Individual Player Sponsorship For Season 2022/2023
The new season is now upon us and we would like to reiterate how you can sponsor an individual player. This can be a player(s) of your choice from any of the three senior men’s teams, the Valkyries and the Veterans.
By paying a one-off payment of £300, the sponsored player will have his or her annual fees paid for and be given up to £60 worth of club kit! The sponsor, who could be an employer, parent, family member, boyfriend or girlfriend etc would receive the following benefits:
- Have their contribution acknowledged on the club TV slide show that highlights all the club sponsors before and during pre-match lunches
- Can hire the clubhouse for a social function at a reduced rate
- Receive two free meals at any one of the pre-match lunches held during the season
We would also encourage playing members to seek out their own sponsors as this will not only benefit them individually but it will also bring Portsmouth RFC to the attention of a much wider audience!
Please contact Chalky White at hughwhite57@gmail.com for more details
RFU – Adult Male Future Competition Structure – (English Clubs Championship)
Adult Male Future Competition Structure (English Clubs Championship)
We are now able to share the most significant changes in 30 years to the Adult Male Competition Structure. There are new league structures for 2022/2023 as well as the introduction of our exciting new cup competition that will take place at the end of the season.
The positive changes will deliver:
• reduced travel time and distance for the majority
• more localised matches
• new Cup competition to begin in March 2023
These changes have been designed following feedback from clubs and players responding to their needs and changes in society. The changes are intended to reboot and re-energise community rugby, improving player retention and attracting new players to the adult men’s game.
All the information you need to help you prepare for the upcoming season and beyond is below, as well as a reminder of why the changes are being made, which can be found by clicking on the read online button.
Graham ” Sid” Street – RIP – Article from the News – Friday August 19th 2022
Portsmouth RFC are sad to announce the death of Graham “Sid” Street, who had a long association with the club and had managed the First Team.
Portsmouth 7 – 26 Andover
The day started with a celebration lunch in honour of Club President Peter Golding who is standing down after 50 years of loyal service to the Club as player, coach, Chairman and President. With nearly 90 members and former players present it was a fitting tribute to a wonderful servant of the Club. He has also played with and against some pretty illustrious players including Barry John, Don Clark in his 2 matches for the Barbarians Rugby Club as the sole uncapped player, as was the tradition in those days. It is probably true to say that Portsmouth R.F.C wouldn’t be where it is today without his hard work and commitment. President Elect Nigel Morgan made a presentation to Peter with a very emotional speech outlining his various achievements and Peter recieved several standing ovations from those present.
On a sunny but rather cold day Portsmouth got proceedings underway. Andover were soon on the attack and only some very robust Portsmouth defence kept them at bay. Eventually a cross kick from Andover went into touch giving Portsmouth a chance to clear their lines from the resultant lineout. Andover had the chance to be first on the score board with a penalty kick but it went wide of the posts. Shortly after this Andover set up another attack and from a long miss pass that was brilliantly read by flyhalf Gareth Davies who intercepted the pass and raced away almost three quarters of the length of the pitch to score wide out. He was also on target with the conversion giving the home side a 7 – 0 lead. Shortly after this Portsmouth again had a chance to increase their lead as they crossed the line but the Ref deemed the ball held up giving Andover a goal line dropout. After a period of pressure from Andover they managed to score out wide which was converted thus taking the score to 7 – 7. with about 5 minutes remaining. Shortly before half time Andover were able to increase their score to 7 – 12 with an unconverted try and the half time whistle went jusy afterward..
Andover got the secopnd half underway with Portsmouth having the benefit of a slight wind at their backs together with a flurry of snow. After a period of pressure from Andover when they were camped about 5 metres from the Portsmouth line, prop Ian French managed to drive Andover back about 10 – 15 metres thus relieving the pressure. However, Andover were soon able to increase their score wth a converted try giving them a 7 – 19 lead. Portsmouth then laid seige to the Andover try line but they eventually lost possession which saw the visitors kick upfield and suddenly they were scoring under the posts taking their scoe to 7 – 26 . Portsmouth were soon back on the attack but eventually they lost possession giving Andover the chance to kick into touch as the final whistle went.
The score probably didn’t reflect the Portsmouth effort although with several players challenging the Ref’s decisions they rsther lost his earlier support. They must realise that that should be the Captains decision alone. Ian French yet again confounded everyone with a good 80 minute performance. Also Anthony Fooks held up well in his roll as prop, he is usually playing No.7. but again he rose to the occassion.
THis has been a very challanging season for players and coaches alike, with the team changing every week. They also had serious injuries to several senior players who missed a huge number of games Head Coach Gareth Richards is unfortunately having to stand down for next season due to work committments which will take up a lot of Saturdays..
After the match President Elect, Nigel Morgan, presented an award to Gareth Richards for many years of playing and coaching at the Club. Also standing down is current 1st team Manager Ian Alvey after many years of valiant service to both the Junior and Senior Club. They will both be sorely missed.
