Category: Rugby News

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!

Banbury V Bournemouth Match Preview

Bournemouth Rugby are eagerly anticipating their postponed game against Banbury this Saturday at Bodicote Park. The game was originally scheduled to take place last month, but a frozen pitch led to the match being called off at the last minute. This match is of particular importance as it is the last game of the league season, and both teams will be looking to end the season on a high note.

Bournemouth’s line-up remains relatively unchanged, with only one change due to injury. Ryan Morrell will move to the left wing to replace Ash Taylor, who is out with an injury. Mike Pope will come off the bench to start at full-back. The return of Oli Grainger-Williams, who will start on the bench, is a welcome boost for Bournemouth.

Discipline will be key for Bournemouth following a spate of yellow cards in the previous two matches, which resulted in slow starts. The team will be looking to come out with all guns blazing from the first whistle and maintain their focus throughout the match. Bournemouth has won 9 matches this season, compared to Banbury’s 5, and they will be looking to finish the season on a high by adding another victory to their tally.

Our player to watch out for is Alan Manning, who will be playing his last league game for the club after over a decade of service. Manning has been an integral part of the team and his leadership and experience will be missed. He will be looking to end his Bournemouth career on a high note and leave a lasting impression on the team and the fans.

Banbury, on the other hand, have everything to fight for, as a loss would result in them being relegated. They have faced tough competition against top of the league teams like Havant and Wimbledon in their previous matches. However, they will be looking to put that behind them and give it their all against Bournemouth.

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for different objectives. Bournemouth will be looking to finish the season on a high note and build momentum for next season. Banbury, on the other hand, will be fighting for their survival in the league. The match will be closely contested, with both teams putting everything they’ve got into it.

Match Preview Royal Wootton Bassett v Bournemouth

The upcoming match between Royal Wootton Bassett and Bournemouth promises to be an intense battle with high stakes for both teams. With the league positions of both teams at stake, the match is sure to be a closely fought contest. Royal Wootton Bassett currently finds themselves in 10th place, fighting to avoid relegation, while Bournemouth are in 7th place and fighting for a top-six finish.

Royal Wootton Bassett will be playing their last game of the season and will be under immense pressure to secure a result and stay in the league for next season. The team will need to be at their best if they are to compete with Bournemouth, who are a strong and well-drilled attacking side. Royal Wootton Bassett has been struggling this season, with only six wins in their 21 games so far. They will be hoping to end their season on a high and avoid relegation. The team’s coach will be looking to motivate his players to put in their best performance of the season to secure a win against Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth are in a better position, having won nine games this season, they will be looking to continue their winning streak and maintain their momentum. Their recent 42-37 victory against London Welsh will give them a confidence boost heading into this match. The team will be looking to build on their performance and secure a win against Royal Wootton Bassett. With only five points separating them from the top six, Bournemouth will be looking to secure a crucial win that will keep their hopes of a top-six finish alive.

The match will take place at Ballard’s Ash Sports Ground, Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday with a 3pm kick off. The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with passionate supporters from both sides coming out to support their teams. The home crowd will be urging on their team to secure a win and avoid relegation, while the visitors will be hoping to secure a crucial win to keep their hopes of a top-six finish alive.

In terms of predictions, it is difficult to say which team will come out on top. Both teams have a lot to play for, and the match could come down to a few crucial moments or decisions. The match could be won or lost by the team that makes fewer mistakes, and both teams will be looking to avoid errors. Royal Wootton Bassett will need to put in a strong defensive performance to stop Bournemouth’s attack, while Bournemouth will need to maintain their momentum and create scoring opportunities.

Regardless of the result, this promises to be an important and exciting match for both teams and their supporters. Royal Wootton Bassett will be hoping to end their season on a high and avoid relegation, while Bournemouth will be looking to secure a crucial win to keep their hopes of a top-six finish alive. The match will be closely watched by supporters from both teams, who will be hoping for an exciting and competitive game of rugby.

Bournemouth U15’s players make Bath Pre-Academy

Bournemouth Rugby under 15’s, Sam Hatton joined the team at U12’s, and he is already making a name for himself on and off the field. Sam began playing rugby with the Bournemouth Community Team at Bransgore Primary School, where he played Rippa Rugby. Over the years, Sam has developed into an excellent player, playing at lock or flanker. His skills, ability, and hard work have seen him win player of the year last year and progress into DPP and now Bath Pre-Academy.

Sam is known for his fast and elusive ball carrying skills, as well as his strong tackling. His development as a player has seen him progress from a community team to a pre-academy. Sam’s dedication to improving his skills has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and coaches, and he is seen as an important player on the team.

Another player who has been with the team for a long time is James Wheeler. James joined the team at U7 and has been playing as the inside centre ever since. He is a powerful ball carrier, has great feet, and a burst of pace. James is also known for his tactical game awareness and open play/place kicking, which makes him an essential player on the team.

Many view James as one of the most talented players on the team, and his hard work and determination have paid off. He has become an important player on and off the pitch, and his dedication to improving his skills is an inspiration to his teammates.

Jack Gallacher is another original member of the team, having joined Bournemouth at reception class and U6s. He remained in U6’s the following year when his dad took up the lead coach role. Jack has always been one of the tallest and strongest in the team, and he plays either No 8 or Lock. For a forward, he has good hands and footwork, but his main qualities are ball carrying and drawing defenders into contact.

Jack’s dedication to the game has seen him overcome two broken arms, which forced him out of DPP. However, his desire and motivation to succeed saw him get back into DPP the first time of asking and progress into Pre-Academy. Jack’s leadership qualities have also been noted by his teammates and coaches, and he is seen as an inspiration to the team both on and off the pitch.

Overall, the U15 rugby team at Bournemouth has seen the development of some talented young players. Sam Hatton, James Wheeler, and Jack Gallacher are just a few of the players who have shown a dedication to the game and a desire to improve their skills. The team’s coaches and supporters are excited to see what the future holds for these young players and are looking forward to their continued development both on and off the field.

The players’ involvement in the pre-match lunch was an example of how rugby is more than just a sport; it is a community. The players’ willingness to give their time and effort to help with the event shows their commitment to the team, the fans, and the wider rugby community.