News | Colts Rugby Returns to Stoke Park!

Written : Wednesday 11th Oct 23

Guildfordians & Weybridge Vandals join forces at Colts level.

After a hiatus of several years. Colts rugby has finally returned to Stoke Park.
Due to the absence of any age groups above them, last seasons Guildfordians U16s have now become the Guildfordians Colts (U17 & U18) squad for this season. Even though they are all in the U17 age group.

The participation drop-off of boys playing rugby post U16 level (after their GCSE exams) is always very steep.
Last years squad of approximately 30 players unfortunately was reduced to around 17 players. Which was always going to be a struggle with the unavoidable occasional injuries and unavailability.
We’ve always had a good healthy rivalry and friendship with Weybridge Vandals in our age group.
At the start of this season, they found themselves in exactly the same situation as us. No age groups above them and just short of enough players for a healthy squad.
So, we took a chance and decided to join forces to give the lads as much opportunity as possible to keep playing rugby this season.
The hope for both teams is that next season the current U16s at both clubs can bolster the numbers at Colts level next season. So, both clubs can stand on their own two feet again.
All credit goes out to all the players. They have really embraced this experiment and have really enjoyed playing and training with each other so far.

For more information please email Peter O'Loughlin colts.coach@grfc.co.uk

By
Shaun Harvey
Colts Coach