This was the last league fixture for the current season so players and Officials can all take a very well earned rest. Despite today’s loss Portsmouth still remain in 10th.position.
Next season will probably see a re-structuring of the leagues so we will have to wait and see who our opponents will be for the 2022-23 season.
I hope that you all have a good restful Summer break and look forward to seeing you all at Rugby Camp next season.
Old Cranleighans 57 – 14 Portsmouth
Portsmouth travelled to Thames Ditton in this penultimate league fixture. On a brighter moment this was also centre Dan Gates 250th.League/Cup match appearance and he has been a vital member of the 1’s for many seasons.
Old Cranleighan got the match underway and after a bit of a tentative start it was Portsmouth who got on the scoreboard first, with a well taken interception by centre Evan Watts who took the ball just inside the O.C’s half way line and raced clear for his 1st try. Gareth Davies was on target with the conversion and the score was 0 – 7. O.C’s were soon on the attack and a catch and drive from a 5 metre lineout saw them cross for a converted try taking the score to 7 apiece. Portsmouth then lost No.8 Ollie Simpson to a yellow card for a deliberate slapdown of the ball. O.C’s were able to increase their score from the resultant penalty with a converted try giving them a 14 – 7 lead into half time.
Portsmouth got the second half underway playing into a stiff breeze but it was them who kept attacking the O.C’s line and from a series of raids they were eventually successful with Evan Watts crossing for his second try. Gareth Davies was again on target with the conversion bringing the score to 14 – 14. More Portsmouth pressure saw them camped on the home sides’try line but they just couldn’t find a way through. Eventually they lost possession of the ball which enabled O.C’s to clear their line with a good kick upfield. From a 5 metre lineout they set up another catch and drive and scored their 3rd try making the score 19 – 14. O.C’s 4th.bonus point try came shortly afterwards giving them a 26 – 14 lead. This rather knocked the visitors back and O.C’s were now getting into their stride with a couple of tries coming in quick succession taking the score to 45 – 14. Portsmouth injury woes continued with hooker John Nichols having to come off with a achillies injury to be followed by Anthony Fookes who sustained an ankle injury. Fooks had been propping at the start of the game but then went to hooker. This meant that as Portsmouth had no other front row replacement the scrums were now uncontested. Portsmouth managed to get back into the game and again camped on the O.C’s try line but just couldn’t find a way through. Eventually they lost possession and O.C’s were suddenly scoring at the other end, taking the score to 50 – 14. The final score came right on the stroke of full time giving O.C’s a 57 – 14 victory. This was a very disappointing result but with a much changed side from recent weeks and a long injury list of some experienced senior players it has been extremely difficult to select a settled team. Today they had only 2 nominated subs available. That is not to say that today’s squad didn’t work hard throughout the match as they certainly did that. There were some moves that showed good promise
This result leaves Portsmouth still in 10th.place on 28 points. Basingstoke,who couldn’t fulfill their fixture today, are now bottom with O.C’s in 11th.place on 21 points.
Next week sees the final League fixture at home to Andover who beat Old Georgians 46 – 26. Andover are now 5th. with Weybridge Vandals top after beating Alton 15 – 89.
Next week also sees a special lunch in honour of Peter Golding, who is stepping down as President after 50 years in various Club roles. He has been a fantastic servant to the Club. This will precede the fixture versus Andover which will kick off at 3.00 p.m.
Chris Jones – latest recruit to our coaching team
Chris Jones is our latest recruit to the senior coaching team.
Joining us at Pompey after a sabbatical from club rugby due to the covid pandemic, Chris is currently a member of the Hampshire RFU senior mens coaching team.
Chris began his coaching career with Gosport & Fareham in 2007 and has also worked with United Services Portsmouth. We welcome Chris to the club, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him and we wish him all the best for the upcoming season.
Matt Wake – New coach at PRFC
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Wake as coach of PRFC. Matt joins us having recently coached local rivals Petersfield and is currently the Hampshire U17s men’s coach. Matts journey in Rugby coaching started at Portsmouth University in 2007 and he has worked with London Irish, Hampshire RFU and United Services Portsmouth. Please give Matt a warm welcome to the club, we wish him and the senior squad all the best for a successful campaign next season.
Gym Opening – Tuesday 29th March 2022
The Club are pleased to announce the opening of the newly refurbished gym as of Tuesday 29th March.
Gym access is only available to fully paid-up members of the club. This includes Social/VP/Lifetime members. Parents of Junior members wishing to use the gym will be expected to hold one of the previously mentioned memberships in their own right.
Members wishing to have access to the gym may register to do so by completing the terms and conditions on the following link.
Once that had been processed you will receive a text message, telling you how to download the August App which is required for access to the gym. Once you have installed the App please register an account and you should then be able to access the gym.
