There is an air of optimism amongst the players, members and supporters of Havant Rugby Football Club that the club is going in the right direction not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.
Last season’s rugby teams from the men’s First XV to the Mini’s & Juniors (M&Js) produced some great performances. Senior men’s rugby just missed out on the play-offs back to the National leagues and the 2nd Team, the Dolphins remained unbeaten all season, the third team, the AXV/Mariners is, a mixture of young and old, lost just twice in 22 outings. In fact the Club was unbeaten at home after the two early defeats for the Thirds, making Hooks lane a formidable place to come and play.
The Academy goes from strength to strength with many of the first team ex-academy players. They had a tough start with many broken bones and injuries but during the second half of the season started to get things moving with some great wins.
The ladies team are also on the up after a slow start and welcome any new players over the summer who wish to try rugby. We relaunched girls’ rugby in 2015 and now have three teams, U18, U15 and U13 so a chance for all ages to get involved and play rugby.
With the M&Js part of the club there is no reason why you can not start playing at under 6 age group then walk out onto the Hooks lane pitch and entertain the crowd some twelve to thirteen years later. The M&J section (under 6s through to under 16s) is thriving, both on and off the field. We have an annual family tour which sees 100s of children, parents & grandparents enjoy a weekend away. After a couple of seasons when playing was impacted by the weather, this last season saw the number of M&J players increase. We also welcome back ex-players who are keen to stay involved as coaches from all ages and levels of the game.
The Board have big plans to make Hooks lane the place to come and play rugby not only in Hampshire but the south coast. Summer training has only just begun all the hard work starts now to make the season another success with the aim of National league rugby a reality not a wish. The club’s ethos of “one club” is really paying off. Sustainable rugby for the community. Whatever your age, gender or ability, there will be a place for you at the club, so come and join us!
As they say down the lane “up the hill”.