it a fun event for all, but we also managed to raise £1460 for The Steve Bernard Foundation and Bournemouth Rugby.

Bournemouth Rugby are charity partners with The Steve Bernard Foundation. The Foundation was set up in memory of the affectionately named Stevie B following his tragic passing in a car accident in November 2005. Following his death, his family and friends were inundated with support and donations. It seemed right, even in the earliest stages that these funds should go to that which Steve loved best, sport.

Since the foundation was formed in February 2006, it has gone on to raise more than £500,000 for sporting projects based across Bournemouth, Dorset, and the South Coast. To date, the foundation has supported more than 400 projects covering more than 30 sports and 4 continents.

The foundation, run entirely by volunteers, has offered guidance, financial support and predominantly equipment to a range of good causes ranging from supporting the AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts Team to potential Olympic athletes of the future; from providing new kit to local boxing clubs to funding outreach projects in Thailand, Uganda, and Kenya.

We’re proud to have been able to contribute to this incredible cause through our prize draw. We would like to thank everyone who supported the prize draw, from donating prizes to selling and purchasing tickets. It’s always a pleasure to engage with our community and offer exciting opportunities like this one, and we’re thrilled that we were able to do so while also supporting such a fantastic foundation.

Without further ado, here are the lucky winners of our prize draw, Congratulations to each of our winners!

1st Prize – Bournemouth Beach Hut Stay Winner – Luke Ryan
2nd Prize – Photo Shoot at DK Capture Photography Winner – Marie
3rd Prize – Bournemouth Rugby Match Hospitality Day – Winner Jane Ashworth
4th Prize – Bournemouth 7s Tickets – Winner Dan Clark
5th Prize – Bournemouth 7s Ticket – Winner Chris Bell
6th Prize – Meal for 2 at 1812 – Winner Maybells Maddrell
7th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner Jarvo
8th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner N James
9th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner Pete
10th Prize – £25 Horseman Voucher – Winner Waldie
11th Prize – Make-up Goodie Bag – Winner Nadine Cooke
12th Prize – Perfume – Winner Paula Morgan
13th Prize – Wine – Winner Gareth Wakelyn
14th Prize – Wine – Winner Jan
15th Prize – Make-up Goodie Bag – Winner Neil Rose
16th Prize – Wine – Winner Stu Hiscock
17th Prize – Winner Kev Mathie
18th Prize – Winner Catherine Roberts
19th Prize – Rugby Ball and Kicking Tee – Winner Luke Ryan
20th Prize – Winner Loz Taylor
21st Prize – Wine – Winner Name Unknown Ticket Number 2337
22nd Prize – Rugby Ball and Kicking Tee – Winner Richard Hill
23rd Prize – Rugby Ball and Kicking Tee – Winner Name Unknown Ticket number 2455

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who entered our prize draw and supported our fundraising efforts for The Steve Bernard Foundation and Bournemouth Rugby. We hope you enjoyed participating as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

For those who weren’t selected this time around, don’t worry – we’ll be running more competitions and giveaways in the future, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

Once again, congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered and supported this fantastic cause. We look forward to continuing to engage with and support our amazing community in the future, and we hope you’ll join us on our journey with The Steve Bernard Foundation.

Bournemouth Rugby Festival: A Celebration of Youth Rugby

Over a thousand young rugby players from across the United Kingdom are gearing up to take part in the Bournemouth Rugby Festival at Chapel Gate this weekend. The festival, which has been eagerly anticipated by players and fans alike, promises to be a thrilling showcase of youth rugby talent.

On Saturday, the festival will kick off with the older players taking center stage. Teams from the Under 13’s to the Under 15’s will be competing for the prestigious winners’ cups. The Sunday will be the turn of the younger players, with teams from the Under 7’s to the Under 12’s taking to the field. The first games will kick off just after 0930 on both days.

While Saturday’s matches will be fiercely contested, Sunday’s games will be all about showcasing the values of rugby, with no winner but rugby. Players will be encouraged to show the TREAD values of rugby, which stands for Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.

The Bournemouth Rugby Festival is not just about the rugby, it’s also a great opportunity to bring the community together. Spectators are encouraged to come down and show their support for their favorite team. It’s a chance to see some of the best young rugby players in the country, as well as to enjoy a fun day out with family and friends.

