Category: Rugby News

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.

Ciaran Smyth a Heartfelt Thanks for your Exceptional Contribution

Bournemouth Rugby Club bid a bittersweet farewell to one of its star players, Ciaran Smyth. Smyth is a talented rugby player who currently plays as an openside flanker for the Bournemouth Rugby. Born in Ireland, Smyth started playing rugby at a young age and quickly showed potential as a skilled and determined player.


Before joining Bournemouth Rugby, Smyth played for Barnes Rugby Club, where he was a standout player in the National League 2 South. During his time with Barnes, Smyth helped lead the team to some impressive performances, showcasing his ability to make big tackles, win turnovers, and create attacking opportunities for his team.


In 2020, Smyth decided to make the move to Bournemouth Rugby, where he has continued to impress with his speed, strength, and agility on the field. Playing as an openside flanker, Smyth has become an essential part of the team’s back row, providing crucial defensive support while also making important runs and offloads in attack.


Smyth’s performances on the field have not gone unnoticed, with many praising his work ethic and commitment to the game. His determination to improve and develop his skills has also been a key factor in his success.


Director of Rugby, Matt Sturgess says Ciaran Symth has made a significant impact on Bournemouth Rugby during his two seasons with the team. He joined the club from Barnes Rugby, and since his arrival, he has brought a tremendous work ethic, energy, and passion to the game. Cieran has been a consistent presence in the number 7 shirt, showcasing his skills as an openside flanker.


The club is grateful for Ciaran ‘s commitment and hard work during his time with us, and we look forward to his continued involvement with the team. In recognition of his contributions, we are pleased to announce that Ciaran will become one of our senior coaches for the next season.

Papa Johns Community Cup

Bournemouth Rugby has announced their entry into the Papa Johns Community Cup, a grassroots rugby union competition organized by the Rugby Football Union (RFU). The cup competition is open to all rugby union clubs in England that play at level 5 and below of the English rugby union league structure.

The Papa Johns Community Cup is held after the completion of the regular league season, and it was the most favoured model during the Future Competition Structure consultation with clubs, players, directors of rugby, Constituent Bodies, and other key stakeholders. The cup’s timing is intended to decongest the season and avoid league fixture clashes, reducing player fatigue and injury.

Bournemouth Rugby is excited to participate in the Papa Johns Community Cup, and the draw for the cup will take place in the coming weeks. Games are due to start at the beginning of April, with the finals being held at Twickenham in May.

The Papa Johns Community Cup is a great opportunity for grassroots rugby clubs to showcase their talent and compete against other clubs from around the country. Bournemouth Rugby is looking forward to taking part in the competition and representing their club on a national level.

To find out more about the Papa Johns Community Cup, Bournemouth Rugby encourages everyone to watch the video from the RFU on this link https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/playing/papa-john’s-community-cup

Bournemouth V London Welsh Match Preview

This Saturday at Chapel Gate, Bournemouth and London Welsh will clash in a highly anticipated rugby match in Regional 1 South Central game. Both teams are eager to secure a win, so spectators can expect a high-intensity and physical encounter.

Bournemouth, who are currently sitting in the middle of the league table, will be looking to build on their recent form and climb up the ranks. Their forward pack has been strong this season, dominating in the scrums. Additionally, their backline has been quick to capitalise on any opportunities, making them a force to be reckoned with.

Meanwhile, London Welsh, who are two places above Bournemouth in the league table, will be aiming to maintain their good form and secure another win. Their well-drilled defence has been a key factor in their success this season, with their backline also capable of scoring tries from counter-attacks.

Both teams are expected to put up a strong fight, making for an exciting game. With home advantage, Bournemouth will be hoping to come out on top, while London Welsh will be looking to continue their winning streak and cement their place at the top of the table.

We also welcome our match sponsors Finch. Finch are a leading insurance broker with offices across the South of England. Their mission is to provide a dedicated insurance offering to help businesses thrive and keep individuals protected.

At Finch they take time to get to know their customers so they can offer the best advice and the most relevant insurance products to suit their business and or personal requirements.

Paul Chapman from Finch has been working in the insurance industry for 33 years covering all aspects of the insurance industry. He is proud to be part of a successful team locally which continues to grow year on year, providing unrivalled support to local customers. When not at work, Paul divides his time between volunteering at Waggy Tails Rescue and volunteering at Bournemouth Rugby Club. During the first Covid lock down, Paul completed a 100k walk over two days around Chapel Gate, raising over £1,000 for the club and raising awareness of the clubs profile. Paul will be undertaking a 200 mile trek next year from Waggy Tails Rescue to Ipswich Town Football Club. Visiting other animal rescues on route, Paul is looking raise money for Waggy Tails Rescue and awareness of the problems faced by animal rescues since COVID. The trek will finish on the centre spot at Portman Road, hopefully on a match day! Good luck and thank you for your ongoing support.

