Annual Christmas Team Reports

Hove RFC
Dec 24, 2025
13 min read

U5 & U6's Christmas Round up

The Under 5s and 6s have had a brilliant start to the season, with strong participation and consistently high numbers at sessions. It has been fantastic to see how much the children have developed in such a short space of time. They arrive full of energy and enthusiasm, show great commitment, and most importantly have a lot of fun every week.

Parental support has been outstanding, with several new volunteers getting involved in coaching, which has been hugely appreciated. We are really looking forward to the new year, as the children continue to build their skills. The Under 6s in particular will begin playing more touch games as we prepare them for participating in tournaments next season.

U7's Christmas Round up

Our Under 7s rugby group has had an incredible season and plenty to celebrate. The kids started the year having never played a match before, yet they have gone on to take part in five tournaments, showing fantastic progress every time they stepped onto the pitch. Alongside growing confidence and skill as individuals, they have begun to play together as a real team, supporting one another and learning what rugby is all about. The coaches are immensely proud not only of their commitment and improvement on the field, but also of their excellent sportsmanship and behaviour off it. We can’t wait to see how this brilliant group continues to grow and develop in 2026.

U8's Christmas Round up

The squad continue to work hard on different areas of game play - flipping between attack and defense skills, game play and enjoyment. We have some new players, as well as some seasoned players, who are all helping each other develop skills. Whether it is passing on the moving, catching on the move, holding a defense line or simply running directly at the opposition... it is all helping. We aim to go into the spring festival season in a more attacking way with looking at space and how to get around a strong defence.

U9's Christmas Round up

We're halfway through the season and this is the squad’s first year of full contact. The progress has been outstanding. The players have embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, showing great commitment to learning new skills while keeping the focus on enjoyment, teamwork, and TREDS values.

- Tackling - Training sessions have been excellent, with virtually the whole group taking to tackling well. The next step is building confidence to apply these skills at festivals and improving decision-making under pressure.

- Defensive Shape - We’re still working on defensive lines and communication, and more match practice will help us sharpen this area.

- Attack - Our running game is a real strength. The team has shown confidence in open play and finishing tries, which makes us exciting to watch.

So far, we’ve enjoyed taking part in festivals where the squad have shown how far they’ve come in such a short time. These events have been a great opportunity to put training into practice and experience the fun and camaraderie of rugby, but we're keen to get more festival time.

This is a fantastic group of players. Enthusiastic, respectful, and a pleasure to coach.

U10's Christmas Round up

We started the season with a few kids down from last year but on the flip side, we gained a few more to the squad (some that have never played and have really hit the ground running). The team have really taken off this year - with the introduction of rucks. Some of the kids have really found their flow and have excelled this year.

We have been to a few festivals (not as many as we’d have liked) and the team have held their own against some strong Sussex teams. We awarded a few player of the month on the back of some great performances at these festivals. Great to watch some of the kids who have been here since U5/6 getting stuck in and enjoying the game. Next year we hope to hold a few more joint training sessions and then at the tail end of the season we have back to back festivals which takes us to the end of the season.

All round a great team performance by everyone and I look forward to the next half of the season. Well done to all the U10’s. Have a great Christmas everyone and see you on 2026!

U11's Christmas Round up

The 2025/26 Under 11s round off the year in a fantastic position, finishing 2025 with more than 40 committed players in the squad. The growth in numbers has been matched by impressive development on the pitch, with the team going from strength to strength throughout the year. It’s been a year filled with energy, hard work, and plenty of smiles. Every player has contributed to the positive spirit within the group, and it’s been brilliant to see individuals gaining confidence, developing their skills, and most importantly having loads of fun each week.

This year also saw the squad shine at a range of festivals and tournaments. We proudly fielded four teams at our home Hove Festival, showcasing the depth and enthusiasm across the age group. We also delivered strong performances at several marquee events, including the Sussex Festival in March and the Land Rover Defender Cup in November. Across all competitions, the players demonstrated teamwork, resilience, and real progress in their understanding of the game.

As we look ahead to 2026, the Under 11s are in a brilliant place. Growing, improving, and enjoying every moment. A huge thank you to all players, coaches, parents and guardians for making 2025 such a memorable year.

Here’s to even more fun and success in the year to come!

U12 Girls Christmas Round up

'What an eventful first half of the season, which kicked off alongside a world cup won on home soil, by the Red Roses. What a day that was!

This brought new faces and plenty of enthusiasm to emulate their hero’s on the pitch.

Bonds have been built and memories made already this year. The u12 girls have had a tough start to the league playing the currently unbeaten UckHeath. Building and growing into the next match which although a defeat to Crowborough, had the building blocks for the next match a convincing win away (again!) To Hastings and Bexhill, where everything seemed to click. With dominate tackles from Nia, creating space through team work to set Joslin flying down the wing. To bulldozing runs through the middle from Cordeila and Darcie. These things are all made by the glue of the unsung work rates of Amélie, Ruby and all 3 Poppy’s.

The team has really grown week on week, this has been helped by having a core of players from last year helping and supporting all those who have joined the Hove family this year!

Its been great seeing the growth so far and we look forward to seeing more of the same over the second half of the season.

