Yeovil Rugby Club

Five years after joining Yeovil Rugby Club as a 13-year-old, Ben Hunt has taken the next step in his rugby journey, marking his senior men's debut with two tries and a Player of the Match performance.

Yeovil Barbarians 24 – 14 Weston-super-Mare III | Saturday 24th October 2026

There are few things more rewarding for a grassroots rugby club than watching a young player progress through the ranks and make their senior debut. For Yeovil Rugby Club, Saturday was one of those proud moments.

At just 13 years old, Ben Hunt joined Yeovil Rugby Club, beginning a journey that would take him through the Age Grade section, into the Colts and, five years later, onto the pitch with the senior men's Barbarians.

Having recently turned 18, Ben was named among the replacements for Saturday's home fixture against Weston-super-Mare III. What followed was a debut that few will forget.

Twenty Minutes, Two Tries and a Game-Changing Performance

With Yeovil trailing by a try, Ben was introduced from the bench with just 20 minutes remaining.

It was an opportunity to experience senior rugby, test himself against more experienced opposition and demonstrate what he had learned throughout his years at the club.

He certainly made the most of it.

Scoring twice in an outstanding 20-minute appearance, Ben helped swing the momentum back in Yeovil's favour, contributing to a hard-fought 24–14 victory.

His impact was recognised by the coaching team, who awarded him Forward of the Match.

For a player making his first appearance in senior men's rugby, it was a remarkable achievement and an early indication of the potential he brings to the squad.

Five Years of Development, Friendship and Rugby

Ben's story represents exactly what Yeovil Rugby Club hopes to achieve through its youth development pathway.

When a young person joins a rugby club, they gain far more than the opportunity to learn a sport.

They develop friendships that can last a lifetime, build confidence, learn discipline and resilience, and discover the importance of teamwork, commitment and respect.

Through training sessions, fixtures, victories, disappointments and countless shared experiences, young players develop both on and off the pitch.

For Ben, those experiences have now led to the next chapter of his rugby journey.

Having progressed through Yeovil's youth ranks and Colts, he is now beginning to establish himself within the senior game, alongside players he may once have watched from the touchline.

That progression is something the entire club can take pride in.

Building the Future of Yeovil Rugby

The transition from youth to senior rugby is an important milestone, and Yeovil Rugby Club remains committed to providing opportunities for young players to continue enjoying the game beyond their Age Grade years.

Our development pathway is about more than producing talented rugby players. It is about creating an environment where young people feel supported, challenged and encouraged to reach their potential.

It also demonstrates the importance of the coaches, volunteers, parents and teammates who contribute to a player's development over many seasons.

Ben's senior debut is a reflection of that collective effort.

From the coaches who first welcomed him at 13, to those who have guided him through the Colts and now into the Barbarians, each has played a part in helping him reach this milestone.

And while two tries and a Player of the Match award make for an impressive debut, the real achievement is seeing another homegrown Yeovil player successfully make the step into senior rugby.

One of Our Own – And One to Watch

Saturday's performance has certainly given the Barbarians coaching team something to think about.

At just 18 years old, Ben has already demonstrated that he is capable of making a meaningful contribution at senior level, and his development over the coming seasons will be exciting to follow.

There will undoubtedly be more challenges, more lessons and plenty more rugby ahead, but his first senior appearance could hardly have gone much better.

Congratulations, Ben, on a fantastic senior debut. From a 13-year-old junior player to a try-scoring senior Barbarian, you've done yourself and Yeovil Rugby Club proud.

We look forward to seeing what comes next.

Your Rugby Journey Could Start Here

Ben's story is a reminder that every rugby journey begins somewhere.

Whether you're looking for a sport for your child, hoping to build confidence and friendships, or considering returning to rugby yourself, Yeovil Rugby Club welcomes players of all abilities and experience levels.

With opportunities across our Minis, Juniors, Colts and senior sections, there is a place to learn, develop, enjoy the game and become part of the club.

The next Ben Hunt could already be out there, just waiting for that first training session.

To find out more about joining Yeovil Rugby Club, get in touch with the club or come along and see what we're all about.

Yeovil Rugby Club – Your Club. Your Rugby. Your Future.

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