The passing of the former Bristol Referees Society chair Geoff Warren
It is with huge sadness that I have to share with you the devastating news that Geoff Warren passed away this morning after suffering a heart attack.
No words can reflect the significance of the contribution Geoff has made over decades to the Bristol Rugby Referees Society including as Chairman, SADO and Life Member.
Moreover, Geoff impacted the development of many referees in our Society through his performance reviews, coaching, and decades-long contribution to the Bristol Rugby Referees Society, including as Chairman, SADO, and law sessions.
We are all forever indebted to him for his substantial contribution to our great game. Geoff will be sadly missed, and his death is a huge loss for the Society.
This is truly awful news, and our thoughts and prayers are obviously with his family.
We will circulate the funeral arrangements once they are known.
RIP Geoff.
Andy Weymouth, Chairman, Bristol Rugby Referees Society
May 13, 2025
Bristol Combination Clubs in Papa Johns Community Cup finals
Counties 3 & Below South Plate - Final
Hastings & Bexhill v Ashley Down Old Boys
Saturday, May 17, 2025, kick off 11 am at Dings Crusaders’ Shaftesbury Park
Hastings & Bexhill were 53-19 victors in their home semi-final against Actonians, while Ashley Down Old Boys won 31-10 away to Salcombe.
Counties 1 South Plate
Old Bristolians v Ealing Trailfinders 1871
Saturday, May 17, 2025, kick off 3 pm at Dings Crusaders’ Shaftesbury Park
Old Bristolians reached the final with a 61-26 home victory over Swanage & Wareham, while Ealing Trailfinders 1871 won 43-29 away to Weybridge Vandals.
Papa Johns Women's Cup Competitions - Junior Cup
Buckingham Swans Ladies 2nd XV v Winscombe Ladies
Sunday, May 18, 2025, kick off 1 pm at Twickenham Stadium
Buckingham Swans Ladies 2nd XV had a narrow 33-31 win in their semi-final at Ryton Ladies, while Winscombe Ladies were 36-12 winners away to Colchester Iceni.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON HOW RUGBY IS RUN IN ENGLAND
A nationwide public consultation has been launched on potential changes to the RFU's governance and representative structures.
Your feedback that the RFU's current decision-making structure is complex and unwieldy and that the game feels excluded has been heard.
This is your chance to give your views on how rugby is run across England, led by a desire to better embed game representation directly within decision-making bodies.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Lockleaze Sports Centre, starting at 7.30 pm prompt.
County Championship Matches
Bill Beaumont Mens County Championship
Gill Burns Women’s County Championship
Jason Leonard U20 County Championship
Whitehall RFC’s ‘Women's Take Over Day’ Saturday, April 26, 2025
Whitehall RFC is hosting a Women's Take Over Day on Saturday 26th April to promote the Tag & T1 game to any females, young or old, who might like to find out a bit more about rugby, and this non contact form of the game that is gaining momentum.
After the activities, we'll be showing the Red Roses Six Nations match in the bar!
Dave Priddy Charity Day - Prostate Cancer UK Appeal
Bishopston Vets v Bristol Harlequins Invitational Vets
Saturday, April 26, 2025
at Lockleaze Sports Centre, kick-off 2 pm
St Mary’s OB 125th Anniversary
Part of St Mary’s 125th Anniversary Charity Weekend celebrations
will included a match between
St Mary’s OB and a Bristol Combination XV
on Friday, May 20, 2025.
Junior Combination Cup & Plate Finals
Three more finals were completed on Sunday, March 30, 2025
Bristol Combination 82 Bath Combination nil
A ruthless and clinical display from our Lads. As always, credit their clubs for representing the Bristol Combination with pride; we feel very fortunate to work with them. Bath stuck at it, and thanks also to all at North Bristol RFC for their hosting efforts.
March 27, 2025
The passing of Old Redcliffians RFC’s Ellis Joseph, aged 27
With the deepest sadness and heavy hearts, Old Redcliffians RFC share the news of the passing of their dear friend, Ellis Joseph.
Ellis passed away peacefully at his family home, exactly where he wished to be. During his battle with a terrible disease, Ellis showed immense courage, and those who knew him will remember the bravery and strength he demonstrated throughout this difficult time. Remarkably, his sense of humour never wavered, and he remained the same comedic, light-hearted spirit we all loved
Ellis was not only a cherished member of the Old Redcliffians RFC community but a true symbol of resilience. The support from all corners of the globe during the #tryforellis campaign was overwhelming, and it demonstrated the power of the bonds he formed with so many. Thanks to this campaign, countless people joined the stem cell register, and we will forever be grateful for that.
