Avonmouth, Bristol Saracens and Chipping Sodbury are the featured Club Connexion partners for the visit of Leicester Tigers to Bear Country on Sunday, April 20th.

The three local rugby clubs from the Foundation’s Club Connexion programme take centre stage as Pat Lam’s men return to Premiership action on Easter Sunday at 3pm.

Club Connexion is our local club partnership offer which supports the community clubs with coach education workshops, player development camps and many other benefits.

All 30 local rugby clubs will enjoy a featured Bristol Bears home game at Ashton Gate throughout the 2024/25 season as part of the Club Connexion programme and you can find out more about Avonmouth, Bristol Saracens and Chipping Sodbury below.

AVONMOUTH OLD BOYS RFC

Avonmouth Old Boys RFC is one of the oldest clubs in Bristol and boasts a long and proud sporting history within the local community since being founded in 1897 by local school master W Powell, originally on the banks of the River Severn.

Wayne Donnelly, from Avonmouth Old Boys RFC, said: “We are a grassroots club with a great history with our local community and rugby family members at the centre of it.

“Through the Club Connexion programme, we feel we can reach more of the community to instil rugby core values and how this can be transferred it to life skills for the future. We are all really looking forward to supporting the Bears against Leicester Tigers and our club members are also going to enjoy the social side of the game.

“We wanted to be involved with the Club Connexion programme as we feel it will inspire, network, grow the game and spread the word that rugby is a great team sport. I feel it adds value to the community game and shows that there is a place for everyone.”

BRISTOL SARACENS

One of the oldest clubs in the city, Bristol Saracens RFC has an ever growing mini and Junior section which is the biggest it has been since the club was founded.

Andrew Sallabank, from Bristol Saracens said: “We wanted exactly what Connexion is set up for, to have a close connection to Bears. We want our players not just to play rugby, but to love rugby. Part of that is watching games and taking in the atmosphere.

“We are really excited to be part of the matchday against Leicester Tigers and see the kids being flag bearers and wearing their Saracens kit on the Ashton Gate pitch.”

On the benefits of the Club Connexion programme, he added: “The coaches training from the Bristol Bears Community Foundation has been excellent. Also gives coaches a chance to interact and link up. Also days like this will benefit and promote the club.

“The Foundation’s support has been great. My aim for Saracens was to link up with local schools and link up with Bears. The Foundation has made this easier and it’s also giving our Star* kids a chance to join training camps which has been very beneficial.”

CHIPPING SOBURY RFC

Chipping Sodbury RFC was founded in 1949 and has since grown strong within the local community, offering both men’s and women’s rugby teams as well as a thriving youth section to promote the sport and fitness amongst the younger generations.

Jess Williams, from Chipping Sodbury RFC, said: “We are celebrating 75 years of our rugby club this year and we are proud to have two men’s teams, women’s team, touch rugby team and youth teams for both boys and girls from age 2 to 18 years old.

“We pride ourselves on welcoming both children and adults of all abilities and experience levels to embrace our rugby community both on and off the pitch.”

On the Club Connexion programme, she added: “We heard about all the exciting things Club Connexions had to offer last season from other local clubs and couldn’t wait to be involved. Our coaches were excited be involved in coaches development courses and the children are excited for flag bearing and the player development camps.

“The Club connexion programme has already offered us invaluable coaches development opportunities, lots of opportunities for our families to attend games they may not have otherwise been able to afford which is fantastic for our youth players! The children are looking forward to being involved in player development camps and the support from Jake and other members of the team has been second to none.”