Vectis Rugby Football Club is celebrating an exceptional 2024/25 season, marked by a significant rise in membership, growing community engagement and an increasingly bright future for rugby on the Isle of Wight.
The season concluded with a successful festival held in glorious sunshine at Medina Leisure Centre. Organised by club sponsors Tour-International, the multi-age group event marked a major step up from previous years. The Festival drew national attention, welcoming 75 teams from clubs across the UK and over 2,000 attendees each day.
Among the special guests were England U20s women’s and Gloucester players Amy Dale and Olivia Constable, who added star power to the weekend. The club is already planning for next year’s event, with ambitions to make it even bigger.
Membership at Vectis RFC has grown from under 200 to over 250 during the 2024/25 season. This increase reflects the club’s commitment to expanding rugby opportunities for young people across the Isle of Wight, guided by Rugby’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship (TREDS).
Girls’ rugby has been another area of exciting development. Vectis RFC is actively encouraging new players to join at all age levels as it works to build a strong and inclusive girls’ section.
Rugby’s popularity in local schools is also on the rise. A pair recent tag rugby tournaments have provided young athletes a platform to develop their skills. An upcoming event on Sunday (19th May) will offer children a chance to impress former England international and World Cup winner Jason Robinson.
The club continues to benefit from the support of key sponsors including Wightlink, Tour International, Island Marquees, Skyline Roofs and Ford Search Partners. Their backing ensures access to travel for mainland matches, as well as funding for pitches and training facilities on the Isle of Wight.
The season’s achievements were recognised at an awards ceremony held at 1Leisure Medina Theatre. To cap off the year, club members will head to Bristol later this month to watch the Bristol Bears take on Harlequins.
Club Chairman, Allan Bridges, has said:
“I extend my thanks to our dedicated community, the parents for their unwavering support and commitment to good behaviour within the club; the tireless volunteers – managers, kitchen staff, first aiders, coaches, and countless others – whose selfless contributions are the bedrock of Vectis RFC; and the extraordinary committee, whose tireless behind-the-scenes efforts and sacrifices have been instrumental in the club’s success.”
Anyone interested in playing rugby from U6 to U18, or looking to support the club, can visit www.vectisrfc.rfu.club, follow Vectis RFC on Facebook or email [email protected].
