Category: Youth Rugby News

8 November 20248 November 2024

Bournemouth Rugby Under 7 Player of the Month: Joseph

Head Coach Jo Burns has shared heartfelt words about our Under 7 Player of the Month, Joseph, and it’s a recognition that carries special significance. Joseph is a proud graduate of the Lion Cubs from the 2021/22 season, and his journey through rugby has been filled with dedication, joy, and passion for the game.

Joseph is a consistent and enthusiastic presence within the Under 7s squad. He’s often one of the first to arrive at training and one of the last to leave, perhaps helped by the fact that his dad, Richard, is also one of our valued coaches. As the child of a coach, Joseph doesn’t usually get the spotlight, which makes this Player of the Month award even more special. It’s a well-deserved moment of recognition for a young player who gives his all week after week.

Joseph’s love for playing rugby with his friends shines through at every training session. His boundless energy, constant smile, and evident team spirit make him a joy to coach. His work ethic is outstanding, and his enthusiasm is contagious — if you look around the field, you’ll likely see him running around with a ball, enjoying every moment.

Not only is Joseph a promising rugby player, but he also exemplifies our core TREDS values: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. At Bournemouth Rugby, these values are the foundation of everything we do. Joseph is excelling in all these areas, embodying the true spirit of rugby both on and off the pitch. As Jo Burns said, “Joseph is doing a great job on both fronts. He’s got a great name too.”

Joseph’s recent highlight was joining us at the last pre-match lunch, where he had the honor of leading the players out onto the pitch. It was a memorable moment for Joseph and the team, showcasing his love and excitement for the game.

Congratulations, Joseph! Your positive energy and dedication to rugby have not gone unnoticed, and we’re so proud to have you in our squad.

A special thank you goes out to our Under 7 team sponsors: VPEG, Ecomec, RDS MME, VentureEP, Nutech, Peter Day, and Fylde. Your support makes a huge difference, helping our young players grow, learn, and thrive in the sport they love.

14 October 202414 October 2024

Youth and Mini News

The past six weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and development for our Youth and Mini Rugby teams. We’ve witnessed incredible growth in our players’ skills, confidence, and values.

Developing Players and Attitude

One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching has been watching our young players grow into well- rounded rugby players. Their technical abilities have improved significantly, from tackling and passing

to kicking and communication. We’ve also been impressed by their dedication and commitment to training, which has translated into outstanding performances on the pitch seen at New Milton and recent youth matches. The dedication and commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.

Beyond the physical aspects of the game, we’ve focused on fostering a positive and supportive team culture. Our players have demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, respect for their teammates and opponents, and a strong work ethic. These values are essential for both on-field success and personal development.

Great Values

We’ve been particularly proud of the way our young athletes have embraced the core values of rugby: teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. These values are not just about playing the game but also about building character and becoming responsible citizens.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors for their continued support. and kit sponsorship. As we roll our our new 2024/25

kit it’s great to see across all the age groups. Their investment in our Youth and Mini Rugby program has enabled us to provide our players with top-quality

equipment, including our new kit. The new kit has boosted team morale and helped our players feel proud to represent the club. We also now have our own U10-U14 girls squad who are developing their rugby on a Sunday. If you have a daughter that might be interested in giving rugby a go there is now a place at BRFC.

We’re excited to see what the future holds for our Youth and Mini Rugby teams over the next couple of months and with only 11 Mondays to Christmas the season is well and truly underway. With the

continued support of our players, parents, coaches, and sponsors, we believe that we can achieve great things together.

Good luck to the team today against Winchester. Our young lions and lionesses will be roaring with you this afternoon

Jamie Shanks

Y&M Chairman / Vice Chair

13 September 202413 September 2024

Remembering Ellis Edwards: A True Superhero

This weekend we will be holding a collection for Amelia’s Rainbow in memory of Ellis Edwards.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the story of one of our bravest members, Ellis Edwards. Born on April 3rd, 2013, Ellis brought joy and hope to everyone who knew him. He was everything his family had ever dreamed of, and more. As he grew, his mischievous little brother William joined the family, and together they brought endless happiness to their parents.

However, in December 2018, Ellis’s parents noticed changes. He was no longer the energetic, playful boy they knew. After many visits to the GP, they finally discovered the devastating cause: a stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Ellis’s battle began in March 2019, a fight that saw him endure multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and other gruelling treatments.

