Fourteen clubs are represented in the Bristol & District Combination squad to face Bristol Bears at Clifton RFC on Friday, May 3, 2024, kick-off: 7.30 pm, admission £5.
Scrum-half Sam Wolstenholme headlines the youthful Bristol Bears XV team partnering England U20 fly-half Sam Worsley. Harry Ascherl lines up in midfield alongside England U20 centre Joe Jenkins while Harry Rowson starts in an electrifying back three with Deago Bailey and Aidan Boshoff.
Highly rated Argentina U20 international Benjamin Grondona starts at No.8 alongside exciting young duo Kofi Cripps and Aaron Tull in a dynamic back row. The pack is completed by Sam Grahamslaw, Will Capon and Jimmy Halliwell in the front row, with Paddy Pearce and Joe Owen taking their place in the engine room at second row.
Bristol Bears Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “The combination clubs are a vital part of our rugby community, so it was great to bring this fixture back into our rugby calendar last season for the first time in many years.
“This season I’m sure will be another great evening where we have an opportunity to play a lot of young exciting talent coming through especially local players who have represented our Combination clubs.”
Bristol & District Combination squad: back three: Tom Bennett (North Bristol), TJ Hodgson (St Brendans), Ryan Goodman (Southmead), Noah Holmes-McAdam, Jack Thomas (both Gordano); centres: Marcus Brooker (Dings Crusaders), Kris Richards (Clifton), Jon Armstrong (Barton Hill), Devon White (Southmead), Billy Cantin (North Bristol); fly-half: Stuart Heal (Chew Valley); scrum half: Archie Stapleton, Mac Hill (both Dings Crusaders); props: Dean Brooker (Chew Valley), Harry O’Donnel (Old Redcliffians), Hugo Aniksztejn (BAC), Josh Lloyd (Dings Crusaders), Tom Price (Avonmouth OB); hooker: Billy Heal (Aretians); locks: Dylan Goodman (North Bristol), Nick Yiasoumi (Barton Hill), Shay Sainsbury (Clifton); back row: Charlie Ashcroft (Cotham Park), Chris McCann (Clifton), Jay Burley (Bristol Saracens), Jay Evans (Clifton), Toby Popple (Southmead).
Bristol Bears XV: Harry Rowson; Deago Bailey, Joe Jenkins, Harry Ascherl, Aidan Boshoff; Sam Worsley, Sam Wolstenholme; Sam Grahamslaw, Will Capon, Jimmy Halliwell, Paddy Pearce, Joe Owen, Aaron Tull, Kofi Cripps, Benjamin Grondona. Reps: Louie Trevett, Fred Davies, Andrew Turner, Peter Paramore, Gabriel Mann, Oscar Lennon, Gethin O’Callaghan, Henry Smeed, Ben Murray.
Last Sunday (April 21, 2024) saw four teams fight for Cup and Plate places at the Finals Day on May 11, 2024.
The sun was shining and the rugby was strong from all competing teams.
Spirits were high as the squads competed in 30 minute games with some scorelines being worthy of 80 minute games.
Chew Valley Ladies v Winscombe Ladies kicked off the first game of the Inagural tournament and set the standards for the day closing with Winscombe v Avonmouth.
The rankings from the tournament has defined the finals as being Chew Valley v Winscombe in the Cup and Thornbury v Avonmouth in the Plate.
Big thank you to all the teams that competed and to the volunteers who supported the Combination to bring this competition to life.
April 23, 2024
Following some withdrawals from the B&DRFC Women's Competition on Sunday afternoon (April 21, 2024) at Lockleaze Sports Centre, I would like to invite any clubs to submit a combined / Baabaa's team should they so wish.
This is within the Women's Competition regulations, therefore if there are players who want / can play, but unable to go out as their own club, they are encouraged to link up with others.
Thank you in advance.
Francesca Golton
Women's Rugby Coordinator
Bristol & District Combination
07969 212 030
April 17, 2024
The Bristol Referees Society is currently making appointments for the 13th of April. As I am sure you are aware, a number of teams have entered both the Papa Johns Cup and the Combination Cups.
In order to ensure we have sufficient referees to cover all games, including some carried-over league games, could you please advise me (saturdayappointments.brrs@gmail.com) as soon as possible of your club's intentions to enter just one or both competitions?
April 3, 2024
Adverse weather conditions during the winter months have left some teams with games to play that may take them beyond the scheduled en-of- season date of the 6th April.
The RFU Adult Competitions Management Committee, in conjunction with organising committees for the Mens RFU Leagues, met earlier this week to agree a process for managing the situation.