Organizers of the festival have expressed their gratitude to the local community for their support, especially their festival sponsor, Fortitudo. Without their help, events like this would not be possible.

So, if you’re a rugby fan, or just looking for a great day out, come down to Chapel Gate this weekend and experience the thrill of the Bournemouth Rugby Festival. It promises to be a celebration of youth rugby that you won’t want to miss!

Bournemouth Rugby’s Quirky Team Names: A Source of Pride and Tradition for Over Half a Century

Bournemouth Rugby’s team names have been a long-standing tradition within the club for over half a century, and the club president, Doug Warren, has recently taken it upon himself to delve into the origins of these curious monikers.

It appears that the teams were originally named simply “A,” “B,” and “extra B” – a rather uninspired choice, to say the least. However, in the late 1960s, the first team became known as the 1st team, while the second, third, and fourth teams received more interesting titles. At this point, Bournemouth Rugby’s chairman, Wally Wright, stepped in to give the teams their now-familiar monikers.

“The Lions,” a nod to the club’s emblem, was bestowed upon the second team. The third team, meanwhile, became known as “The Nomads,” likely a reflection of their tendency to roam from pitch to pitch. Finally, the fourth team was dubbed “The Wanderers,” which again harks back to the team’s travel-heavy schedule.

As the club grew and eventually fielded five teams, the fifth team was christened “The Bedouins.” This was presumably a further nod to the team’s itinerant nature, as well as a cheeky play on the fact that the Bedouins were known for their nomadic lifestyle.

Fast-forward a few years, and the advent of rugby leagues necessitated a more consistent approach to team names. The first team was rebranded as “The Lions,” while the second team was renamed “The Nomads.” The third team, meanwhile, took on the moniker of “The Wanderers,” and the fourth team became known as “The Bedouins.”

Warren admits that these names might seem odd to outsiders, but for those within the club, they’re a source of pride and tradition. “We’re a quirky bunch, but that’s part of what makes us who we are,” he says.

Indeed, it’s hard not to appreciate the whimsical nature of these team names. While other rugby clubs might opt for more straightforward monikers (think “The Sharks” or “The Bulls”), Bournemouth Rugby has embraced the quirkiness of its history and created names that are uniquely its own.

Of course, it’s not just the names themselves that make Bournemouth Rugby stand out. The club has a rich history that dates back over a century, with plenty of memorable moments and characters along the way.

Perhaps it’s this sense of camaraderie that has led to the enduring popularity of the team names. After all, there’s something special about being part of a club that’s been around for so long and has such a unique identity.

As for the future of Bournemouth Rugby, Warren is confident that the club will continue to thrive. “Developing a strong sense of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and personal growth, as well as playing with heart, is what has made the club successful” he says.

And really, what more could you want from a rugby club than that? With their quirky team names and rich history, Bournemouth Rugby is a club that’s truly one of a kind.

Let the Cup Competitions Commence

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to dust off those rugby balls and oil up those muscles, because this weekend is all about the Bournemouth rugby teams! First up, we have the Bournemouth Nomads taking on Ellingham and Ringwood at Chapel gate on Saturday at 3pm, and the entry is free! That’s right, folks, you can watch all the action up close and personal without spending a single penny.

Now, let’s talk about the Nomads. These boys are no strangers to the game, and they’re coming out with all guns blazing in the first round of the Hampshire knock out competition. They’ve even brought out the big guns in the form of Mike Davies, who’s coming out of retirement to show these young pups how it’s done. And speaking of young pups, the Nomads have a few of their own. These youngsters are eager to make their way up the senior ranks and secure a spot on the Lions team next season. With that kind of ambition, it’s no wonder the Nomads are looking like a tough team to beat this weekend.

But wait, there’s more! The Bournemouth Wanderers are also making a return to the pitch, where they’ll be taking on Dorchester in the Dorset & Wilts knock out competition. Now, these guys have had a bit of a rough season, with injuries and availability issues plaguing them left, right and centre. But that’s all in the past now, because the Wanderers are coming out all guns blazing in the cup games. They’re hoping to create a springboard into next season, and they know that a strong showing in the cup games is just what they need to get there.

Both Bournemouth teams are aiming to be the champions of their respective counties, but they know it’s going to be a long road ahead. The competition is just kicking off, and there will be plenty of tough opponents to face along the way.

