Community

13 Feb 2024 | 3 min |

Darlington - may the fours be with you

For the first time in 15 years four senior men’s teams recently ran out at Darlington RFC’s Blackwell Meadows.

This achievement was all the greater as some eight years ago the club was fielding just one team. 

With many supporters in the clubhouse and on the touchlines, the DRFC staff were serving drinks and pre-match food, and youngsters were enjoying the occasion.

Dan Miller, Director of Rugby said: “It was a splendid day and testament to the hard work of all of the people involved in the club, from the senior men’s coaching and leadership team to the staff that run our facility. Our collective hard work has really paid off. The atmosphere was fantastic.”

Head coach Liam Shanahan added: “Fielding four teams on a single Saturday was incredible. It was a real team effort getting there and came from working hard to develop the coaching team and also the level of buy in from the players, which was incredible. Without their commitment we wouldn’t have got there. It was a really collaborative approach. Over the weekend we saw players returning to the game having retired or joined the Dinosaurs veterans team. We also had family members including a father a son featuring in two of the teams on the weekend.”

Not only is the club doing well with the senior men, the women's and girls' sections are seeing increased participation.

Rebecca Snook, Women’s Captain said: “Over the last two seasons we have seen incredible growth and have worked hard to create an inclusive environment where people are welcome to come down and get involved regardless of ability.”

The club is also well supported across the age groups, with teams at all ages and fantastic support from volunteers and parents.

“There’s a real community feel at the club. It’s a pleasure to be involved and provide an opportunity for so many to enjoy their first experience of rugby. Rugby is a great opportunity for our young people to forge strong relationships that can be with them for life,” said Tom Miller, Club Chair.

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