With the Men’s Papa Johns Community Cup starting after the league season the Committee are focussed on causing minimal impact for clubs competing in the Cup, whilst also trying not to negatively impact completion of the league season.
The following conditions will be applied for the remainder of the season:
Understandably, these conditions will not suit all teams, but after exploring the potential the options, the Committee believe this is the most equitable process to conclude the season.
Terry Burwell – Chair of RFU Adult Competition Management Sub-Committee (ACMSC)
Paul O’Leary – RFU National Competitions Manager
March 11, 2024
A controversial red card after SEVEN minutes, saw the Bristol Combo down to 14.
A huge shift from everyone saw a 12-8 win against all the odds in a match played at Walcot Old Boys RFC.
An incredible effort by the Bristol Combo squad.
March 6, 2024
BRRS’ Adrian Johnstone took charge of his 1500th fixture at the Counties 3 Gloucestershire South game between Bishopston and Lydney 2ndXV at Bonnington Walk Lockleaze, Bristol.
An absolute stalwart of the Society, Adrian is a true servant to rugby in Bristol and this outstanding achievement is testament to his many years of voluntary service.
Adrian was ‘helped’ at the game by his two Touch Judges, BRRS President Steve Leyshon and Chair Andy Weymouth.
There was a good crowd to watch Lydney 2ndXV win 27-7.
Adrian is also the BRRS Treasurer and Midweek Appointments Secretary.
Adrian was interviewed live on Radio Bristol's 'The Scrum' programme on Tuesday evening, and you can listen to the interview via the following link and scroll through the programme to 36 mins. 15 seconds to pick up the start of Adrian's interview.
Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h94pvt
Main photo courtesy of John White Media
Following the announcement that stalwart Coaches Tony Hall and Dai Nicholas will retire at the end of the 23/24 season, BAC RFC have the exciting role of Head Coach open for applications with an expenses remuneration package available.
If you are looking for a new opportunity with a friendly, vibrant rugby team with a strong social ethos this could be the role for you.
The role will include
To be responsible for training the team in preparation for matches, acting as a highly influential figure in players’ lives. This is an exciting, rewarding and active way of staying in the game and lets you have a direct influence on player performance.
Key aspects of the role
1. Lead training sessions
Plan, deliver and review safe, engaging and effective training sessions; role model rugby’s values, and codes of conduct while developing individuals’ skill, confidence and fitness
2. Adopt a Player centred approach
Have a clear Coaching and Playing philosophy aligned to the wants and need of every player
3. Learning and Development
Work with the Club Coaching Coordinator to continue and facilitate personal learning and development
Is this role for you?
If you are enthusiastic, knowledgeable about the game and committed to fair play, confident, approachable and good with
people, you could hold a role that is highly respected in the community and allows you to act as a role model and inspiration to a group of young people.
Training takes place Tuesdays at 19.00 sharp at BAWA in Filton and matches are played on Saturday afternoons. Preseason and touch sessions take place during the summer months. Equipment and club kit are provided.
BAC RFC compete in the Counties 3 Tribute Gloucestershire South League
Interested parties should email their application to bacrfcsecretary@gmail.com no later than 31 March 2024
Ellis Joseph is a former SGS College Student-athlete, Bristol Academy Player and current Somerset and Old Redcliffians 1st XV player.
Unfortunately, two weeks ago Ellis was diagnosed with acute leukemia and is in need of a bone marrow transplant to save his life.
We are launching a campaign called "TRYforEllis" as we need to encourage as many 16-30 year old males to test as possible, as Ellis is mixed race, those of similar heritage are particularly important.
We are opening a testing centre initially at Old Redcliffians on the 24th Feb. 11am but feel with the right promotion we could do far more and reach far more people.
‼️ Attention ‼️
To all 16-30 year old males, particularly the BAME community.
Ellis needs your help!
Ellis is in need of a donor match, for a life saving Bone Marrow Transplant after a diagnosis of Leukaemia.
Old Redcliffians RFC (Scotland Lane, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5LU) are hosting a walk-in swab test centre from 11am on 24/02/24.
We encourage all males to test regardless of age. Mixed race males are of particular importance for this campaign given Ellis’ heritage.
A donor test is a simple cheek swab, no nasty needles.
To register your interest to join the register, please click the following link:
www.anthonynolan.org/TryforEllis
#TryForEllis #bonemarrow #bamecommunity #spreadtheword #rugby #sportscommunity
The 23rd edition of the Women's Six Nations will take place between Saturday, March 23 2024 and Saturday April 27 2024.