Ellis’ journey with Old Redcliffians began when he was a Junior. After graduating to the Senior ranks, it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as a regular in the 1st XV. He stuck with the club through thick and thin, embodying the true spirit of a club man. Whether on the pitch or off, you could always count on Ellis. He was a force to be reckoned with in the front row—a true competitor and the envy of the combination. His presence in the bar after games and during social events was a staple.
Ellis’s achievements on the pitch are a testament to his dedication and talent. He earned over 100 national league caps with Old Redcliffians, a remarkable feat that few players achieve in their careers. He was awarded Player's Player of the Season for the 2021-2022 campaign, a period that saw Old Redcliffians promoted back to National 2. And, in what will forever be a cherished memory, Ellis scored the winning try in the County Cup final against Chew Valley.
In addition to playing for Old Reds, Ellis was also selected to represent Somerset and was part of the historic team that lifted the Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 2 Cup after beating Staffordshire 36-20 at Twickenham on June 4, 2022.
This is an incredibly difficult time for all of us. We ask for the family’s privacy as they grieve the loss of Ellis, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them. If any of you find yourselves struggling with this news, please reach out to the bereavement support services available at: https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/bereavement-help-and-support
Old Redcliffians RFC will observe a minute’s silence before Saturday’s games against Taunton and Chosen Hill as a mark of respect.
Please join us in raising a glass to our beloved friend, Ellis Joseph. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on in all of us.
"There'll always be Redcliffians
And friendships last for life,
Your teammates are always by your side.
In peaceful times or strife."
Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination offer their sincere condolences to Ellis's family and everyone at Old Redcliffians RFC
Ellis’ Celebration of life
Monday 3rd March : 3pm at Haycombe Crematorium Bath.
Old Reds RFC will be open from 4pm onwards should anyone wish to raise a glass after the ceremony.
There is no dress code, Old Reds stash is encouraged and a pop of colour would be great! Please no flowers,
Bristol Combination v Bath Combination
A Bristol Combination XV will face their Bath counterparts at North Bristol RFC on Thursday, March 27, 2025, kick-off 7.30 pm.
The passing of former Bristol Barbarians captain & chair Steve Billingham
Bristol Barbarians RFC are saddened to announce the passing of our friend, previous club captain and chairman
Steve Billingham on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew Steve. RIP to another of the Barbarians family.
Bristol & District Combination send sincere condolences to Steve's family, friends and club colleagues.
Bristol Combination Cup Final
BUTCOMBE BREWING Co.
BRISTOL COMBINATION MAIN CUP FINAL
2024-2025
Nailsea & Backwell v Gordano
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7.45 pm
North Bristol RFC
Almondsbury, BS32 4AG
General Admission: £8 - card ONLY
Under 16s: Free
Bristol Referees Society Annual Dinner
The Bristol Referees Society Annual Dinner 2025
at Lockleaze Sports Centre
on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 7 pm
Tables of up to ten available
£30 per head
For tickets, email: treasurer.brrs@gmail.com
The passing of Weston-super-Mare RFC Head Coach Steve Worrall MBE
Weston-super-Mare RFC is shocked and saddened to report the passing of the Club's Head Coach, Steve (Barrel) Worrall MBE, on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Steve was Weston-super-Mare's head coach between July 2011 and October 2014 before spending ten years with Chew Valley RFC, initially as Assistant Coach and then becoming Head Coach.
But Steve returned to Weston-super-Mare in mid-November 2024, where his drive and enthusiasm for the game were rewarded with two victories before the Festive break.
He spent several years as a coach at North Walsham RFC and Peterborough RUFC and as a player, head coach, and assistant director of Rugby with the Royal Air Force Rugby Union.
He captained the Combined Services against the All Blacks in November 1993, and Steve, playing at scrum-half, claimed the Services only points with a penalty from near half-way.
Steve's love of sport was not restricted to Rugby. He joined Uphill Castle in 2000 and opened the batting for the 2nds for many years. After retiring from league cricket, Steve went on to play for the Uphill Strugglers and the Uphill Castle Golf Society.
Having served over 35 years in the Royal Air Force and attaining the rank of Warrant Officer, Steve decided to leave the Service in January 2013. He started a new job within the Military Aviation Authority as a Civil Servant based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol.
In January 2014, Steve moved into the Explosives Safety Licensing Team Manager position within the Defence Ordnance Safety Group, still as a civil servant within the MoD, before returning to the aerospace industry as a manager within Combat Air's Crew Escape Systems Team.
Steve was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2011.
After discussions with Steve's wife, Jackie, the Weston-super-Mare 1stXV match at Thornbury on Saturday (January 4, 2025), kick-off at 2 pm, and Weston United's home game against Wellington 2ndXV, kick-off at 2.30 pm, will proceed as planned.
There will be a minute's silence before both games start, and the Weston players will wear black armbands.
Steve was widely respected and liked in many circles, not just in rugby, and his passing will leave a significant gap in those communities.
