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The Yate Rugby Blog

From a Comeback to Club Captain – Jordan Hawker’s Yate Rugby Journey

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Well, what a ride it’s been. From stepping away from rugby as a 16-year-old due to injury and lost confidence, to now captaining a men’s side in one of the most exciting and tight-knit clubs in the region—this has been a journey I never expected, but one I’m so grateful for.

I’ve been playing rugby for around 14 years, starting at school and running out for Thornbury age groups. After that injury, I thought maybe my playing days were behind me. But two years later, I moved to Yate—and as fate would have it, Yate Rugby had just launched. Something about the project, the people, and the vision drew me in, and I threw myself back into the game. Best decision I’ve ever made.


From “a few fat blokes” to a full rugby family

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Fast forward to now—our men’s team is in its 8th season, and it’s genuinely hard to believe how far we’ve come. When I look back, one moment stands out above the rest: winning back-to-back league titles. Seeing our squad rise from humble beginnings to regularly fielding two senior men’s teams, growing a phenomenal women’s section, and building a thriving youth academy—it’s nothing short of amazing.

The culture we’ve built at Yate Rugby—one of pride, positivity, and progression—is at the heart of everything we do. It’s what gets lads up for training in the rain, what brings supporters to the side-lines every weekend, and what keeps players coming back season after season.


This Season: Grit, Growth & Greatness

Coming into this season, the aim was clear: push for a top-two finish. But wow, the first couple of games were tough—Drybrook gave us a reality check, and Frampton took us right to the wire. Starting 0-2 wasn’t in the script, and it would’ve been easy to let the energy drop. But not with this group.

What followed? Nine straight wins. That turnaround speaks volumes about the leaders in this team, the resilience of the squad, and the belief that runs through the club. Whether we finish top or not, this season has been a triumph in growth, spirit, and togetherness.


The Road Ahead – Bigger, Bolder, Stronger

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The opportunity for growth in our men’s section is huge. We’re already seeing the signs: bigger numbers at training, new sessions added, and players constantly challenging themselves and each other. The coaching setup pushes us to be better every week—technically, tactically, and mentally. It’s tough. It’s rewarding. And it’s working.

Next season, it’s all about building on that momentum—raising standards, staying humble, and continuing to drive forward together.

But above all, the one thing I want us to carry into every match, every training session, and every social is this: togetherness. It’s the glue that’s held us through injuries, tough games, and off-field challenges. We play for each other, and that makes us dangerous in the best possible way.


A Final Word

Being part of Yate Rugby has changed my life. The people, the culture, the memories—it’s a family. And whether you're a player, a coach, a volunteer, or a first-time fan on the sideline—you matter here.

The club’s future is blindingly bright, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. We’re building something special at Yate Rugby, and I’m proud to wear the badge with everything it stands for.


Visit our website to learn more about Yate Rugby, and how you can get involved. Follow us on social media to stay updated with all our latest news, upcoming matches, and events.

Together, we’re growing stronger, and we’re excited to have you along for the journey!

Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Yate Rugby. Let’s keep pushing forward – with pride, positivity, and progression! Visit Yate Rugby Website

 
 

From Strangers to Brothers: How Three Clubs United to Create Something Special in Bristol Youth Rugby 🏉

If you ever need proof that rugby is more than just a game, look no further than this team.


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Last weekend, our newly formed Under-13s squad entered their very first 7s tournament—and what a moment it was. After a long season of hard work, combining three clubs—Whitehall RFC, Bristol Harlequins, and Yate RFC—this was more than just a team taking to the field. This was the result of months of collaboration, learning, trust, and belief.


We don’t count wins at this age group but let me tell you something: they performed brilliantly. Way beyond expectations. And what made it even more impressive? They’d only had two training sessions specifically focused on 7s. Yet they played with confidence, skill, unity, and above all, the true spirit of rugby. Coaches and parents alike were blown away—not just by the way they played, but by the way they played for each other.


But let me rewind and explain why this group is so special.


This time last year, most of these lads didn’t even know each other. They wouldn’t have crossed paths, let alone become teammates. But with playing numbers dropping across the grassroots game, we—the coaches and clubs—chose a different path. We put aside the tribalism, the old-school “our club, our badge” mentality, and instead asked ourselves: What’s best for the kids? The answer was clear—come together. And we did.


