Nailsea and Backwell’s home-grown talent
A grassroots club’s 1st XV recently featured 17 players who graduated through their age-grade programme into the senior squad
Somerset club Nailsea and Backwell have a strong production line of grassroots players, with a thriving junior section and pathway into adult rugby.
The 1st XV, known as the Ravens, earned promotion ahead of the 2022/23 season and, despite being a young squad, sit in the top four of the Counties 1 Tribute Western North league table.
The Ravens team that faced Longlevens RFC on January 28 included 17 players who played their age-grade rugby at West End Park, the home of Nailsea and Backwell RFC. They came away 43-14 victors – their 10th win of the season.
Head coach Tony Hill said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have so many of our senior playing squad that have come through our age grade pathway. I’ve been coaching the senior side for six years now and each season we’ve improved the numbers coming into the squad.
“This is huge credit to all the junior coaches involved at Nailsea & Backwell who have supported our age grade pathway throughout the years. It’s who we are as a club, we don’t actively recruit players really, we try to develop them. We do this by creating a positive, value-based environment and, as a result, the senior section is enjoying the rewards.”
Nailsea and Backwell RFC is home to over 300 age-grade rugby players, across 14 teams.
“Taking over from Matt Thorn, who did a fantastic job, our junior Chairman Steve Whitwham is the man behind our organisational prowess,” Tony continued. “He is a dedicated committee member who has overseen safeguarding, coach development, first aid and organisational changes over the past year.”
Anyone interested in taking up rugby in the area is encouraged to contact the club here.