Have a great Christmas & New year.'

U13 Boys Christmas Round up

Under 13 Blues had a solid first half of the season. The top tier league campaign came down to a final fixture versus Haywards Heath with the winner to secure top spot, with Hove unfortunately coming out second best on the day. Under 13 Reds had a tougher first half in a strong 3rd tier pool up against mostly 1st teams. A notable come from behind win away at Waterhall v Brighton was the highlight of the first part of the season.

The U13s added new opposition to fixture lost with friendlies against tough teams from Hammersmith & Fulham along with Westcombe Park with the aim being to turn these into regular fixtures over the coming seasons. Under 13s also saw strong recruitment in latter part from within local schools seeking the bolster squad numbers ahead of next season.

U14 Boys Christmas Round up

U14s had a great start to the season. The Hurricanes currently sit top of the league with comprehensive victories over our Sussex neighbours. And the Hornets are now in Pool B, just below them after an impressive string of victories.

We’ve welcomed several new players this year, some new to Hove and some new to rugby altogether. All have added to the overall squad strength and depth.

Highlight for the half season was a trip to Battersea Ironsides. We took a coach trip up, had two great games (narrow loss for Hornets, a draw for Hurricanes). We look forward to welcoming the Ironsides down south in the New Year.

U14 Girls Christmas Round up

Merry Christmas to all the U14 girls, parents and guardians! Huge congratulations on your hard work and an outstanding first half of the season.

Season Achievements: You’ve already scored 578 points and are the largest U14 girls’ squad in Sussex – a true force in maroon and gold! Stormed the league with almost every match won, showcasing courage, hard work, and team connection.

League Success: Official winners of the Waterfall League West and close runners-up in the East – the first club represented in both! As a top seed, you’re well-positioned for the Sussex Cup final and Waterfall League 2.

Player Shout-Outs: Special praise for Year 8 players making a strong impact and building for next year. Top scorer Ari leads an impressive try-scoring list, while newcomer Elsie is already shining with some fantastic dominant tackles.

Skill Development and Leadership: your core skills have improved massively over the last four months and you have begun working as a team– well done! Great leadership from captains Lottie, Aoife, and Mae, plus vice captains Ava, Molly, and Eabha. The post-match polo shirts will support our “one team spirit” and “sweeping the shed”philosophy – more players will step up to lead next year.

Holiday Wishes: Enjoy the mince pies, Christmas jumpers, family time, and a well-earned rest to recharge. Maybe add a few festive sprints or passes (no pressure!).

Because 2026 is coming!: An exciting second half of the season:

* Olivia, Amber, and Lilly return;

* Doubling down on your core skills in training and developing that hunger to compete;

* extra matches against new opposition;

* all building towards the Sussex Cup and Waterfall 2 when, finally, the full Hove girls’ power will be assembled!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – you’ve made us incredibly proud! 

With huge pride and festive cheer, Your Coaches

U15 Boys Christmas Round up

The Reds have made an impressive and eye-catching start to the season, laying down early markers in the Sussex League 2 with a series of statement performances. Convincing victories over Cranleigh and Seaford have showcased the squad’s quality, depth, and growing confidence, putting the Reds in an excellent position to mount a serious push towards the top of the league after the Christmas break. Those league results have been backed up by a strong run of form in friendly fixtures against high-quality opposition. Wins over Camberley, Grasshoppers, and Cobham have tested the Reds against different styles of rugby and physical challenges, providing valuable experience and reinforcing belief throughout the squad.

These performances have highlighted the team’s adaptability, fitness, and commitment across the park. This blend of competitive league rugby and demanding friendlies has served as ideal preparation for an exciting debut season in the Harlequins Cup after Christmas. With momentum building and standards rising, the Reds enter the second half of the campaign well prepared for both cup competition and a strong push in their remaining league fixtures. The Blues have enjoyed a good start to the season marked by momentum, resilience, and a clear statement of intent as a growing rugby force. In the Sussex League 1, the Blues were nothing short of dominant, finishing undefeated. Impressive victories over Hastings, Worthing, and Chichester highlighted the side’s consistency and ability to control games across the league.

Each performance showcased strong defensive organisation, clinical finishing, and a collective belief that carried the team. Adding to the excitement was the Blues’ debut season in the Surrey League, where they stepped up to face some of the region’s established powerhouse clubs. Competing against the likes of Richmond, Cobham, Farnham, and Sutton & Epsom, the Blues more than held their own. The team recorded an excellent return of two wins, two draws, and just one loss—an impressive achievement in such a competitive environment. This debut Surrey campaign was defined by physical contests, fast-paced rugby, and a growing confidence as the season progressed. The Blues proved they belong at this level, matching experienced sides with disciplined performances and flashes of attacking flair. Overall, it has been an exciting and highly encouraging start to the season for the U15 group. Strong Sussex League runs combined with an excellent introduction to Surrey League rugby reflects the group’s upward trajectory and sets a solid foundation for even greater ambitions in the seasons ahead.

