Vectis RFC is enjoying a record-breaking season with 290 youth players, strong mainland performances and major events planned this Spring.
The Sandown-based club continues to flourish, with its youth section now spanning Under 6s through to Under 18s. Growth on this scale has been matched by success on the pitch and increasing links to the professional game.
UNDER 10s IMPRESS AT SOUTH COAST FESTIVAL
Vectis Under 10s produced a strong team display during their trip to Havant.
Vectis Under 10s crossed the Solent to compete at Havant, delivering a strong all-round performance built on teamwork and development.
Standout displays from Josh Keyzor and Wilf Smith helped define a day shaped by the club’s “Vectis Spirit,” with the group showing clear progress throughout.
Coach Allan said:
“A great day of rugby where everyone showed some real improvement. Our newer players stepped up and did themselves proud.”
UNDER 13s SHOW RESILIENCE AND SCORING POWER
Vectis Under 13s bounced back impressively to finish 4th at Havant.
The Under 13s also travelled to Havant, finishing 4th out of 6 teams after a series of competitive fixtures.
Following a tough 7-0 defeat to a physical Havant Red side, Vectis bounced back in style with a dominant 10-0 victory over Saracens. Tries came from Billy Young (4), Theo Cherry (2), Finley Stevens, Wyatt Lee, Tom Saunders and Ed Foster.
In the 3rd/4th play-off, breakaway tries from Louie Laidler and Harry Grant kept the side in contention before they narrowly lost 5-2 to Havant A. Coaches praised the squad’s teamwork and effort, highlighting a collective performance across the group.
UNDER 12s ENJOY MEMORABLE MAINLAND TOUR
Vectis Under 12s experienced a 3-day tour against leading mainland opposition.
The Under 12s squad returned from a busy 3-day tour, facing strong opposition including Old Cranleighans, Wimbledon RFC and Chobham RFC.
A standout moment came at Richmond, where the players were hosted by London Scottish. The group acted as mascots and formed a Guard of Honour ahead of a professional fixture against Coventry, before taking to the main pitch themselves for a half-time match.
Vectis extended thanks to sponsors S Whittington and Skyline Roofs, as well as Contour Sports for providing tour kit.
CLUB LINKS TO PROFESSIONAL GAME ON DISPLAY
Vectis connections were showcased at the Principality Stadium during a major event.
Vectis’ growing connection to elite rugby was highlighted at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff during Bristol Bears’ “Big Day Out.”
Amy Dale featured for Bristol Bears Women, wearing number 16 in front of a packed crowd. After the match, she took time to meet young Vectis players, providing inspiration—particularly for the club’s expanding girls’ section.
Adding further pride, the men’s fixture between Bristol Bears and Harlequins was refereed by Adam Leal, a former Vectis player and current vice-president of the club, demonstrating the pathway from grassroots rugby to the professional stage.
KEY FIXTURES AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Vectis RFC now look ahead to a busy and exciting end to the season.
As the season approaches its conclusion, Vectis RFC has several important dates ahead.
Vectis Colts will host New Milton in the Colts Plate semi-final at Sandown and Shanklin Rugby Club on 12th April (14:00), with a place in the final at stake.
Looking ahead to May, the Isle of Wight Rugby Festival returns to Medina on 1st and 2nd May. Organised by Tour International, the event will feature live music, food stalls, bars and a full programme of rugby, with the club encouraging the wider community to attend.
