Winners announced for this year’s Allianz Stadium Takeover Day
As part of England Rugby’s Play Together, Stay Together campaign, eight teams will take over Allianz Stadium on Sunday 27 April 2025.
The teams were selected due to their innovative ways of inspiring adults to begin or to continue playing rugby.
North
Driffield Rugby Club
Last season, Driffield’s fourth XV had an impressive 107 players involved – a number they’re aiming to exceed this year.
The club has built its team through a season preview in a weekly newspaper and by running pre-season sessions separately from 1st XV training, creating a low-pressure environment for those looking to get involved.
Throughout the season, the team focuses on fostering a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, valuing camaraderie as much as rugby itself.
The 4th XV has acted as a stepping stone for many players to progress to other teams within the club, including the current 1st XV captain, and has provided a pathway for Colts moving into senior rugby.
Doncaster Phoenix RUFC
Doncaster Demons, the women’s team at Doncaster Phoenix RUFC, has grown significantly over the past couple of years.
Through Pitch Up and Play events, charity days, friendly matches, and additional coaching sessions, they’ve worked hard to retain current players, welcome back lapsed players, and attract new ones.
They’ve also established a link with the High Performance Centre at University Campus Doncaster to support players’ fitness, and have brought in new sponsors, volunteers, and supporters.
So far this season, they’ve welcomed 19 new players and now average over 25 players at training each week. For the first time in the club’s history, they’re successfully running two women’s teams.
Midlands
Daventry RFC
Since welcoming new board members and coaches a few seasons ago, Daventry RFC has seen its 1st XV promoted twice and is now fielding four men’s teams, a women’s team, and a thriving mini and junior section.
They’ve reached players through social media, WhatsApp groups, and printed materials – particularly targeting parents of mini and junior players to encourage them to get involved.
They’ve also used personal connections within the club to engage members of the wider community who could benefit from social rugby.
Ashby RFC
After launching a women’s side in June 2024, Ashby RFC has successfully encouraged over 30 women aged 19–55 to take up rugby.
Led by Club Secretary Claire Kurpil, the club promoted rugby through social media campaigns and ran dedicated ‘Give Rugby a Try’ T1 sessions tailored for complete beginners.
Women are now represented at all levels of the club, including on the committee and coaching staff.
South West
Gosford All Blacks RFC
This season, Gosford All Blacks RFC focused on two things: creating a positive club environment and offering flexible playing options.
They’ve fostered a low-pressure atmosphere both on and off the pitch, including reducing the focus on alcohol at social events.
While they still offer twice-weekly training for those aiming to play league rugby, they’ve also launched a social third XV, allowing more flexibility with attendance and fixture timings.
The club has re-engaged former players, with six returning in the past 18 months, and has attracted parents from the junior section – including one prop in his 50s who now plays alongside his sons.
Ashley Down Old Boys RFC
Ashley Down Old Boys women’s team pride themselves on their club’s supportive atmosphere, which they believe is key to retaining players and supporting development.
After a challenging post-COVID season – often fielding just 10 or 12 players and facing heavy defeats – the team rebuilt by reaching out to local organisations such as universities and the local hospital, and by holding an Inner Warrior event.
Their hard work has paid off, with numbers steadily increasing. They recently fielded a full squad of 22 players for the first time this season.
South
Egham Hollowegians RFC
Egham Hollowegians RFC boasts a wide age range of players, from 18 to 60.
The club has strong links with Royal Holloway University and fully funds regular social events, including fancy dress parties, barbecues, dinners, Christmas meals, and fundraising events.
They’ve also made club subscription fees optional to ensure financial barriers don’t prevent participation.
To attract new players, they distribute leaflets in local shops and have ramped up their social media presence with player-focused content.
Harlow RFC
Harlow RFC women’s team places a strong emphasis on community and creating a family feel.
They welcome players of all abilities, and members of the senior side also coach the girls’ team.
The U18s take part in weekly non-contact sessions with the senior team to build connections and demonstrate the pathway to senior rugby.