Week after week, these boys have trained hard, laughed harder, and developed bonds that are now unbreakable. Through new training schedules, more matches, and increased challenges, they’ve risen. What’s inspired us as coaches most isn’t the results (although we’re seriously proud of those too), it’s the character of this group.


They help each other. They coach each other. We’ve even introduced peer coaching—where players take turns leading, guiding, and lifting each other. And you know what? They've embraced it like seasoned pros. These aren’t execs in a boardroom—these are 12 and 13-year-old boys, showing leadership, empathy, and resilience. In a world quick to criticise youth for being glued to screens, these lads are proving what sport—what rugby—can still achieve.


They’ve gone from three under-resourced clubs to becoming a serious force in youth rugby across Bristol. And while we’re proud of what we’ve done so far, we know this is just the beginning.


So to our players: thank you. Thank you for trusting the process, for trusting each other, and for showing us adults what’s possible when we lead with open hearts and a shared purpose. You are everything this sport stands for.


Here’s to next season, boys. Keep growing, keep learning, and never stop playing for each other. 💙🏉

 
 

Growing the Game: Yate Rugby Academy & Chipping Sodbury School Working Together

Written by James Allen


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At Chipping Sodbury School, we believe that sport has the power to inspire, develop confidence, and teach valuable life lessons—and rugby is one of the best sports for achieving this. Thanks to the Yate Rugby Schools Network, we’ve been able to bring inclusive, engaging, and adaptable rugby sessions to our students, giving more young people the opportunity to experience the game.

As Head of PE, I’ve always been passionate about rugby. It’s a sport that builds resilience, teamwork, and respect, and I’ve seen first-hand how it can positively shape young people both on and off the field. However, I also understand that not every student feels comfortable jumping straight into a full-contact match. That’s why the support from Yate Rugby Academy has been invaluable—they’ve brought a tailored approach that ensures rugby is for everyone, whether through traditional contact rugby or non-contact formats like Tag and T1 Rugby.


Rugby for All – A Flexible, Inclusive Approach

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One of the standout elements of the Yate Rugby Schools Network is its adaptability. The sessions have been designed to suit all abilities and confidence levels, making it easy for any student to get involved, regardless of experience. For those new to rugby or who prefer a less physical version of the game, the non-contact sessions have been fantastic, allowing students to develop core skills like passing, movement, and game awareness without the fear of tackling. For others looking to progress into full-contact rugby, the structured coaching and gradual introduction of the physical elements have ensured a safe and enjoyable experience.

This inclusive approach has meant that more students than ever before are engaging with rugby at Chipping Sodbury School, and the impact has been incredible. Confidence levels have soared, teamwork and communication skills have improved, and students are genuinely excited to take part—something that every PE teacher loves to see!


The Power of Partnership

The collaboration between Chipping Sodbury School and Yate Rugby Academy is more than just about playing a sport—it’s about creating a rugby culture that is accessible and enjoyable for all. Their coaches have been fantastic role models, encouraging students every step of the way and helping them to develop both their skills and their love for the game.

Beyond the sessions themselves, this partnership has also provided a clear pathway for students to continue their rugby journey beyond school. Many of our players have taken the next step by joining Yate Rugby Academy, giving them the opportunity to further develop their skills in a supportive club environment.

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Looking to the Future

I firmly believe that rugby has the power to bring people together, teach resilience, and create lifelong friendships, and I’m incredibly proud of the impact that Yate Rugby Academy has had on our school. Their commitment to growing the game, providing free rugby opportunities for children, and creating a truly inclusive rugby environment is something to be celebrated.

To Yate Rugby Academy, on behalf of Chipping Sodbury School, thank you for your dedication and support. We look forward to continuing this partnership and seeing even more young people discover their passion for rugby!


Join Us at Yate Rugby!

If you want your child to be a part of this amazing journey, come join us at Yate Rugby! Visit our website and social media pages for more information on how to get involved. There’s never been a better time to be part of our rugby family.




 

 
 
"Pride, Positivity, Progression"
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