Despite the odds and relentless treatments, Ellis remained a superhero. His courage, strength, and smile brightened the darkest of days. With the support of charities like Cancer for Children UK, Ellis was able to receive cutting-edge treatments that gave him a fighting chance. He underwent surgeries that removed a significant portion of the tumour, fought through rounds of chemotherapy, and showed incredible resilience.

Though his battle was long and hard-fought, Ellis tragically passed away, leaving a lasting legacy of hope, bravery, and the love of his family and community.

Supporting Amelia’s Rainbow

In honour of Ellis’s memory, we will be holding a collection for Amelia’s Rainbow across the weekend, a local charity dedicated to helping children in Dorset who are suffering from terminal, life-limiting, and serious chronic illnesses. The charity offers support to families during their toughest times, ensuring that every child like Ellis has the chance to make precious memories and find joy, even in the hardest moments.

Ellis’s story reminds us all of the importance of organisations like Amelia’s Rainbow. As a club, we are proud to support their incredible work and urge our community to join us in donating to this worthy cause.

Please give generously and help other children and their families receive the care and support they need during life’s toughest battles.

We will be collecting over the weekend but you can also donate online https://www.justgiving.com/osodnytdxx

26 January 202426 January 2024

Under 9 player of the month is Tommy Kelly

Having joined us mid way through the first half of the season. Tommy had little catching up to do. But in the last few months all the u9 coaches have seen a massive progression. Going from strength to strength. Seeing his confidence grow has been great and now watching from the sidelines it is great to see a player who always has a smile on his face weather scoring a try, putting a big tackle or even when on the receiving end of one.

Tommy has really taking on board the TREDS values on and off the pitch.

Well done Tommy.

23 January 202423 January 2024

Jimmy and Mike’s Epic Expedition Culminates in the Summit of Mount Toubkal

In a celebration of tenacity and triumph, our U11 coaches, Jimmy and Mike, have successfully conquered the peaks of Mount Toubkal in Morocco. This marks the culmination of an awe-inspiring journey that began a year ago with their ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Reflecting on their latest achievement, they shared, “The trek was a true test of our determination, and reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal is an accomplishment that fills us with pride. The challenges were relentless, but with teamwork and the values instilled in us through rugby, we pushed through.”

The connection between rugby and mountaineering, as highlighted by the quote, underscores the importance of teamwork, commitment, and drive in overcoming challenges both on and off the pitch. The altitude and physical demands of Toubkal posed their own unique challenges, but Jimmy and Mike faced them head-on, embodying the principles of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship (TREDS) that are integral to both rugby and life beyond the pitch.

Their successful expedition underscores the importance of commitment and drive in achieving extraordinary feats. Jimmy and Mike’s journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of teamwork, exemplifying how the bonds forged on the rugby field translate into success in the face of formidable challenges.

We celebrate not only their physical triumph but also the indomitable spirit that carried them to the summit. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jimmy and Mike for this remarkable achievement.

Your unwavering determination inspires us all! 🏔️🖤❤️🦁 #TREDS #TriumphAtToubkal #HomeboundHeroes #RugbySpirit

8 January 20248 January 2024

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I’m so excited about the next few months. I say it every time I’m so proud of the dedication of our players, parents, coaches and volunteers. Without you we wouldn’t have a club driven towards growth and rugby excellence.

This month brings some new initiatives including the welcome return and recruitment of Girls Rugby at Bournemouth Rugby. We have teamed up with Allianz Inner Warrior Camps and will be running these over three dates this month. This is aimed at women, girls, mums, daughters to try something new. It’s also a great way to get fit and have a free mud spa. Find out more on Facebook and Instagram. The first sessions starts on Monday 15th January at 7.30 pm.

In other news we’ve recognised that not all youth and mini players want to play contact so we will be rolling out new Sunday Touch Rugby sessions. More info will be posted soon. This will enable us to maintain membership numbers through 2024/2025 and also offer a wider rugby experience for our youth and mini teams compared to other clubs in our area. If you know anyone interested, come and find me and I can provide you with more info.

