Community Partnerships

University of Bristol Mens and Womens sides are thrilled to announce two local community partnerships that will change the offer for students for years to come.

Due to changes in the BUCS leagues and financial implications on travel and coaching its been a challenge for the University management to ensure that all levels of the club have access to good standard of rugby. Therefore for some months discussions have been on going to link players from the university with local sides.

The offer for both will be that the sides will have local university friendlies on the traditional Wednesdays throughout the year but also have the opportunity to be selected to play on a weekend with their respective club. We see this increasing the development of the player but also offering them rugby with a value for money and an experience that will allow them to grow as person as well as a athlete.

The womens side will be linked with Gordano RFC a club that has linked with the university previously that has seen the likes of Simi Pam now of England come through the partnership. This year the partnership will be increased with Gordano staff and players training at Coombe Dingle with the squad to ensure this is partnership that supports all parties. Last year the 3rd XV would travel to the likes of Plymouth for a 11 v 11 game that would cost in the region of £1,000 in travel with this system the players will play in competitive local leagues that will speed up their development.

Head of Community Rugby, Tom Franklin said "We are delighted that we can enhance the partnership with Gordano, we will ensure that every effort is put in to ensure this partnership works. We also understand the importance of those Wednesday friendlies for that side so everyone has an opportunity to wear the university badge".

Head coach of Gordano ladies, Matt Poulson (right) said "‘Gordano rugby club has a proud place in the community game, in Bristol. We believe that rugby is the best game in the world and all aspects should be enjoyed in the right spirit. Bristol University’s values and their commitment to growing the women’s game aligns perfectly with ‘The Gordano Way’ and we are excited to launch this partnership. Together, Gordano Rugby Club and Bristol University can continue to grow and develop the community game in the area and introduce more women to this amazing game that we all love".

The men will follow a similar pathway linking up with Avonmouth Rugby Club, where the 4th XV will now get their competitive rugby offer along side local friendlies on Wednesdays. Avonmouth are putting on transport to training and offering players after match and training food and drink which we know will appeal to the student community.

Avonmouth is a stones throw from Coombe Dingle and have provided lots of facility access in the last few years for the teams to play with excellent travel links to and from Avonmouth and with 3 competitive sides in local leagues they are a perfect option for the university to explore.

Head of Rugby, Olly Slym said "Both these partnerships will be a change in the traditional approach we have followed but we are confident that this will grow our players both on and off field. Its a chance for the students to mix in the community and play a good standard of rugby. We will be working closely with the coaching teams of Gordano and Avonmouth to ensure that we are monitoring all players progression and development with the view that all players will be performance university players in the coming years".

The students will link up with their community sides in late September with updates on their progress on this website.