Recruitment Drive For Girls Rugby

Dear Member

You will be aware of just how popular women’s rugby is becoming in the UK at this time. England Women are ranked No 1 in the world and narrowly missed out on winning the Women’s World Cup in November. We at Portsmouth RFC are immensely proud of the success of our two Valkyries sides who are both riding high in their respective leagues. Not many clubs can put out two ladies’ teams on a regular basis and it is a testament to all the players, management and coaching staff that we do so.

Another successful part of the club is the Junior section, which is thriving and growing very quickly. So much so, we are looking to hire more ground at Rugby Camp from Portsmouth City Council to allow even more Juniors to train safely on a Sunday morning.

However, one area where we would like to encourage more girls to play rugby is in the Under 13’s (Years 7 & 8) and Under 15’s (Year’s 9 & 10) squads. At the moment, we don’t have enough players to run out our own sides each week and we have to make up 15’s with players from other clubs. We are seeking to address this and it is our intention to recruit more girls in these age groups.

Matt Mitchell has done a fantastic job over the last three years with recruitment and he now needs all of our help to recruit more girls to play rugby. Matt has contacted local schools, organised taster days but we still need more.

So, as the city’s named rugby club, is there anything you as the members think we can do to attract more girls to play rugby at our club?

Can you please put the word out citing the positives of the game, just how good Portsmouth RFC is for looking after its Junior players and that there is a progression path to a high standard of adult rugby for all girls who are keen to make a success of the sport.

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome so please contact Matt at matt.mitchell1975@gmail.com or Chalky White on hughwhite57@gmail.com with any ideas.

One City, One Club

PRFC Chairman’s message

After over 50 years as player, captain, chairman & president of Portsmouth RFC Peter Golding has decided to stand down. Peter is not leaving the club and will still be a regular supporter on the balcony and at away fixtures. I’m sure there will be many tributes made to Peter for his outstanding contribution(s) over many years to Portsmouth RFC, Hampshire RFU, The RFU and rugby in general.

Nigel Morgan has agreed to be co-opted on to the committee for the rest of the season as President elect and will be formally elected as President at the next AGM. Please join me in welcoming Nigel and saying a heartfelt thankyou to Peter.

Ian Alvey is standing down as 1st Team manager and this role is being taken up by Mike Caspall and Bungle. Gareth Richards is also standing down as head coach at the end of the season and the coaching team is being reshuffled. Daniel Roberts will be leading us forward in the interim. Again many thanks go to all for their stalwart contributions to the club over the years.

Jamie Allen is leaving his role as bar manager and is being replaced over a transition period by Aaron Beesley. As previously advised Lesley Gicquel is stepping down as treasurer and the club is looking for a new honorary treasurer. Anyone who is interested or knows someone who would be interested in joining the committee please let me or any other committee member know.

Regards

Jon

PRFC Senior Fixtures 2021-2022

The senior fixtures for the 2021-2022 season have been announced. Here’s a calendar for the 1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV, Veterans, Valkyries 1st XV and Valkyries 2nd XV.

Download

First pre-match luncheon of the 2021/2022 season

After an absence of nigh-on 18-months, it’s time to celebrate the return to the beloved game by staging our first pre-match lunch of the new season! The date will be Saturday, 11th September when we host Gosport & Fareham RFC in a friendly at Rugby Camp. We would like this to be a rip-roaring occasion as we return to normality and it would be wonderful if we could pack the club with members, past and present!

We would love to see tables full of Valkyries, tables full of the Junior section, tables full of Vets and even Colts! Also, tables full of potential sponsors!

The day commences from 12noon when the bar will open and we will sit-down for lunch at 1230 to 1245pm. The match kick-off time is 3pm. The three-course meal (see menu below) costs £20 per head and will be cooked by our very own Jim Martin, an all-round good-egg and master chef!

It would be great to see you in your club blazers, ties, cravats or equivalents as we haven’t had an occasion to dress up for, for such a while!

Please contact THE Chalky White at hughwhite57@gmail.com or by phone/text on 07976 989 971 to book your place(s). Friends and family are welcome.

Menu

Vegetarian option

One city, one club!