Hartpury College RFC

Following the development of the Hartpury Academy of Sport in 2000, the College has enjoyed much success on the rugby field. In partnership with Guinness Premiership local side, Gloucester RFC, Hartpury Rugby Academy successfully attracts talented players who are passionate about the game and are determined to succeed. The concept of a Saturday side originally ‘Hartpury College RFC’ was the brainchild of Hartpury’s Principal, Malcolm Wharton in 2004; the aim being to one day play at National rugby level and improve the BUCS teams along the way.

Hartpury RFC is made up of players from Hartpury’s BUCS teams and even a few College staff. The club provides a forum for coaches to work with younger players; giving them real match experience and an opportunity to progress with their rugby development.

The squad has an enviable unbeaten track record; after losing their first ever league game, they progressed through the leagues from Gloucester 3 in 2004 to Western Counties North in 2008 until losing to Thornbury in 2009. Hartpury RFC also took home from Twickenham the EDF Junior Vase in 2007 and Senior Vase in 2008, defeating Billericay and Wheatley Hills respectively. In 2009 they won their third consecutive EDF Energy Trophy, lifting the EDF Intermediate Cup after beating Clifton and were also honoured with the BBC West Sports Team of the Year Award. Promotion to National League 3 came after winning the Tribute South West 1 West League with 26 games unbeaten and what is believed to be a record breaking points differential of 1,013. They also went on to lift the inaugural RFU Level Six Champions Cup at Twickenham rounding off another fantastic season. Hartpury  RFC gained their seventh consecutive promotion in 2011 to National League 2, the highest league the team has ever played in.

Several Hartpury RFC players have gone on to play their sport professionally at both national and international level. Matt Evans became the first full international when he was capped for Canada in 2008 and he has recently signed a contract with Championship side Cornish Pirates. Graeme Lawler, Lotti Molitika and Richard Townsend have all represented their countries at international level for Zimbabwe U20, Tonga U20 and Canada U20 respectively.