Cheddar Valley RFC

🌍 World Rugby

August delivered a blockbuster month for world rugby. The British & Irish Lions completed their Australia tour with a 2–1 series win, taking memorable victories in Brisbane and Melbourne before a storm-hit finale in Sydney ended 22–12 to the Wallabies. The tour served up everything: set-piece arm-wrestles, attacking ambition, and a last-gasp Hugo Keenan try at the MCG that will live long in the memory. Andy Farrell’s squad showed depth across midweek fixtures and Tests, with stand-outs such as Maro Itoje and Finn Russell. Australia, though beaten overall, finished with pride and momentum after that wet-weather third Test.

Meanwhile, England is hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025—and it kicked off on Friday 22 August. The Red Roses opened against the USA in Sunderland in front of a huge crowd, with anticipation building toward a sold-out final at Twickenham on Saturday 27 September. The tournament features 16 teams in four pools, with the top two from each advancing to quarter-finals on 13–14 September, semi-finals on 19–20 September in Bristol, and the Twickenham finale. Early storylines include Canada and France arriving strong, New Zealand defending their crown, and emerging nations like Brazil embracing their first World Cup.

Beyond the scoreboards, the women’s game is enjoying unprecedented visibility: strong broadcast coverage, packed venues across Brighton, Exeter, Manchester, Northampton and York, and a social-media spotlight on athletes connecting with new audiences. Closer to home, the tournament’s footprint is inspiring clubs to place women and girls at the centre of growth—something we’re backing at Cheddar Valley RFC through family-friendly events.

Taken together, August’s Lions theatre and a home World Cup have captured imaginations, showcased rugby’s values, and set the stage for a thrilling September. Whether you’re a die-hard or new to the sport, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

🙌 Celebrating Volunteers – Pete Felton at Twickenham

We’re delighted to celebrate Pete Felton, who represented Cheddar Valley RFC at Twickenham as the South West finalist in the Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards. Pete’s energy, “can-do” attitude and passion for grassroots rugby have strengthened our club, particularly in diversity and inclusion. His example reminds us what volunteering achieves: a welcoming, inclusive environment where rugby’s values show up in real life. On behalf of everyone at Cheddar Valley RFC, thank you, Pete. Your recognition at rugby’s national home is richly deserved, and we’re proud to have you flying the flag for our community. One example of this is Petes dedication to the STAR scheme.

⭐ Rugby STAR Scheme

The Rugby STAR Scheme (Support, Transform, Achieve through Rugby) helps young people build resilience through positive relationships in safe rugby environments. It removes barriers to participation—support with kit, transport, subs and food—and strengthens clubs through trauma-informed coach development. Working alongside families, STAR creates personal development plans that grow confidence, belonging and life skills through teamwork. Born from a single club in 2021, the charity now operates nationwide, supporting 1,000+ young people and families while championing equal participation. Its 2025/26 focus includes increasing female involvement under #YourBodyYourGame. STAR’s purpose is simple: use rugby to tackle adversity, open doors and change lives.

🏉 Men’s Senior Rugby – Tribute Somerset North 4

Cheddar Valley RFC Men’s Senior Team are confirmed in Tribute Somerset North 4 this season, and we can’t wait to deliver exciting rugby every weekend. Fixtures are live on the website. A special shout-out to our new captain, Damien Green, whose energy and standards are already setting the tone. Training runs every Tuesday at 7pm, and new players of any level are welcomed—whether returning after a break or trying rugby for the first time. Our RFU-accredited coaches provide safe, structured sessions focused on skills, fitness and enjoyment. Come down, get involved, and be part of something at Cheddar Valley RFC.

💪 Women’s Rugby – Inner Warrior Series

Women’s rugby at Cheddar Valley RFC is buzzing. Our ladies will compete in the RFU’s Inner Warrior Series this season, bringing competitive fixtures and a platform for new and returning players. Fixtures are available on the website. Training takes place every Thursday at 7pm, and we welcome players of all experience levels—whether you’re sharpening your game or lacing up for the first time. RFU-accredited coaches deliver safe sessions that build confidence, fitness and skills while keeping the focus on enjoyment. If you’ve been thinking about giving rugby a go, this is your moment—come along and be part of something special.

👧👦 Children’s Rugby – Building Skills for Life

Teamwork. Discipline. Confidence. Fun! Children’s rugby at Cheddar Valley RFC offers a start in sport for boys and girls of all ages. Sessions are designed to build movement skills, friendships and resilience through games, teamwork and smiles. Training takes place Sundays at 10am, starting 5 September, and every newcomer gets a warm welcome—no experience required. Rugby teaches respect, self-belief and problem-solving as well as fitness, so it’s especially ideal for energetic bodies. Parents are encouraged to stay, cheer and join the community vibe in our family-friendly Pavilion. Come along, try rugby, and be part of the Cheddar Valley RFC family.

🏟 Women’s Rugby World Cup – Weekend fixtures at the Pavilion

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup will be shown live in the Community Pavilion, Sharpham Road — all are welcome. Fri 22 Aug – England v USA (Sunderland, 19:30) Sat 23 Aug – Australia v Samoa (Salford, 12:00); Scotland v Wales (Salford, 14:45); Canada v Fiji (York, 17:30); France v Italy (Exeter, 20:15) Sun 24 Aug – Ireland v Japan (Northampton, 12:00); South Africa v Brazil (Northampton, 14:45); New Zealand v Spain (York, 17:30) Sat 30 Aug – Canada v Wales (Salford, 12:00); Scotland v Fiji (Salford, 14:45); England v Samoa (Northampton, 17:00); USA v Australia (York, 19:30) Sun 31 Aug – Ireland v Spain (Northampton, 12:00); New Zealand v Japan (Exeter, 14:00); Italy v South Africa (York, 15:30); France v Brazil (Exeter, 16:45) Sat 6 Sep – Canada v Scotland (Exeter, 12:00); Wales v Fiji (Exeter, 14:45); USA v Samoa (York, 13:30); England v Australia (Brighton, 17:00) Sun 7 Sep – Japan v Spain (York, 12:00); Italy v Brazil (Northampton, 14:00); New Zealand v Ireland (Brighton, 14:45); France v South Africa (Northampton, 16:45) QFs: Sat 13 Sep (Exeter 13:00; Bristol 16:00) • Sun 14 Sep (Exeter 13:00; Bristol 16:00) SFs: Fri 19 Sep (Bristol 19:00) • Sat 20 Sep (Bristol 15:30) Sat 27 Sep (Twickenham): Bronze 12:30 • Final 16:00. We’re also proud that Cheddar Valley RFC is an RFU Focus Club for 2025, recognising our investment in a family-friendly Pavilion and community space.

Yours in rugby,

Aidan

Chairperson, Cheddar Valley Rugby Club