Tom Radbourne and Natasha Davison have agreed to manage the gym in respect of membership. Their contact details are as follows:
tomradbourne@hotmail.com or text 07860 862329
natasha_davison@live.co.uk or text 07415 304161
The committee would like to thank Mark Doran, Mike Bailey, Gemma Skinner, Noisecheck and Covers for their work and support given during the gym conversion, and particularly to the club members who enabled the project to come to fruition: Chris Wreford, Natasha Davison, Amy Dare, Lee Chandler, Martin Lippe, Mark Witcher, Tom Radbourne, Yorkie Smith and Ricky Lidbetter.
Pulborough 10 – 58 Portsmouth
Jim Dixon writes…
A rather scenic trip into West Sussex saw Portsmouth play their first proper match for goodness knows how long.
Even the weather was kind with a sunny day and a gentle breeze.
This must be one of the most attractive grounds we have played on with Southdown Gliding Club next door and light aircraft towing gliders up pretty much all afternoon. I suspect it was a bit of a distraction to some of our players. Pulborough play in London 3 South West so are the same level as Portsmouth. They had a good run out last weekend with a convincing 57 – 21 win over Haslemere
Portsmouth had a few new faces on show together with some who were making a very welcome comeback. Darren Crabb, Daz Leggott and Rob Gicquel among them. Without a team sheet and the fact that this was a training run so the team was changing every twenty minutes or, so I’m afraid I don’t have scorers’ names, just the tries scored.
Pulborough got proceedings underway, playing into the wind, and Portsmouth were soon on the attack with a penalty awarded which was converted by fly half Gareth Davies giving Portsmouth a 0 – 3 lead after about 5 minutes of play.
Seven minutes later Portsmouth scored their second try, converted by Davies, increasing their lead to 0 -10.
With the Portsmouth pack pretty dominant the 3rd try soon followed but this time the conversion just missed. The score was now 0 – 15.
Pulborough then managed to get on the score board with a try through a driving maul but the conversion missed. the score was now 5 – 15.
Portsmouth soon hit back, however, and a converted try followed by a penalty on the stroke of half time saw their lead increase to 5 – 25.
The second half started playing into the wind and Portsmouth made good ground with plenty of handling moves and some good touch kicking. With the forwards in complete control Portsmouth soon added their 5th try and with the conversion the score was now 5 – 39 after about 56 minutes. The visitors then added a 6th. try, also converted, taking their lead to 5 – 46. Two more tries followed with 1 being converted taking the score to 5 – 58 Pulborough had the final score with a try following some good passing, but the conversion missed, and the final whistle went with a good victory to Portsmouth 10 – 58.
Everyone in the squad played their part well although sterner tests will follow undoubtedly. Next week sees Portsmouth at home to Gosport and Fareham in their final warm up game before the League gets underway the following week. Next week also sees the Presidents Lunch take place before the match with former player and Club member, Chef Jimmy Martin the Club’s new Caterer. If you haven’t already booked and want to come along then please contact Chalkie White quickly as places are filling up fast.
The 2nds also posted a good win -away to a combined 1 & 2’s Alresford XV 12 – 17
The Valkyries had a good win against Southampton Ladies at home 45-7
Portsmouth 25 – 0 Gosport & Fareham
Jim Dixon writes…
Portsmouth played their final warm up game at Rugby Camp, thier first home game for goodness knows how long. The match took place following the Presidents Lunch attended by 80 members who enjoyed a very good lunch with lots of tales of yester year.
Gosport got proceedings under way playing into a stiff breeze but were soon on the attack with their forwards putting the home side under pressure. Portsmouth managed to hold them at bay and gradually managed to work their way up to the Visitor’s 22 when they were awarded a penalty which was converted giving them a 3 – 0 lead. More pressure from the visiting pack saw Portsmouth again defending well, managing to repel several drives for the line. Eventually Portsmouth again worked their way up field and were awarded a second penalty but the kick went wide. Gosport then had a chance to level the score with a penalty in front of the posts but the kick went wide and half time whistle went with Portsmouth hanging on to a 3 – 0 lead.
The second half saw Portsmouth take advantage of the following wind and were soon camped deep in the Gosport half. Eventually from a good catch and drive the forwards drove over the line for the first Portsmouth try awarded to Anthonh Fooks. The conversion missed and the lead was now 8 – 0 with about 60 minutes played. A second push over try scored by Matt Hoban soon followed giving the home side a 13 – 0 lead as the conversion just missed. This was soon followed by a well taken try by the backs which increased their score to 18 – 0. Again the conversion missed. From the re-start Portsmouth caught the ball and spun it wide which enabled them to score their 4th. try under the posts. The conversion was successful giving them a deserved 25 – 0 lead and the final whistle went.
A harder game than last week was just what the team needed especially with a changed pack. Portsmouth stuck to the game plan well throughout the match, defending well especially in the first half. And better fitness served them well in the second half. Yet again the whole squad performed well throughout the game although some of the passing was a bit ‘hit & miss’.
Next week sees the start of the League season with an away game to Andover, never an easy place to go to, so it will be interesting to see how that goes.