History

Recognising a need to counteract the near demise of rugby football in the local secondary schools, in 1989 the Management Committee charged Chris Brockett and Laurie Hayward with the responsibility of developing a structured Mini and Junior Section. Chris did a wonderful PR job in the local Primary Schools, whilst Laurie – a teacher at a local secondary school – targetted staff and pupils in a number of schools in the Northavon and North Bristol area.

In September 1989 the new Mini and Junior Section of the North Bristol Rugby Club was born, and some fifty youngsters attended training sessions on a Sunday morning. The first female to officially don a North Bristol shirt and represent the Club was Natasha Holder. A member of the U11 team coached by John Harris and Kevin James in 1989, her courage in the tackle and basic rugby skills was envied by many of her male counterparts. Gemma Cottle (daughter of Martyn (Biffo) Cottle, Lucy Croft (daughter of Mike Croft) and Georgina Bold (daughter of Chris Bold) were others of the “fairer sex” who followed closely in Natasha’s footsteps.

Beside the regular Sunday morning games and coaching sessions, family social events featured in the Junior Section programme and the association blossomed. The Junior Inaugural Dinner was held on Friday 7 June 1991 and was attended by 120 youngsters, parents and guests. The senior players, led by the Club Captain Derek Miles, donned their 1st XV shirts and served and waited on the assembled guests.

Due to health problems, Laurie Hayward was advised to lead a more sedentary lifestyle and stepped down as Junior Section Chairman in 1992. Fortunately a natural successor was already evident, and Glyn Williams was elected to office and held the post for almost ten years. The Junior Section is a vibrant and integral part of the club and endeavours to teach youngsters how to play skilful rugby football in a friendly but competitive and sporting atmosphere, with the emphasis on enjoyment.

John Harris (England U15 Schools International) and Andy Ripley (England International) both played for NBRFC as juniors. In 1995 Richard Bryan and Paul Whittaker, both members of a very successful Junior squad coached by Mike Ward (N.Bristol, Bristol and Glos), were selected by England Schools at U16 level. Richard and Paul later became professional rugby players for Bath and Bristol respectively. In the season 2000/1, NBRFC Junior members Nigel Smith and John Paton were selected for the South West Colts .(Nigel narrowly missed out on a Final England Colts trial).

In the season 1999/2000 eleven of the U17 Squad were part of the Bristol Combination U17 representative side.

NBRFC acknowledges the following club members who were instrumental in founding and developing the Mini and Junior Section:-

John Harris, Mike Ward, Huw Rees, Chris Brockett, Glyn Williams, Laurie Hayward, Dave Chidgey, Steve Arthur, Bob Loveridge, Bruce Nash, Bob Fussell, Haydn Jones, Gerald Smith, Mike Croft, Mark Edgerley, Dave Walters, Dave Price, Paul Britton, Kevin James, Tony Halloran, Dennis Vittle, Mike Arthur, Paul Thompson and the current Junior Section Chairman Ted Milburn.

Thanks too – all those wives, mums and grandparents who supported the venture and whose help and encouragement has led to the success of the NBRFC Junior Section.