Proud Chair Moment Incoming… Just before Christmas James Wheeler, Felix Vincent and Sam Hatton both played at Gloucester in a Bath Academy match. This is a great example of determination and hard work, in fact James has played rugby since mini age groups like alot of our players. Bath Academy, as you can imagine, has a very high standard of rugby and all three players have continued to grow and develop their rugby skills not only at BRFC in the U16 squad but through the Academy. I’d like to congratulate you all on such an amazing achievement. Thank you also to his team mates for travelling and supporting. That shows great team spirit. The only thing I would say is I’d prefer to see you in a Quins shirt!!! The future is bright and keep smashing it lads, never give up on your dreams. We are all very proud of you.

Jamie Shanks / Y&M Chairman

4 January 20244 January 2024

Player of the Month

We are extremely excited to announce the Player of the Month is Joe Rogers. Joe has shown a massive improvement in his Rugby as well as his attitude. Early on in the season, Joe has been displaying the TREDS value in every match he has played. His sportsmanship especially has stood out which has been noticed by all of our coaches as well as opposing teams. Joe has shown great support to his fellow teammates, and when not playing, he is still running up and down the line, shouting words of advice and encouragement to his teammates. He has also shown get resilience, he begged to carry on playing after being stung in the eye by a wasp and scored a try with only one eye working. He always gives 100% effort, and the U8’s are very lucky to have his energy, commitment, and support in the team. Keep being you Joe, you are smashing it.

4 January 20244 January 2024

Bournemouth Rugby Club Continues its Commitment to Tackle Hunger in the Community

In a remarkable display of community spirit, Bournemouth Rugby Club made a significant impact in the fight against hunger last year through their food bank collections.

Throughout 2023, the club’s initiative made a substantial difference, especially for the Kinson and West Howe Food Bank. The latest statistics from the Kinson and West Howe food bank for the year 2023 reveal the staggering impact of their work. A total of 2233 three-day emergency food parcels were provided to individuals and families facing crises, marking a notable increase from 1664 parcels in the previous year.

The food bank also witnessed a rise in the number of individuals fed, with 5364 adults and children benefitting from the support, compared to 4253 in 2022. Last year alone, 3649 adults and 1985 children receiving essential food parcels, reflecting a commendable 30% increase over the previous year.

The month of December, often a challenging time for many, resulting in the distribution of 270 food parcels to those in need.

As the club enters the new year, their commitment to addressing food insecurity remains unwavering. Bournemouth Rugby Club has pledged to continue its food bank collections, recognising the ongoing need within the community. The collective efforts of the club, its members, and supporters underscore the positive impact that sports organizations can have beyond the field.

Simon Carkeet, Chair of Bournemouth Rugby Club, expressed pride in the club’s contribution to supporting the local food banks. “Rugby is more than just a sport for us; it’s about being part of a community and making a difference where we can. The increase in demand for food parcels highlights the challenges faced by many in our community, and we are committed to doing our part in addressing this issue,” he stated.

The club encourages its members, supporters, and the wider community to join hands in this ongoing effort to alleviate hunger and support those facing difficult times. By continuing their food bank collections, Bournemouth Rugby Club aims to play a vital role in ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry, embodying the true spirit of unity and compassion.

8 December 20238 December 2023

Youth player of the month

Congratulations Benjamin Blackman

U7 Player of month

Benjamin’s attitude and dedication to rugby make him a worthy winner of the player of the month. At a young age he is showing the skills and temperament to becoming a very promising player. Quick feet, balance and speed are all qualities Benjamin possesses but what sets him apart is his approach to training. He always tries his best, listens to the coaches and works to get better each week. He is a pleasure to coach and a great team player. We are very proud of him and he richly deserves player of the month.

17 November 202317 November 2023

Youth player of the month

Congratulations eddie buchanan

The U11s Player of the Month is Eddie “Loves A Maul” Buchanan.

Eddie continually role models our high expectation of TREDS; just recently, when one of his teammates was struggling to keep up with the warm up, Eddie waited for him, put his arm round his shoulders and encouraged him to finish. He is also always the first to volunteer to run our child-led warm-ups and always the first to offer to sub.

Eddie really is Mr Bournemouth Rugby, with his unwavering passion and enthusiasm for the rugby club as a whole and it makes him a joy to coach. He loves to bring 1st XV tricks into our game; from “playing dead” on the floor of a ruck and running back onside with his arms in the air, to insisting all of our subs wear half on/half off bibs and showing us specific stretches he’s seen on Saturdays, he keeps us all on our toes!