Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby dedicated to Community Weekend

Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (29^th Nov - 1^st Dec) has been dedicated to Community Weekend, with all games over the weekend dedicated to the award-winning community programmes, including HITZ and Project Rugby, run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with our Clubs and their Foundations.

We are incredibly proud to support Premiership Rugby and the work it does with its Clubs and Foundations within communities across the UK. We are consistently inspired by the tireless work of the community teams to use rugby to inspire, uplift, and create positive opportunities for local people. This season's Community Weekend focuses on the many, wide ranging benefits of being part of the rugby community — from improving physical fitness, health and mental wellbeing to social connectedness, developing relationships with others, building confidence or a sense of purpose, belonging and giving something back to others.

Premiership Rugby community programmes benefit around 250,000 people annually. As part of this special weekend, each club will share inspirational stories of individuals whose lives have been changed by being involved with the game via our community programmes.

Bath Rugby:

When health challenges impacted Huw's ability to play the traditional game, he reignited his love through Walking Rugby. However, on seeing a lack of inclusive options in the rugby community, Huw began a dedicated effort to use Project Rugby to create a Mixed Ability Rugby team in his area.
His dedication to inclusion has built a supportive community within rugby, empowering local people who previously felt sidelined to pick up a ball and get involved. As a coach and mentor, he has transformed lives, fostering confidence and belonging amongst his players.

Bristol Bears:

As a student at Warmley Park School, 17-year-old Owen initially struggled with social interactions and physical contact due to autism. However, weekly Project Rugby sessions led by Bristol Bears' Community Foundation at his school proved transformational as he found a welcoming environment where both his rugby skills and confidence developed. His sporting confidence now extends far beyond rugby. He represents Great Britain in Modern Pentathlon, competing internationally, and has set his sights on exploring coaching, goals supported by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation and Warmley Park School.

Gloucester Rugby:

Robert discovered a newfound passion for rugby through the inclusive sessions offered by Gloucester Rugby's Charitable Foundation. Having never considered rugby before, Robert was encouraged to give the sport a go via a Walking Rugby game. Since then, he has become a dedicated Project Rugby participant, which has opened doors - not only to a new sport but also to a supportive community that has boosted his physical health, mental well-being, and social life.

Leicester Tigers:

Rugby has profoundly changed Seb's life, thanks to the Leicester Tigers community team and their Project Rugby sessions. Seb began his rugby journey three years ago through local charity Liberty Jamboree, an organisation supporting young people with SEND. Initially shy and hesitant, Seb avoided running with the ball and rarely engaged with his teammates. However, with the help of Leicester Tigers' community coaches, Seb has blossomed into a confident, enthusiastic player who is now a regular within the Mixed-Ability team.

Sale Sharks:

From the moment 15-year-old Molly from Westhoughton stepped onto the rugby field, she discovered a passion for the sport that was unlike anything she'd experienced before. Molly's rugby journey began when she attended her first Project Rugby session at school delivered by the Sale Sharks Foundation, sparking an interest that has been life changing. Molly credits rugby for improving her confidence, fitness and widening her circle of friends. These factors have led not only to her improved application and attitude at school but to her becoming a vocal advocate for girls' rugby to help grow the game.

Saracens:

The introduction of Project Rugby by Saracens Foundation at Fearnhill School in Letchworth has had a transformative impact on both the school and the local community, building a lasting legacy of confidence, teamwork, and opportunity. Previously, rugby engagement among Fearnhill's 650 students was minimal, with most students having little or no experience in the sport. Now, the sport is embedded firmly within the PE curriculum and the positive effects of playing regularly are being felt beyond the school's gates.

Charlie Scott, Chief Financial Officer for Gallagher across EMEA and a Project Rugby volunteer, added: "We are incredibly proud to support Premiership Rugby's clubs and community coaches who do fantastic work in helping grow the game at grass roots level. "It is brilliant to hear from Project Rugby participants who have clearly benefited from getting involved in rugby. This important initiative is making a positive impact on the lives of young people, providing them with new opportunities and helping to make the game more accessible for all. At Gallagher, we are passionate about supporting the communities where we are based and our partnership with Premiership Rugby is enabling us to make a real difference."

Laylla Stanley, Strategic Lead — Social Impact and D&I at Premiership Rugby says: "We believe through its core values everyone can reap the rewards of being part of the rugby. Our community foundations and their relationship with the communities in which they are based can be some people's first positive engagement with the sport and an introduction to the many benefits to be reaped from being part of the wider rugby community. Our community teams work hard to create inclusive and welcoming environments that give people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities the confidence and support to give rugby a go. Community Weekend, is a true celebration of just how transformative rugby can be, motivating us in our mission to use rugby to change lives for the better."