Rugby legends help raise over £9,000 for Westbury Rugby Club

WESTBURY  RFC came back with a bang last weekend being joined by a host of rugby legends.

Former British & Irish Lion and Bath Rugby full back, Jason Robinson, current England rugby player Emily Scarratt and The Good, The Bad & The Rugby’s James Haskell, Mike Tindall and Alex Payne were at a one-day festival event at Westbury RFC on Saturday 23 October, to kick off Vodafone’s Lions Legacy Tour. 

Over 550 people from the local community flocked to the event to enjoy the festivities, raising over £9,000. These funds, along with technology solutions, digital tools and new team kit provided by Vodafone, will help the club run more efficiently and become financially sustainable. 

The highlight of the afternoon saw Westbury RFC’s Walking Rugby Team take to the pitch for the first time, with former England players James Haskell and Mike Tindall both taking part in the inaugural game alongside their podcast co-host, Alex Payne. 

Wearing new kit provided by British & Irish Lions principal partner, Canterbury, both sides started off hesitant as they got to grips with the rules, with a focus on participation and enjoyment. However an early victory for Team Westbury in the first game stoked some competitive fires for Team GBR, who occasionally stretched the definition of ‘walking’ as they fought back to win the second game. 

The tournament ended in an amicable draw, with the Westbury locals proving they could walk the walk against England’s finest. 

Westbury RFC volunteers also attended digital masterclasses, each designed to improve digital skills and allow the club to build a stronger online presence, driving awareness and growing its supporter base to help maintain long-term sustainability. 

The Tour will visit three further community rugby clubs across the UK – Dungannon RFC, Aberdare RFC and Bannockburn RFC – and aims to raise awareness of the positive impact grassroots rugby has on the local community, improve the club committee’s digital skills and raise much-needed funds for the clubs following the challenges faced during the pandemic. 

James, Mike and Alex concluded the day’s events by hosting a live podcast recording of The Good, The Bad and The Rugby inside the clubhouse, guest starring Jason Robinson, Emily Scarratt and Club Chairman, Gareth ‘Foggy’ Vaughan. 

Along with current rugby affairs, injuries and the day’s antics, the panel talked to the importance of grassroots rugby and how with a little bit of digital and business help, these clubs can take their leagues and initiatives to the next level. 

To further support grassroots rugby, Vodafone is developing a bespoke business resource for all community clubs across the UK and Ireland. The toolkit will be available via V-Hub, Vodafone’s platform for helping small businesses develop their digital capabilities as they get back on their feet following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Launching in Spring 2022, the toolkit will offer essential tips and guidance to help clubs develop new skills and expertise within digital marketing, content strategies and social media amplification.