🏉 FYB Rugby Round Up – 19 October 2026

This week’s grassroots rugby stories show how long-term partnerships, practical funding and ambitious planning can help grassroots rugby create opportunities today while preparing for the future.

Canterbury partnership supports girls’ rugby

Canterbury RFC has received the third £3,500 instalment of a five-year partnership with Redrow South East, worth £17,500 overall. The support is helping the community club develop its girls’ and youth sections, deliver structured training and create more playing opportunities. Canterbury offers men’s, women’s, girls’, youth and wheelchair rugby, making the investment valuable across a broad membership. Multi-year backing is particularly important for grassroots clubs because it provides the certainty needed to plan beyond a single season rather than rebuilding programmes around short-term funding.

Read More: Redrow and Canterbury RFC partnership

Funding available for university rugby clubs

The Students’ RFU has opened its 2026/27 grants programme, with university clubs able to apply for up to £250 through either its Support Fund or Development Fund. Eligible costs include equipment, facility hire, coaching qualifications, travel and introductory sessions. Funding can also support new initiatives designed to attract players and volunteers or strengthen relationships with community clubs. The amounts may be modest, but they can remove the practical obstacle preventing an activity from happening—particularly for student-run clubs working with limited budgets. Applications close on 30 October.

Read More: England Rugby Universities – SRFU Grants Programme

Alton RFC builds a legacy for its second century

Alton RFC is marking its centenary by launching the ’26 Club, inviting 26 Founding Members to support a new legacy fund. Each will contribute £1,200, with the club aiming to raise more than £20,000 towards major projects including an artificial grass pitch and expanded clubhouse facilities. Contributors will receive permanent recognition on an honour board alongside commemorative membership benefits. The initiative connects Alton’s history with the practical needs of its future—using its 100th anniversary not only as a celebration, but as an opportunity to invest in facilities for generations still to come.

Read More: Alton RFC – The ’26 Club

Have you spotted a grassroots rugby story that deserves wider recognition? Send it to Fill Your Boots for a future roundup.