So there you have it, folks. This weekend is all about Bournemouth rugby, and we’ve got some great games lined up for you. So grab your popcorn and your lucky rugby jersey, and head down to Chapel gate to cheer on the Nomads this Saturday or the Wanderers who are away at Dorchester! It’s going to be a wild ride, just remember to duck if any stray balls come flying your way!

Cup Knock out Competitions start this weekend

The RFU County Knock Out Cup Competitions are one of the most exciting events in the English rugby calendar. These competitions, which are open to all clubs at county level, offer a fantastic opportunity for local teams to compete against each other and showcase their talents.

Our teams taking part in this year’s RFU County Knock Out Cup Competition are the Nomads, Bournemouth 2’s and the Wanderers, Bournemouth 3’s. The Nomads will be competing in the Hampshire Shield, and their first game is against Ellingham and Ringwood this Saturday at Chapel Gate. The Hampshire Shield is one of the most prestigious competitions in the area, and the Nomads will be hoping to make their mark and progress through the rounds.

The Wanderers will be competing in the Dorset & Wilts Senior Knock Out Cup Competition. Their first game is against Dorchester at Coburg Road, and the team will be hoping to get off to a flying start. The Dorset & Wilts Senior Knock Out Cup Competition is one of the most hotly contested competitions in the region, with teams from all over Dorset and Wiltshire competing for the title.

Unfortunately, the Lions, will no longer be taking part in the Pappa Johns Cup. This is due to player injury and availability issues, which have made it impossible for the team to field a full squad. It is always disappointing when a team is unable to take part in these competitions, but it is important to prioritize player safety and well-being above all else.

The RFU County Knock Out Cup Competitions are an important part of the rugby calendar, not just for the players and teams taking part, but also for the wider community. These competitions offer a fantastic opportunity for local people to come together and support their teams, and they help to promote the sport of rugby at the grassroots level.

In addition to promoting the sport, the RFU County Knock Out Cup Competitions also offer a chance for teams to gain valuable experience and hone their skills. The competition format allows teams to play against a variety of different opponents, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This can help teams to identify areas for improvement and work on strategies to counter different playing styles.

Bedouins derby against Ringwood & Ellingham

It’s that time of the year again folks, where the Bournemouth Bedouins take on Ringwood & Ellingham in what promises to be an epic clash between two local rivals. The match kicks off on Saturday, 25th March at 3pm, and will take place at Parsonage Barn Lane, Ringwood.

Duncan Macgregor, the team manager of the Bournemouth Bedouins, has stated that this marks the last match of the season for his team. And what better way to finish the season than with a local derby against Ringwood & Ellingham? Last time these two teams met, the match finished in a nail-biting 12-12 draw. So, all to play for this time, it’s going to be another cracking local derby game!

The Bedouins are making a few changes in their pack this week, but their backline remains the same as the team that beat Weymouth and Portland last week. With these changes, the Bedouins are hoping to secure their place as table toppers and possibly even win the Dorset Matrix. However, we all know that Ringwood & Ellingham will be doing everything in their power to topple the mighty Bournemouth Bedouins.

In a recent interview, Duncan Macgregor said, “We are feeling pretty confident going into this match, especially following the comprehensive win last week. We know that Ringwood & Ellingham are a tough team, and they will be looking to give us a run for our money.”

But let’s not forget about the fun and humour that comes with local derby matches like this. We can expect to see some hilarious banter both on and off the pitch from both sides. The Bedouins will be hoping that their “ooohs” and “ahhhs” are louder than Ringwood & Ellingham’s “boos” and “hisses.”

As for the match itself, we can expect to see some high-quality rugby from both teams. The Bedouins have been playing some outstanding rugby this season, with their backline in particular showcasing some silky skills and pace. But Ringwood & Ellingham are no slouches either, and they will be looking to use their size and strength to their advantage.

It’s hard to predict which team will come out on top in this match, but one thing is for sure, it’s going to be a cracker. The Bournemouth Bedouins will be looking to finish the season on a high note, while Ringwood & Ellingham will be looking to spoil the party.

So, if you want to witness some top-quality rugby and some hilarious banter, be sure to head down to Parsonage Barn Lane, Ringwood on Saturday, 25th March at 3pm. It’s going to be a match that you won’t want to miss!