Overall, this match is sure to be a thrilling display of rugby union, with both teams eager to secure the victory.

Alan Manning Bids Farewell in his Last League Home Game

Alan Manning, one of Bournemouth Rugby’s most dedicated players, play’s his final home game with the team this weekend. Manning has been an integral part of the squad for over a decade, known for his hard work, loyalty, and love for the game.


According to Director of Rugby Matt Sturgess, Manning’s loyalty, hard work, and dedication have been an inspiration to all players at the club. Sturgess wished Manning all the best in his future endeavours and expressed hope that he would return to the club in the future.


Throughout his time at Bournemouth, Manning played over 370 games, starting 357 and captaining 218. He scored an impressive 53 tries for the club and even managed to score a drop goal while at Bournemouth.


Although Manning’s time with Bournemouth Rugby may be ending, his legacy will continue as a testament to what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and a passion for the sport. The club thanks him for his years of service and inspiration and wishes him well in his future endeavours.


While it is sad to see him go, the club is excited to see what new challenges Manning will take on in the future. The possibility of his return to the club in another role in the future is welcomed, given the positive impression he has made on the club and those around him. In the meantime, everyone is looking forward to enjoying his presence both on and off the pitch until the end of the season.

Bournemouth Rugby bid Fitch farewell

Bournemouth Rugby are sad to announce Anthony Fitch’s departure from Bournemouth Rugby. Fitch departed Bournemouth this week to join Ayr Bulls after re-joining Bournemouth Rugby at the beginning of the season. Ayr Bulls is a leading contender in the Scottish Super 6 league. Prior to joining Bournemouth, Fitch spent some time playing in Canada with an Ayr Bulls player, Bournemouth Player Harry Warr had previously played for Ayr, so they had a particular interest in Bournemouth players. Fitch has been approached through the season to join Ayr Bulls and has now been offered a contract to join them as a player.

Fitch ”I have enjoyed playing for Bournemouth again this season, having been approached by Ayr Bulls throughout the season and now being offered a contract to go and play for them and I couldn’t say no to the opportunity. The coaching and back room staff at Bournemouth have all been very supportive and encouraging of me. Obviously I would like to say thank you to everyone at Bournemouth for being so supportive during my time and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on their progress for the rest of the season.”

Simon Carkeet chairman of Bournemouth Rugby has wished Fitch success with Ayr ”We would like to wish Fitch all the best as he makes the move to Ayr Bulls, Fitch has been a key part of the Bournemouth Team this season. We look forward to seeing the success of Fitch grow and hopefully will see him back at Bournemouth in future years”

New Director of Rugby announced

It is with great pleasure that I would like to announce the appointment of Matt Sturgess as the new Director of Rugby at Bournemouth Rugby club. 

Matt has been involved at Bournemouth Rugby for nearly 20 years, as a player in the early days and then coaching through the mini and youth sections and on to the colts.

 Matt then made the transition across to the senior section in 2018 as head forwards coach where he continues to lead the forwards each week, his passion and dedication for the club and his love of rugby makes him an obvious choice.

The committee and I am sure the coaches and players will support Matt in his new role along with all the other members and supporters of the club. 


Simon Carkeet

Chairman

Bournemouth Rugby

group of people raise their hands on stadium

Events and Club Engagement Co-ordinator

Bournemouth Rugby are seeking a volunteer to support them with Events and Club Engagement which in turn will support the club with their fundraising. The last two years have been particularly hard because of the pandemic and now the ongoing cost of living crisis. A club like Bournemouth lives off the generosity of others and fundraising relies heavily on local businesses sponsoring the club as and when they can. We are now only generating a third of the sponsorship prior to the start of the pandemic and these circumstances have led to the need for this new role. The engagement Co-ordinator will work with every section of the club from the youngest to the oldest helping to take the club to its 130th year.

Where

This role is a voluntary role within Bournemouth Rugby and events and engagement will normally take place at Chapel Gate or sometimes within venues in BCP. Where the events take place is at the discretion of the job holder working alongside the Executive Committee.

When

This is an ongoing role all year to ensure that we can keep the club members and supporter engaged during the season and out of season as well.

Time Commitment

This is a flexible role, and the time you need to commit is dependent on the number of fundraising activities organised. The opportunity to meet regularly with the Club Executive Committee will ensure that you are fully supported within the role. It’s important that the holder of the role is involved specifically with the Finance Team so that fundraising targets can be set accordingly maximising the efficiency of the role.

Tasks involved

The number one task for the job holder is to raise as much funding as possible from the current list of stakeholders and engaging and working to bring new stakeholders to the club.

Attending meetings with operations team, Executive committee and club sections

Planning and organising club events including Fundraising events with the support of the Operations Team and Executive committee

Working with the Operations Manager to help recruit event volunteers.

If you are interested in applying for this role please email Becky Hill at secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk with an expression of interest.