Spaces available on First Aid Course at Aretian RFC
First Aid course on Saturday, September 7, 2025.
There are just 6 spaces left to fill, at £50 per person, and the course will be held at Aretian RFC, starting at 12:30pm.
For any enquiries or to book a space,
please contact Andy Kimsey on 07395 736682
or via: aretianschair@hotmail.com
ELLIS JOSEPH MEMORIAL DAY - SUNDAY 31st AUGUST @ OLD REDCLIFFIANS RFC
Many of you supported the #TryForEllis Campaign before we lost our dear club member, friend, and brother, Ellis Joseph, back in February. This campaign gained national recognition and, to date, has resulted in four positive matches for individuals requiring a stem cell donor from the register, including one of our other members.
We do not want to stop here and have linked up with the charity Rugby Against Cancer in our crusade to use the power of rugby to raise awareness, support and funds for those battling cancer.
We will be hosting an event with 2 fixtures as an EJ3 Mens & Women’s XV will battle a Rugby Against Cancer XV. The matches are full with players past and present from the Bristol Combo and National Leagues.
Food from the famous Gurt Wings and One Pizza as well as live music!
10:00 | Gates open
Price of entry £10 for adults
(All money goes to the 3 charities involved!)
12:30 | Women’s Fixture
15:00 | Men’s Fixture
17:30 | Live music
This campaign is far from over and we fight on in EJs legacy, help us fight against cancer #TryForEllis
Are your players registered?
There is concern regarding the number of players re-registering for the coming season, as the take-up is low even with some high-level clubs.
Please remind all players that they have to re-register to be eligible to play in the coming season.
Players participating at level 9 and below require club registration; all other leagues and competitions require players to be uplifted to RFU registration.
Plenty of help is available for players and administrators.
Here are the relevant links How to approve your players' club registrations on GMS there are also you tube videos available Here.
All player registration-related emails for clubs competing in these leagues or competitions can be sent to office@rugbyadmin.net.
Sad News From The Vale
R.I.P. Neil Hutton
Neil Hutton has left the pitch for the final time.
His sudden, tragic passing while swimming will leave a huge hole in his family, the local community (Men Shed) and the rugby club that he loved so much.
Neil was Clevedon’s Club Captain in the 1985-86 season and who could forget his Collie dog patrolling the touchline as he played, causing no end of mischief. His senior rugby career was as a hooker, having spent his formative Colts years as a fly half!
He also played hooker for Bristol during that time and would often reminisce about his playing days to anyone that would listen - you may be one of them?
Neil has gone too soon, but won't be forgotten, that's for sure. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Geoff & Molly and their family at this sorrowful time.
Funeral arrangements will not be known for at least three weeks and will be posted here when they are.
Announcement from Broad Plain RFC
We regret to inform everyone that we will be withdrawing from the Counties 3 Gloucester South league and will be solely competing in the Bristol & District league.
This hard decision has been made based on a significant number of players leaving over the summer with a forward focus on player safety, recruitment and retention.
We will be actively seeking fixtures for every weekend outside of the league structure. We encourage anyone who wants to play rugby to come to the Plain and get involved. We aim to run two teams when availability of players allows.
Our goal will be to have a successful season in B&D 1 and return into the counties leagues next year.
It’s rebuild time, with a new coach, new system and a good season of rugby ahead of us.
Up the Plain.
Remembering John Raine
Clifton RFC will be holding a celebration of John Raine’s life on Friday 5, 2025 from 3 pm
It is often said that no one is bigger than a club, but some people become part of its very fabric. John Raine was one of those people.
From his playing days in the 1960s to serving 14 years as President, his passion, humour, and unwavering commitment shaped rugby for generations.
Clifton RFC will be holding a memorial for John on Friday, September 5, 2025, 3 pm at the club, and all are welcome to join us as we celebrate his life and legacy.
John will forever be remembered as kind, loyal, funny, and unforgettable.
Aretians re-booting of their junior section
Halfway through last season, there was every chance that Aretians as a club could be closing the doors in April.
However, a dedicated group of volunteers, has put an enormous amount of blood, sweat and tears into keeping the club going, and indeed driving it forward.
Apart from a senior men's side, they are going to field a women's team again, and when they had their first session for Juniors, around 32 children turn up!!
Whether your child is new to rugby or already loves the game, this is the perfect place to learn, play and grow in a fun and supportive environment
Age Groups:
Boys and Girls aged 4–6 | 7–9 | 10–11
Every Sunday
Time: 10AM – 11AM
Location: Aretians RFC BS34 6HW
Contact Kelly on 07752 634 932
*All coaches are DBS checked and a First Aider will be on site*
Loss of three of very prominent members at North Bristol
Hayden Jones - North Bristol RFC stalwart and long-time active referee for Bristol Referees Society passed away last month, and has already had a private funeral.