U16 Boys

Christmas Round up

Hove Hawks

This season the Hawks made the decision to enter the Surrey league pre Christmas, looking to challenge themselves consistently against the best from Surrey, London & surrounding counties. The Hawks finished 2nd in the top league with victories against Battersea Ironsides, Sutton & Epsom, Farnham and a statement win away to Esher. The Hawks only defeat was a 22-19 loss to Old Reigations who piped the Hawks to the title. Hawks also beat the Kent Champions Canterbury in a traditional season curtain raiser and also went head to head with the best from Wales Pontyclun and competed well despite our Welsh visitors coming out on top. Hawks now look forward to the Surrey / QUINS league and cup post-Christmas looking to improve on their 3rd place overall from last year.

Hove Harriers

The Harriers kicked off their league campaign with a good win against East Grinstead with some fantastic rugby, they then lost their next two matches by narrow margins not getting the run of the green despite everyone putting in serious effort. Both very winnable games that could have went either way. It's a team full of talent and with a campaign in the Surrey Quins cup after Christmas the coaches are confident they will finally start to click like they did at the end of last season and show their true potential. This is a great competition where the Harriers can show how good they are against teams from Surrey London and the surrounding counties

U16 Girls Christmas Round up

Merry Christmas, Team!

As we celebrate this festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on our fantastic start to the season. We have embraced new systems of play and developed our skills while facing some of the strongest teams in Sussex and Surrey, always holding our ground.Our league has seen several notable victories, and we delivered a dominant performance at the Heath Festival. Despite encountering some injury challenges early in the season this gave the opportunity to develop new talent in our squad. New recruits Maisie King, Ruby, and Neve have made memorable contributions, playing more minutes than they anticipated. They have given 100% from the start and have made them invaluable additions to our team. As we approach the New Year, we are presented with new challenges and opportunities. We still have a chance to secure a top two finish in the league and aim to retain the Sussex Cup in Hove, where it belongs!

With hard work and commitment to one another, I am confident we can rise to these challenges. On a personal note, it has been a privilege for myself and all the coaching staff to work with such a wonderful group of players this season. We have enjoyed every moment watching you grow as a team and as individuals, and I can’t wait to see what more you will accomplish together next year .Wishing you all a Merry Christmas! Rest well, and I am eagerly looking forward to starting training again in January to prepare us for our first game against Worthing on the 11th. If you have a chance keep a rugby ball at hand and keep exercising over the break so you are not too shocked when we come back:) UTH! Rene.

Colts Christmas Round up

With a promising u17s coming into the colts this season and being able to retain our core u18s, we head into the second part of the season unbeaten in the league. Our depth and talent in the squad is now really starting to show and as head coach of the colts at Hove I’m very proud of what we have achieved this season so far.

Although the festive season has come at a good time for us as a squad, there’s no doubt the boys will be firing and ready to take on Haywards Heath away at the start of January and entertain Jersey at home in the cup 1/4 final towards the end of January.

A lot of hard work ahead, but I’m excited to see how we can cohesive and progress as a group and reach our goal of winning the league and Sussex cup come end of April 2026.

U18 Girls Christmas Round up

We were determined at the beginning of the season for the U18 Girls to be able to regularly play competitive rugby. This has been a challenge in years gone by, and so the decision was made to join forces with Pulborough, who were also struggling for numbers.

Whilst not being a straightforward process, this has been a great success. Our joint team is unbeaten for the season, is leading in the Sussex League, and is through to the last 16 of the National Cup!

We are grateful to Pulborough for taking a significant coaching and administrative role in this process. However, none of this would have been viable were it not for the Hove girls. I have had the pleasure of supporting and then coaching this team for the last 4 years, and I continue to be hugely inspired by them. They show a continued commitment to training and playing despite the many academic, social and economic pulls on their time, and do so with extraordinary good humour, strength and not a little chit chat. Trying to get then to stop singing and dancing on a Thurs evening in the driving rain so Sissy and I can run them through drills remains both a low and a high of the season.

The team should be hugely proud of their efforts this season. They are far better than many of them realise, have matched the best players in the south east, and can step forward with renewed confidence into 2026. I wish them a very Merry Christmas and every success in the New Year.

Women's Christmas Round up

A Christmas number one for Hove Women.

Hove Women has undergone a total transformation compared to this time last year. Driven by record recruitment, a revitalised club culture, and a surge of positivity, the team has achieved remarkable success both on and off the field to close out 2025.

Key milestones from this season include:

Our biggest victory in two years.
Our first clean sheet in nearly seven years.
The successful return of 2nd team fixtures.
One of the strongest defensive records in the country.
Ending the year at the summit of the league table.

As we look toward the second half of the season, the atmosphere within the squad is one of unity and shared ambition. I feel incredibly privileged to coach such a great group and so proud of how far the team has come.

Men's Christmas Round up

So after taking over his head coach this year I wanted to put my own coaching mark on the team. The men have done extremely well considering they’ve had to get use to a whole new system and a new style play. I couldn’t be happier where we are in our journey at the moment. We started the season very well putting ourselves in a strong position before what would be the three hardest fixtures to come. We didn’t get the results we wanted in those fixtures but I’m extremely looking forward to the second part of the season with the opportunity to correct some of those score lines.