England will look to make it six championship victories in a row following a 2023 Grand Slam campaign in which they beat France to the title.
The opening weekend will see France face Ireland (2.15pm) and Wales play Scotland (4.45pm) on Saturday March 23 before England travel to play Italy (3pm) on Sunday March 24.
The 2024 competition will also see Twickenham host a second-ever standalone England Women's Six Nations fixture as they take on Ireland in Round 4 on Saturday April 20 - England secured the Grand Slam at home to France at Twickenham last year in a history-maker.
France vs Ireland (2.15pm - all times GMT)
Wales vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Italy vs England (3pm)
Scotland vs France (2.15pm)
England vs Wales (4.45pm)
Ireland vs Italy (3pm)
Scotland vs England (2.15pm)
Ireland vs Wales (4.45pm)
France vs Italy (12.30pm)
England vs Ireland (2.15pm)
Italy vs Scotland (4.45pm)
Wales vs France (3.15pm)
Wales vs Italy (12.15pm)
Ireland vs Scotland (2.30pm)
France vs England (4.45pm)
January 29, 2024
England men will take on Japan at Twickenham Stadium on the weekend of 23rd November as the fourth and final fixture of the 2024 Autumn Nations Series.
Following on from home fixtures against the southern hemisphere trio of New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, the Brave Blossoms return to west London just over two years since their last outing where England won 52-13.
It is the fourth time Japan have played at Twickenham Stadium, however the last contest came in Pool D at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Nice, France. England came out on top in a 34-12 victory, the bonus point win helping Borthwick’s squad on their way to eventually finish as winners of their group.
Kick-off time, precise date and ticketing information will be confirmed in due course.
England men’s 2024
Autumn Nations Series fixtures:
Saturday 2 November - England v New Zealand
W/E 9 November - England v Australia
W/E 16 November - England v South Africa
W/E 23 November - England v Japan
January 25, 2024
The RFU has stated under no circumstances will the league programme be extended beyond Saturday 6th April, 2024
They have also decided that Saturday 10th February will be changed from a Break Saturday to a Reserve/NAW (next available weekend), meaning that any further postponements will be rearranged on the 10th Feb, followed by the two other NAW , 24TH Feb and 9th March
The Regional Organising Committee may also alter the sequence of rearranged games in accordance with our Admin Instruction 4(d) if…………
(i) it is apparent that an alternative sequence would conclude some or all
outstanding matches earlier than might otherwise occur or;
(ii) in their opinion, it is beneficial to the competition, e.g., to prioritise end-
of-season fixtures with a view to concluding promotion and relegation
issues including play-offs.
Let’s hope the weather is good to us.
January 17, 2024
Below are the Funeral Arrangements for some of the recent losses to Local Rugby
Ian Gibbon
BAC RFC & Bristol & District Combination
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 3.00 pm
Canford Crematorium
Afterwards at The BAWA Club, Southmead Road.
Ben Jordan
Clifton RFC, GRFU, Bristol & District Combination
Monday,January 29, 2024, 3.00 pm
Canford Crematorium
Afterwards at Clifton RFC.
Keith Baber
Bristol Referees Society
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 11.30 am
Westerleigh Crematorium
Afterwards at Cleve RFC.
Mike Delderfield
Ashley Down OB's RFC
Friday, February 2, 2024, 2.00 pm
Westerleigh Crematorium
Afterwards at Lockleaze Sports Centre
continuing to Ashley Down OB's RFC
We are delighted to announce Bristol & District Combination is launching the first ever Women’s competition. This is an exciting event set to pave the way for future competitions.
The draw for the 2023/24 Bristol & District Rugby Football Junior Combination Cup & Plate has now been made.
Ladies & Gents,
I am very sorry to advise that Brian 'Ben' Jordan passed away in the early hours of this morning (January 4, 2024) at his Cheswick Village care home, where he has been for almost three years.
His wife Linda was with him, and in conversation with her this afternoon, Linda has authorised my circulating this email.
Ben was a huge contributor to Bristol & District Combination, holding Hon. Treasurer and Lockleaze Ground Committee roles for many years.
Ben was also a past GRFU President, and for many years was Hon. Fixture Secretary at Clifton RFC.
It is of course far too early for funeral details to be known, but I will circulate those in due course, although they will probably not be finalised for some time yet.
Tony Swash
Hon. Secretary, Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination
Photo: Brian ‘Ben’ Jordan accepting the Combination Cup in October 2018, on behalf of Clifton Rugby, from Combination Chair, Adrian Siddorn
In 2024, Bristol Referees Society are pleased to be delivering an exciting offer to support local rugby players, coaches and fans take up the whistle through our 'Offer to Clubs'.
