Rugby Nights Project

Rugby Nights is an exciting project being launched by Durham County RFU with support from the RFU in the form of funding and the local Club Developer.

The project aims to support clubs in the area of adult male social players, this area of our game has seen vast changes in the last few years and it continues to change rapidly. It’s often hard for clubs to be able to keep up with what players want from their rugby and this project aims to allow clubs to try new things with minimal risk in areas such as finance and club resources.

The project’s main focus is supporting clubs to explore playing adult male rugby on any time slot other than Saturdays at 14:15/15:00 K.O. This focus came from a players survey the county took in October which provided them with insight from current players as to whether they are interested in floodlight rugby and if this would make them get more involved with their club.

Clubs where asked if they wanted to be involved with the project, which led to a zoom call where they were asked what would be the best support the county could provide to help them explore this area. As a result the County will provide clubs with finical aid for hosting a fixture, this will help clubs cover the raising costs of electricity for floodlights as well as venue fees for some clubs. There will also be finical support covering match official fee’s and a travel fund for journeys over 30 min’s to allow for things such as a mini bus to be used. The hope of support like this being that it will help create a social atmosphere for away fixtures and an experience players are looking for in their rugby. Support will also be given with social media assets to help promote events and how people can get involved. As well as an incentive rewards program for the number of games played.

A group has been created for all clubs involved to help sort fixtures with the idea being clubs can pick and choose when they play with once a month being the aim.

This project is still open for clubs to be involved with and clubs can play as little or much as they want. Club’s don’t have to have access to their own floodlights as alternative venues can be explored. If you want more information or to get involved even as a one of fixture please contact lauralines@rfu.com