🏉 T1 Inter-Club Match: Great Warm Up for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 🏉

Rob: Well Rose, I don’t know about you, but my ribs still hurt… not from rugby, but from laughing so much! What an absolute cracker of a T1 game we just witnessed.

Rose: Couldn’t agree more, Rob! Nine-a-side, a full pitch, two teams of absolute characters — Team Forbes vs Team Kitson — and let’s not forget, all refereed by the legends of non-contact rugby officiating. Who knew rugby could be this fast, fun, and downright entertaining?

Rob: The bravery award has to go straight to Kitson himself. Playing with that high chance of injury (and we mean very high!) while leading his own team — heroic stuff.

Rose: Heroic? Or foolish? Especially after two almost interceptions that could’ve been moments of the match… if only he could actually catch! High in rugby IQ, low in skill level — that’s Kitson in a nutshell.

Rob: True enough! Now Jade was flying around again, but a couple of fumbles had us gasping. We’ll let her off though — her energy more than made up for it.

Rose: And speaking of energy — let’s talk about Mr. Hill! After a quick bit of catching coaching from Forbes, he crossed the whitewash for his first try, and what a beauty it was. His grin was almost as big as his sidestep!

Rob: Meanwhile, for Team Kitson, the midfield axis of Dury, Chris, and Callum bossed the centre of the pitch, while Char and Dannie had some dazzling plays out wide. Add in Becki — our resident non-contact dynamo — breaking through as always, and the crowd had plenty to cheer about.

Rose: And a big shoutout to Kelly Kitson, making her first appearance! Great to see her on the pitch — hopefully the first of many.

Rob: For Team Forbes, two players really stood out: Nathaniel with his tireless work rate, and Scarlet… oh my word, Scarlet.

Rose: Player of the Day, hands down. Her try from her own 22 was pure class — weaving, stepping, powering all the way to the line. The fact both teams stopped to applaud tells you everything. Absolute magic.

Rob: And let’s not forget the golden rule of T1 rugby — last try wins. This time it went to Team Forbes, so a massive congratulations to them for edging the bragging rights! 🏆

Rose: It was fun, it was fast, it was friendship. And it was the perfect warm-up for the

Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Rob: Speaking of which — good luck to the England Red Roses as they kick off their campaign. We’ll be cheering you on! 🌹

Rose: Before we sign off, a quick nod to tomorrow: best of luck to our Under-9s heading into the Bristol Bears tournament, and to our Under-14s taking on the mighty Bath. Rose and I will be there with our microphones at the ready.

Rob: Can’t wait, Rose. Until then — thanks to everyone who played, watched, and laughed along. Rugby at its best.

Both: Rugby, laughs, and friendship. That’s what it’s all about. 🏉

A New Era at YOSC: Investment, 6 Weeks of Hard Work, and a Home to Be Proud Of

At Yate Rugby, we’ve always believed that a strong club needs a strong home. And thanks to the incredible support of our community, partners, and sponsors, we’ve just taken a massive step forward.

Over the past 6 weeks, we’ve worked side by side with the brilliant team at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) to complete a full clubhouse rebuild — and the transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collective effort of so many. With the backing of the South West ALP & Mentoring, Yate Town Council, RFU Impact 25 and our valued local sponsors, we secured £20,000 in funding and with our volunteers we were able to turn that vision into reality.

From digital menus and screens, to refreshed spaces that feel modern and welcoming, to a bar and clubhouse designed for everyone — this is now a true hub for our community. A space where all athletes and teams meets friendship, family, and future opportunities.

What makes us proud is not just the end result, but the way it came together:

✅ Six weeks of non-stop collaboration with YOSC.

✅ A shared determination to build something lasting.

✅ The support of partners who believe in the role grassroots sport plays in shaping lives.

For our Rugby club this refurbishment is about more than bricks, paint, and technology. It’s about creating a home where our men’s, ladies, academy, and non-contact teams can thrive. A place where the local community feels welcome, connected, and celebrated. All clubs at YOSC will benifit from this, it brings positivity pride and progression to all clubs at YOSC.

To everyone who contributed, thank you. You’ve helped us build more than a clubhouse. You’ve helped us build a legacy.

💛💚💙 One club. One community. One future.

#YateRugby #Impact25 #YOSC #GrassrootsSport #Community #Legacy #UpTheYate #YateRugbyAcademy #YateRugbySchoolsNetwork

Welcome Mortgage Mind – Proud Sponsors of Yate Rugby

At Yate Rugby, we’re more than just a club – we’re a family. And that’s why we’re so excited to welcome Mortgage Mind as one of our newest pitch side sponsors, joining us on our mission to keep rugby accessible, inclusive, and free for children and young people. Having provided player sponsorship for the past 4 years, we love that Mortgage Mind are continuing with us, in our new sponsorship model which includes Players and Pitch side sponsorship.

Who Are Mortgage Mind?

Mortgage Mind is a friendly, independent mortgage advisory business that takes the stress out of one of life’s biggest decisions. From first-time buyers to re-mortgages, home movers, and even commercial and development finance, Mortgage Mind offers clear, straightforward advice to help people find the right solution for their needs.

Check them out here 👉 www.mortgagemind.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @MortgageMind

Why Yate Rugby?

For Mortgage Mind, rugby has always been close to the heart. With family roots in the game – a brother who played, a dad who coached – and Welsh heritage woven into that passion, supporting rugby felt natural.

But Yate Rugby was extra special. Having grown up in Yate and attended Brimsham Green School, the club feels like home. Add to that hearing first-hand from two happy customers (and Yate players!) about the club’s spirit, inclusivity, and opportunities for women and children, and the decision was easy.

As Mortgage Mind explained: “I was always put off playing rugby as a child because it was seen as ‘not for women.’ Supporting a club that breaks down those barriers and makes the game accessible to everyone was something I was especially keen to do.”

That belief in inclusivity is at the very core of what we do here at Yate Rugby.

Community First

Mortgage Mind is all about community. Buying a home or arranging finance is more than just a transaction – it’s a milestone. And by supporting people locally through these big life steps, Mortgage Mind builds long-lasting relationships, not just business connections.

That community spirit carries through to rugby too. Grassroots sport, after all, provides so much more than fitness. It teaches teamwork, resilience, respect, confidence, and belonging. It’s about friendships and memories that last a lifetime – exactly what Mortgage Mind wants to help protect and grow at Yate Rugby.

Making an Impact

This sponsorship is about ensuring rugby is available to everyone, no matter their background. Mortgage Mind’s hope is simple but powerful: if their support helps even one child or family get involved who otherwise might not have had the chance, it’s been worthwhile.

And to the Yate Rugby family, their message is clear: “Keep enjoying your rugby and make the most of every opportunity the club provides! Whether you’re playing, supporting, or volunteering, you’re part of something really special. Mortgage Mind is proud to stand alongside you, and I can’t wait to come along to some matches and cheer you on from the side lines.”

A Huge Thank You

We’d like to extend a massive thank you to Mortgage Mind for their support. Together, we’ll continue to grow rugby here in Yate, break down barriers, and provide free rugby opportunities for children, families, and players of all ages.

The future looks bright – and with sponsors like Mortgage Mind in our corner, we know it will be even brighter.