Rodney Nethercote - A fine player over many years for North Bristol RFC, and a true gentleman. Rodney's funeral will be held at Westerleigh Crematorium on Thursday 4th September, at 2.15 pm.
Anybody planning to attend Rodney's funeral, please advise Steve Nethercote, by either emailing: srnethercote@fordbear.co.uk; or by messaging: 07734-080962.
Jonny Millard - John’s funeral will be held at Westerleigh Crematorium at 9.45 am on Tuesday 26th August. Arrangements for a wake are still as yet to be finalised.
Bristol & District Combination's sincerest condolences have already been sent to North Bristol RFC.
Message from the Bristol Rugby Referees Society (BRRS)
Clubs organising pre-season friendly match(es)TAKING PLACE ON ANY DAY OF THE WEEK, and wishing to have a Society referee appointed, please send an email request to BRRS with match details included, to:
saturdayappointments.brrs@gmail.com
copying in both
midweekappointments.brrs@gmail.com
and
COUNTIES COMMUNITY CUP
The following applies ONLY to 1stXVs playing in Counties 1 & below
Following feedback on the RFU Adult Male Community Cup Competitions in the Counties Leagues, changes have been agreed for next season.
The two most significant changes are that firstly, the initial rounds will take place during the league season and are already included in the published structured season. Secondly, all First XV teams will be automatically entered, with the option to then withdraw.
ENTRIES
All First XVs from Counties 1 and below (with the exception of Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man) will be automatically entered into the competitions with the option to confirm entry or opt out.
Please click this link to acknowledge entry or opt out by 11 August, 2025
Draws will be made following the opt-out date and communicated to clubs before the end of August, making it clear which clubs are in the competition and which are on the waitlist. Close monitoring of late notice withdrawals will take place this season with a view to introducing potential sanctions in subsequent seasons.
STRUCTURE
All competitions will be 64-team straight knockout competitions. Fixtures in the last 32 and 16 rounds may be flipped to help ensure teams get at least one home match. Matches from the quarter-finals onwards will be drawn ahead of time. There will be no flipping of home and away for these fixtures, regardless of the number of home matches that the qualifying teams have had in their competition to date.
COUNTIES 1 & 2
Counties 1 & 2 will each have their own Championship and both a North and South Plate. The top 64 teams (based on last season’s rankings as determined by Best Playing Record) will be placed into each tier’s respective Championship.
Relegated teams from Regional 2 and Counties 1 will play in the Counties 1 & Counties 2 Championships, respectively. The next best 128 teams (including promoted teams from Counties 2 and Counties 3) will then be split into the 64-team North or South Plate competitions based on geography.
COUNTIES 3+
Counties 3 and below will be grouped together, with four competitions covering these tiers. There will be a Championship and three Plate competitions: North, South and Central. The top 64 teams (based on last season’s rankings as determined by Best Playing Record) will be placed into the Counties 3+ Championship. Relegated teams from Counties 2 will play in the Counties 3+ Championship. The next best 192 teams will then be split into the 64-team North, Central or South Plate competitions, based on geography. In cases where there are more teams in a tier than spaces available, lower teams will be placed on a wait list in the case of late opt-outs.
FIXTURE DATES
Last 64: 20 September 2025
Last 32: 25 October 2025
Last 16: 31 January 2026
Quarter Final: 2 May 2026
Semi-Final: 9 May 2026
Finals: 16/17 May (Plate) and 23/24 May (Championship)
Should a match be abandoned/postponed and require a rearrangement, these should be played on the next available weekend. This should be done even if the slot has had a league fixture moved into it - as per Regulation 6.51. RFU cup matches take precedence over league matches.
FINALS
Championship Finals will take place at Allianz Stadium on 23 and 24 May, with Plate Finals taking place at other prestigious venues across the country on 16 and 17 May, 2026
Remembering Bristol Harlequins’ Keith 'Archie' Clark
Remembering Keith 'Archie' Clark - A True Clubman
It is with profound sadness that everyone at Bristol Harlequins RFC shares the news of the passing of Keith 'Archie' Clark, a former club captain and chairperson who embodied everything our club stands for.
Archie’s impact on Bristol Harlequins cannot be overstated.
On the field, he was a leader who played with heart, commitment and pride in the Blue, Black and White.
Off the field, he gave countless hours to the club, ensuring its growth and fostering the welcoming, family spirit that defines Quins to this day.
Anyone who visited our clubhouse on matchdays will remember Archie’s ever-present smile as he served a beer, shared a story, and made every player, supporter and visitor feel part of our rugby family.