Weston-super-Mare RFC offers sincere condolences to Steve's family during this difficult time.
The funeral arrangements will be posted in due course.
January 3, 2025
Bristol & District Combination Cup Competitions – 2024/25
The final stages of the Combination Cup, Vase and Bowl Competition are below.
Combination Cup
Final
Nailsea & Backwell v Gordano Thursday, March 13, 2025, ko: 7.45 pm, venue: TBC
Combination Vase
Semi-Finals
North Bristol 18 Frampton Cottrell 31 (game 7)
Old Colstonians v Imperial (game 8) - Saturday, February 8, 2025
Final
Frampton Cottrell v Winner Game 8 - Saturday, March 15, 2025, Lockleaze Sports Centre
Combination Bowl
Final
Barton Hill v Avonmouth Old Boys - Saturday, March 15, 2025, Lockleaze Sports Centre
Full details of results can be found HERE
Updated: January 12, 2025
Full details of results can be found HERE
The passing of Whitehall and Bristol legend Daryl Hickey
The Whitehall RFC family is shocked and saddened to hear that former player, coach, and club legend Daryl Hickey passed away suddenly after a short illness.
Daryl had a fantastic career, playing for Whitehall and representing Bristol RFC before he returned to Whitehall to bolster our pack in his later years.
Daryl rolled up at Whitehall RFC, initially to enjoy the social side of the club. He was persuaded to turn out for the club’s 5th XV on the wing, but he worked his way up to the first team as a prop. In September 1980, he was in the Whitehall side, along with future Bristol star Ralph Knibbs, in a game at the Memorial Ground against Bristol Combination, celebrating the club’s 50th Anniversary.
Daryl was a regular member of the Whitehall front row when he was called up as a late replacement for his Bristol United debut in the match at Crumlin in November 1982. He played 17 United games in total during the season, scoring two tries, and he made his first team debut in the penultimate fixture of the 1982-83 campaign.
Bristol had reached the 1983 John Player Cup final, and they rested the entire first team for their away game at Coventry. Prop Chris Folland was at a wedding, and Daryl made his debut as a consequence. Happily, his fellow prop was Mark Tomlin, another product of Whitehall. After this, Daryl was a late call-up for Bristol’s tour to Zimbabwe at the end of the season.
Daryl was awarded his Bristol blazer at the end of the 1989-90 season, and in 1991-92 he was seen more frequently, playing 20 first-team games and scoring three tries. He made his final first-team appearance against Moseley in December 1994.
He played 143 first-team games for Bristol, scoring 11 tries. In addition, he played 152 matches for Bristol United, crossing the line 15 times and appearing once for Bristol A in the 1991-92 season.
Everyone will miss him. The Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination offer their sincere condolences.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
RIP Daryl.
All are welcome to Daryl’s funeral, which will be held at 12:30 pm. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. Augustine’s RC Church in Downend.
The service will be followed by committal and interment at Memorial Woodlands at 2 pm (Family and close friends only)
Everyone is welcome to the Wake at the Kendleshire Golf Club from 2:00 pm
(Bristol RFC information courtesy of Mark Hoskins)
November 16, 2024
The passing of Ashley Down Old Boys’ Jon Coole
Jon ‘Cooley’ Coole
Ashley Down Old Boys were saddened by the recent loss of their beloved “Cooley”.
Jon was a lovely man and a very good Wing-Forward who joined Ashley Down in the early seventies.
Jon played around 600 games for us and received a life membership in 2014.
Up until very recently, he watched us play EVERY Saturday and he was loved by all and known for his words of encouragement and his infectious smile.
Jon’s funeral service is this Friday, October 11, 2024, at St Margaret’s Church, Hinton Blewett, BS39 5AN at 12 noon.
Afterwards, there will be a wake at the ADOB RFC clubhouse in Lockleaze.
The family have asked for no flowers but any donations to Cancer Research would be very welcome indeed.
Jon had many friends in rugby and throughout the Bristol Combination and all of them are very welcome to attend and celebrate the life of this lovely man. Our thoughts and love are with Christine, Tom , Louise and all the family at this sad time
R.I.P Cooley
The Bristol Rugby Referee's Society (BRRS) Charity
Steve Leyshon sets himself a challenge
The BRRS Charity was created in during the 2018/9 season following Steve Leyshon's charity climb of Kilimanjaro. Since then it has been able to support a variety of financial awards to a range of good causes in the local Bristol Combination rugby family. For example, awards have recently been made to injured players, life saving equipment and support in bereavements.
To further raise awareness of the BRRS charity ...
- In his second year as President, ex-Premiership referee Steve Leyshon has set himself a challenge of refereeing all Combination clubs (or as many as possible!) in the 2024/25 season.
