Nearly 300 young players, a 5,000-strong festival and recognition from the RFU capped off a landmark season for Vectis RFC.
Vectis RFC has celebrated what is being described as its most successful season to date with a packed end-of-season awards evening at Medina Theatre.
The youth rugby club, which now has nearly 300 registered players across its age groups, welcomed players, coaches, volunteers and families for a night celebrating achievements both on and off the pitch.
Club officials reflected on a remarkable 2025/26 campaign that saw Vectis host its biggest-ever rugby festival — attracting around 5,000 people — as well as organise trips to Twickenham, secure RFU media coverage and receive recognition from the RFU President.
Awards were handed out from Under 6s through to Under 16s, recognising commitment, improvement, sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the season.
Among the notable winners were Libby Newton, who picked up the U9 Coaches’ Player award, Joshua Jennings as U10 Coaches’ Player, Ed Newton as U11 Coaches’ Player and Harry Gregg, who secured the U12 Boys Coaches’ Player accolade.
At Under 16 level, Hector Lovett-Fenner was presented with the prestigious Mike Walker Award for embodying the spirit and tradition of the club.
Special recognition was also given to volunteers Dave Edmonds and Ben Cooper, who were jointly named Volunteers of the Year for their work on press releases, weekly round-ups, the club website and social media.
Vectis also praised Sam Laidler Photography for capturing the season-ending event.
Looking ahead, the club says it is already preparing for further expansion next season, with summer training sessions set to be announced shortly.
The club’s final major event of the current campaign will see former England rugby star Jason Robinson visit the Isle of Wight for a tag rugby festival being hosted in collaboration with Isle of Wight Community Sports Coaching and local primary schools.
Vectis RFC says its aim remains to make rugby accessible to everyone while continuing to support the Island’s senior clubs — Isle of Wight RFC, Ventnor RFC and Sandown & Shanklin RFC.