His presence will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on in the walls of our clubhouse and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral details -
Arch’s funeral will take place at 1:30 PM on Friday, 15th August at:the South Bristol Crematorium, Bridgwater Road, Bedminster Down, Bristol BS13 7AS
After the service, the family invites everyone to join them back at:
Bristol Harlequins RFC, Broomhill Road, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5RG
Let’s come together to honour Arch, share stories, and celebrate the life of a true clubman.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Bristol Harlequins RFC go out to Archie’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Blue Black and White Forever. Rest easy, Archie.
Bristol & District Rugby Football Combination offer their sincere condolences to Archie’s family and everyone at Bristol Harlequins RFC.
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.
The passing of Cleve RFC Legend Stuart (Buzz) Gaston
It is with a very heavy heart and much sadness that we share the news of the passing of a true Cleve RFC legend.
Stuart Gaston, known to many as Buzz, passed away on the 12th June following a determined and brave fight against cancer.
Stuart was a welcoming, friendly, sincere, caring, soft-spoken man with a big presence. He made the transition from American football to rugby, bringing the hard-working ethos of American football into our rugby club, which was on the way up. His work ethic helped to drive the club to dizzy heights. He was a hulk of a man. He knew how to soften the mood of a room. His quick-witted one-liners, always said with a smile on his face, will be missed.
What a great man Buzz was! He was a loving husband and dad, a great ambassador for the club and for rugby, a first-team captain, coach, Minis, Junior, and Colts coach, vice chair, sponsor, and, more recently, an honorary life member of the club.
He gave back to rugby at Cleve as much as he got from it, with significant interest in helping to shape the direction of the club and its players on and off the field.
Everyone loved him. He was one of the most genuine, caring, supportive and fun blokes to be around. ‘He was a friend to all, and everyone was his friend’.
A legend that will never be forgotten. He will always be in our hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carol, his wife, Paige, his daughter and all of his close family, relatives and friends.
Funeral and wake plans to follow.
June 13, 2025
Geoff Warren Funeral Details
Following the recent devastating news of Geoff Warren’s sudden passing, we can now reveal that his funeral will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 14:15, South Bristol Crematorium, Bridgwater Road, Bedminster Down, Bristol, BS13 7AS.
Following the ceremony, a gathering will be at Bedminster Down Ex-Service Club, Winford Grove, Bristol, BS13 7DY.
We are sure that the local rugby fraternity will want to pay their respects to Geoff, who was a fantastic BRRS servant and also to the wider game, over many decades.
The family would like the service to celebrate Geoff’s life.
Geoff was a smart, well-respected man; therefore, the family would love you to dress smart but not necessarily in black. If you wish to wear colour, please do.
Family flowers only, please.
Donations in memory of Geoffrey for the Alzheimer's Society. As you all know, Geoff died unexpectedly and suddenly at home; however, Alzheimer’s sadly has affected the family, and to be able to offer any support for anyone battling this terrible disease is something that would be very close to Geoff's heart.
GRFU’s AGM & Awards presentation Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 7 pm
GRFU’s AGM & Awards presentation on Weds 18th June at 19:00hrs.
The bar will be open and food available from 18:15hrs.
Please register using this link.
Any resolutions or nominations for Officers, Executive Board or GRFU Committee members should be received by 31st May.
From Touchline to Tryline - Supporting Your Whole Club.
GRFU is pleased to invite all affiliated clubs to our upcoming Club’s Day: From Touchline to Tryline - Supporting Your Whole Club.
This FREE event is designed to cover essential topics that clubs must address, with expert guidance from RFU staff specialising in these areas.🗓️ Sunday 17th August 2025 ⏰ 09:30 - 15:15hrs
📍 Captain’s Lounge, Kingsholm Stadium
We encourage all clubs to participate and share their preferences regarding the subjects they wish to see covered.
The Captain’s Lounge at Kingsholm Stadium can accommodate up to 160 attendees, and we strongly urge each club to have at least one Committee member/Officer present.
The venue is within an hour’s travel for most clubs, ensuring accessibility for all.
Beyond the structured agenda, this gathering will provide a unique opportunity to meet members of the GRFU Executive Board, Team GRFU, RFU staff plus volunteers from other clubs, fostering valuable networking connections.
We are also honoured to welcome the incoming RFU President, Deborah Griffen, who will attend before beginning her commitments at the Women's Rugby World Cup.
Action Required: Please confirm your attendance and preference for subjects using this link.
A full itinerary will follow, dependent on our club’s priorities.
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
Mixed Fortunes for Bristol Combination Clubs in Papa Johns Community Cup finals
Counties 3 & Below South Plate - Final
Hastings & Bexhill 20 Ashley Down Old Boys 34
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 24 Ealing Trailfinders 1871 28
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 33
Winscombe Ladies 27
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.