- In return, we ask that each club make a small donation to the Charity, say £50 but whatever you wish to contribute. It is, of course, voluntary and there is absolutely no obligation - and it is outside of normal match fees.
- The contributing club (as well as getting Steve as referee!) will be presented with a commemorative pennant with the BRRS logo and acknowledgement of being a supporter of the BRRS Charity to proudly display in their clubhouse-
BRRS Charity
Mission statement: A charity run by passionate rugby people from Bristol in support of passionate rugby people from Bristol who are in need of financial support.
The charity’s purpose and how it will achieve this purpose: For the public benefit, the relief and assistance of those associated with amateur rugby in Bristol in need of financial support, by reason of injury, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage, by making financial grants.
Bristol Combination Fixture Exchange
This Fixture Exchange Facebook group for the Bristol & District Combination Rugby Clubs to arrange match fixture exchanges.
This group is only open to club fixture secretaries.
When submitting a posting please remember to state the date of the possible match - (not just next Saturday), home or away, the level of your team and a contact name and number.
To All Club Secretaries
Are the details concerning your Club correct on this website?
Please check
HERE for Clubs A to C
HERE for Clubs D to N
HERE for Clubs O to Z
Any changes should be sent to -
webmaster@bristolrugbycombination.co.uk
Thanks to those Clubs who have already forwarded their changes.
To All Club Secretaries
Are the details concerning your Club correct on this website?
Please check
HERE for Clubs A to C
HERE for Clubs D to N
HERE for Clubs O to Z
Any changes should be sent to -
webmaster@bristolrugbycombination.co.uk
Thanks to those Clubs who have already forwarded their changes.
Bristol & District Combination Cup Competitions - Season 2024/25
Entries for the 2024/25 Bristol & District Combination Cup Competitions are now open.
Please see the Men’s Cup Competitions page HERE
Clubs should complete the form whether or not they wish to enter the competition.
Completed forms have to be returned to: ian92116@gmail.com before 23:59 on Sunday, 1st September 2024
The passing of former Combination President Sandy Mitchell BEM
It is with great sadness that we have to report that former Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination President N A (Sandy) Mitchell BEM passed away this morning (Ju/ne 28, 2024) after his long battle with illness.
It goes without saying what a huge loss this is to Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination, the Lockleaze Sports Centre, and the local rugby fraternity. Sandy will be very sorely missed by many.
Sandy was awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list.
The citation reads:
British Empire Medal
Norman Alexander Mitchell. Chair of Trustees, Lockleaze Sports Centre.
For services to Sport in Bristol.
Sandy gave decades of service to Bristol & District Combination and Gloucestershire RFU and, of course, has been central in recent years to the development and success of Lockleaze Sports Centre.
He graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Bristol in 1962 and was subsequently awarded an MSc in Aeronautical Engineering.
For many years, Sandy was a Design Engineer at Rolls-Royce in Bristol.
He then joined the University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering. Mr Mitchell retired from the University in 2006 but continued to lecture and conduct project work.
Sandy has been a Clifton club member for many years and was appointed as a trustee of the club’s debenture scheme. On its conclusion, he was given the honour of becoming a Vice President as recognition of his diligence and work.
Our thoughts go out to Sandy's wife, Pat, to their three children, and to all of Sandy's family and friends of the great man at this very sad time.
Tony Swash
Hon. Secretary, Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination
June 28, 2024
Old Bristolians Past President Jim Berry Passes Away
It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Old Bristolians club stalwart and past president Jim Berry.
Jim a hard nosed prop forward whose previous clubs included Horfield Athletic, Keynsham & Bath joined OBs in their pomp in the early 1970s.
He was part of the great OBs side that did the double of merit table and Combination Cup in 1974. He then went on to play in the 1st XV until the early 1980's aged 50 before captaining a very successful and notorious 3rd/vets Xv with a number of ex Bristol players running out each Saturday. He played his last game on tour in Prague aged 65, but as we all know 'What goes on tour .....".
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
Service: Wednesday 5th June 2024, 12pm, South Bristol Crematorium, Bridgwater Road, Bristol, BS13 7AS
Afterwards, the celebration of Jim's life will continue at Old Bristolians Sports Club, Longwood Lane, Failand, Bristol BS8 3TQ
Fuller details can be viewed via the following web-link: https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/13-05-2024-james-alfred-berry/
For now we give thanks for a life well lived and send our best to Maggie, Rich and the family.
RIP Jim
May 22, 2024
Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination v Bristol Bears
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.
Bristol & District Combination Rugby Football Club’s first-ever women’s tournament.
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
Invitation to play in Sunday’s Women’s Competition
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
Bath Combination XV 8 Bristol Combination XV 12
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
Bristol Referee Adrian Johnstone takes charge of his 1500th game
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