The Society are inviting Bristol Combination member clubs to host an event for 10 or more colleagues from their club or neighbouring clubs who are interested in taking up refereeing in some capacity. We will then provide the 3-hour, RFU accredited ‘Introduction to Refereeing’ course through our RFU educator/trainer, free of charge!
Successful candidates are then able to:
- Join the Society and access induction programmes, mentoring and support .
- Referee at L10 or below through the Society.
- Get passed on the field (when ready).
- Access further support including the Level 2 English Rugby Referee Award (ERRA).
BRRS Chairman, Andy Weymouth, and Training and Development Officer, Tony Bowers, recently delivered the first of these courses during a packed session at Bristol Telephones RFC (pictured). Over 20 current club members attended the session before Christmas, and we hope to see many of them officiating games locally in 2024!
Are you interested at arranging a similar session at your club? Get in touch to find out more!
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of BAC RFC’s club legend Ian Gibbon.
If you knew/met Ian you will be heartbroken. He battled on and off the pitch. He was a devoted member of BAC and also such a nice man, a true gentleman
Joined BAC 1967
Club Captain 1971
Club Chairman from 1987 - 2002
Honorary Life Member since 2002
423 appearances for BAC
BAC RFC’s President Clive Prewett wrote ''It is with sadness I have to report the our ex player and chairman Ian Gibbon passed away today at 5am. He was a great stalwart of the club but many of you would not really know him as his illness prevented him from supporting at the ground.''
He was also Bristol & District Combination's Hon. Match & Team Secretary from 1981 until 1992, and also served as Trustee of the Lockleaze Ground and was a member of the B&DRFC Management Committee.
Tributes to Ian have also been left on social media
Ian's Funeral will take place at Canford Crematorium on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 3pm and afterwards at The BAWA Club, Southmead Road.
R.I.P. Ian.
Bristol & District Combination member club contacts via this email, that our President, N.A. (Sandy) Mitchell has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours list recently published.
The citation reads:
British Empire Medal
Norman Alexander Mitchell. Chair of Trustees, Lockleaze Sports Centre.
For services to Sport in Bristol.
Sandy has given decades of service to Bristol & District Combination and to Gloucestershire RFU, and of course has been absolutely central in recent years to the development and success of Lockleaze Sports Centre.
I am certain that you share our delight in this news and agree that it is richly deserved. CONGRATULATIONS SANDY!!
Yours Faithfully,
Tony Swash
Hon. Secretary, Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination
The draw for the 2023/24 Butcombe Combination Cup, Vase and Bowl has now been made.
The matches will be played at the end of the 2023/24 league campaign
I am so very sorry to advise you all that Ashley Down OB's RFC's great stalwart Mike Delderfield passed away earlier this morning after a relatively short illness.
Mike was a super player over many years, and loyally served his club over even more years, always at the fore of his club's affairs and development, and certainly setting the very highest standards for several generations of ADOB's membership to follow. Mike held various roles within the club, culminating in being club President for many recent years.
Our sincerest condolences go to Mike's wife Jan, and to all of their family, and of course to everybody at Ashley Down OB's RFC.
I was very lucky to be able to call Mike a personal friend, and will certainly miss him.
R.I.P. Mike.
Yours in rugby.
Tony Swash
Hon. Secretary, Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination
Dear Club Members!!!!
Further to recent social media announcements, I am delighted to confirm that the inaugural Women's Bristol & District Combination Tournament is scheduled to go ahead on Sunday 21st April 2024 at Lockleaze Sports Centre, with the Women's Cup & Plate Finals being played at the same venue on Saturday 11th May 2024!!
Please advise your Women's squads so that any rearranged games / tours etc are not scheduled on these dates should your squads intend to take part in this new annual competition. Formal entry invitations will be issued shortly.
Any questions please contact Bristol & District Combination Women's Rugby Representative Francesca Golton, via email address:
treaclesponge11@hotmail.com
Following a very disruptive Saturday last week (December 2, 2023) due to the weather, there were several occasions where referees were not either informed of ko times or even contacted to inform them the games were cancelled.
Could I please ask that referees are contacted no later than Thursday confirming ko times.
I appreciate that there are times when you are not certain a game will go ahead but if contact with the referee can still be made it will help in ensuring that they are prepared either way.
In addition to the above, you will soon be receiving an email from the Society requesting all clubs confirm contact details for Who’s the Ref.
Many thanks
Ben Green
BRRS Saturday Fixtures Secretary
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