Yeovil Rugby Club is gearing up for another exciting season, with plenty happening both on and off the pitch following a busy summer at the club.
Despite exceptionally dry weather creating challenges for the club’s usual summer pitch maintenance programme, a huge amount of work has continued behind the scenes as preparations gather pace for the 2026/27 season.
From investment in the grounds and new technology to growing player numbers, community partnerships and a packed programme of rugby, there is plenty to look forward to at Yeovil Rugby Club.
Investment in Our Grounds
One of the biggest developments this summer has been Yeovil Rugby Club’s work alongside the RFU and STIGA to introduce robotic grass-cutting technology.
The robotic mowers provide an innovative and more environmentally friendly way of maintaining the club’s extensive grounds, cutting little and often to help create more consistent playing surfaces.
In the longer term, the technology should also reduce reliance on traditional machinery, fuel and the considerable number of volunteer hours currently required to maintain the site.
Following the initial introduction, further robotic cutting equipment is now being provided to the club – another significant step forward for our grounds operation.
The club has also received a new grounds shed, generously donated by Yeovil Fencing Centre, providing much-needed additional storage for our grounds team.
A huge thank you goes to Yeovil Fencing Centre for their support and generosity.
Rugby is Returning
There has been plenty of positive news on the playing side too.
Pre-season numbers across both the Men’s and Women’s sections have been extremely encouraging, with familiar faces returning alongside a number of new players.
Yeovil Women have already got their pre-season campaign underway, producing an impressive unbeaten performance at the Trowbridge 10s.
The Women also begin a new chapter this season as Simon Jenkins takes over as Head Coach.
Simon Chubb leaves some very big shoes to fill following the tremendous work he has done with the squad, and the club is extremely grateful for everything he has contributed. We look forward to seeing Simon Jenkins build on those foundations as the Women’s section continues to develop.
Our Colts have also been training throughout the summer, while Age Grade teams are beginning to return as preparations gather pace throughout the club.
Could You Help Our Age Grade Teams?
Age Grade rugby remains incredibly important to the future of Yeovil Rugby Club.
Our existing coaches and volunteers do a fantastic job, but many are stretched and we need more people to get involved.
You don't necessarily need previous coaching experience. Parents, former players, members and supporters can all contribute, and there are many different ways to help.
Even giving a small amount of time can make a real difference to our young players and the future of rugby at Yeovil.
Strengthening Our Community Connections
Another positive development this summer has been the rebuilding of our relationship with Yeovil College.
Alongside this, Tim Marshall from the RFU has been gradually introducing T1 Rugby and helping to strengthen those connections.
We are now exploring opportunities for Yeovil College matches to be played at Yeovil Rugby Club during the coming season.
Bringing the College and rugby club closer together makes complete sense and we hope the relationship will encourage even more young people from the local community to become involved in rugby.
A Brilliant Summer at YRC
Rugby certainly hasn't stopped during the off-season.
Our mixed Touch Rugby sessions have been a great success, keeping people active and bringing different parts of the club together throughout the summer.
There was also a fantastic response to our recent Club Maintenance Day, with volunteers completing a huge number of jobs around the site.
Although, according to Chairman Paul McHugh, Senior Men’s coach Dave may have now been permanently banned from using a paintbrush!
Our recent Coaches Training Day, organised by Bea and Simon, was another fantastic example of people giving their time to develop rugby at Yeovil.
The day was made particularly special by the return of Marlie Packer OBE, giving our coaches the opportunity to learn from and spend time with one of the biggest names in the game.
A huge thank you goes to Bea and Simon for organising the day and to everyone who attended and supported it.
Saturday 22 August – A Huge Day at Yeovil Rugby Club
One date everyone should have firmly in their diary is Saturday 22 August.
The club is preparing for a fantastic day of rugby, Armed Forces fundraising, live entertainment and community activity.
The day begins with some of our youth teams training before:
12:00pm – Yeovil Women v Hucclecote
followed by
Yeovil Senior Men v Coldstream Guards
The club is delighted to be welcoming the Coldstream Guards to Yeovil, with members of the Guards also expected to attend in ceremonial uniform.
Throughout the day there will be live music, a raffle, auction and other activities raising money for Armed Forces charities.
Camping will also be available on Saturday night for anyone wanting to make a full day and evening of it.
The club will additionally welcome a group completing a charity walk from West Bay to Yeovil Rugby Club in memory of former Ivel Barbarians player Neil McKernan.
The walk celebrates Neil’s love of the water and rugby while raising funds for Lymphoma Action, and we hope everyone at the club will give the walkers a fantastic welcome when they arrive.
Bring your family and friends, come down early, support the youth teams, cheer on our Women and Men and stay to enjoy the evening.
It promises to be a very special day at YRC.
Supporting Yeovil Rugby Club
Running and continually improving a community rugby club comes at a considerable cost, and there are several simple ways members and supporters can help.
Our official O’Neills Yeovil Rugby Club shop continues to grow, with new clothing and merchandise recently added.
Yeovil Rugby Club Online Shop | O’Neills GAA
Every purchase through the official shop benefits the club, with money received from sales reinvested directly into rugby – including playing kit and clothing for our coaches.
The Yeovil Rugby Club Lottery is another incredibly important source of regular income.
Small regular contributions across a large membership can make an enormous difference over the course of a season.
Anyone wanting more information about joining the lottery can contact:
Treasurer@yeovilrugby.co.uk
or
yeovilrugbyclub@outlook.com
Your Club Needs You
There is a huge amount happening at Yeovil Rugby Club – but none of it happens without people.
We are incredibly fortunate to have fantastic volunteers, coaches, sponsors and supporters. However, in many areas the same relatively small group of people continue to carry much of the workload.
We need more people to get involved.
That doesn't mean giving up every weekend.
An hour helping at an event, supporting an Age Grade team, assisting on a matchday or lending a hand around the grounds can make a genuine difference.
If you have a trade, skill, business or service that could benefit the club, we'd also love to hear from you.
And one of the simplest ways to support YRC is simply to be here.
Come to matches. Use the clubhouse. Attend our events. Join the lottery. Buy through the club shop. Bring your family and friends. Volunteer when you can.
Every person who supports the club helps us continue investing in rugby and our facilities.
An Exciting Season Ahead
Chairman Paul McHugh said there is a huge amount to be positive about as Yeovil Rugby Club enters the 2026/27 season.
The club continues to improve its facilities, embrace innovative and environmentally sustainable technology, develop coaches, rebuild important community relationships and provide rugby opportunities from Age Grade right through to senior level.
Paul added his thanks to all of the club's players, coaches, sponsors, volunteers, members and supporters for everything they continue to do.
The 2026/27 season is nearly here – and now we need everyone behind YRC.
And don't forget Saturday 22 August. Come down early, support the Women at 12pm, stay for the Coldstream Guards fixture and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic day at Yeovil Rugby Club.
