Senior Rugby: Working Through a Challenging Period
The senior squad has faced an unusually difficult season, shaped by a combination of departures, unavailability, and an unprecedented injury list.

Seven players from last year’s senior squad have either retired or stepped down due to injury or personal reasons, with another moving on to a National 1 club. A further three players have been unable to play because of work commitments. Despite considerable effort, replacing this level of experience and depth has proved extremely difficult.
On top of this, the squad has been hit by an injury situation unlike anything the club has seen in recent years. Nineteen players are currently unavailable through injury. Seven have suffered dislocated shoulders, with four requiring surgery and ruled out for the remainder of the season. Six more players have had, or are awaiting, knee surgery and will not return until next season.

This combination of departures and long term injuries goes a long way to explaining the challenges faced on the field. Results have been hard to come by, but the group continues to work hard, maintain standards, and support one another. The club as a whole is determined to address the situation and put stronger foundations in place for next season.
Despite the challenges, there are positives:

Training standards remain consistent
Younger players have stepped up and gained valuable experience
The group is committed to improving performances as players return to fitness

Colts: Steady Progress and Encouraging Performances
The Colts have produced a series of encouraging displays, showing good development across recent fixtures.

Their physicality and decision making continue to improve
Several players are edging closer to senior involvement
Coaches have highlighted the group’s work ethic and willingness to learn

The pathway continues to function well, and the Colts remain a positive part of the club’s rugby picture.

Minis & Juniors: Strong Numbers and Supportive Volunteers
The Minis & Juniors section continues to thrive, with healthy participation across the age groups and a committed team of volunteers supporting the players each week.

Training sessions have been well attended
Young players are developing well and representing the club proudly
Volunteers continue to create a welcoming, enjoyable environment

The upcoming M&J Volunteers Meal will be an opportunity to recognise and thank those who give so much of their time to the youngest members of the club.

Growing the Girls’ and Women’s Game
With the recent success of the England women’s team on the world stage, there is a renewed focus across the sport on developing the female game. Nuneaton Rugby Club remains committed to playing its part. Building on our existing England Touch provision, we are looking to grow opportunities for girls and women to play rugby at the Nuns. As part of this, the club is seeking to recruit and support a new management team who can help shape and develop the women’s game for the future.

Planning for the Future: The Club Progression Plan
Alongside the rugby, the club committee continues to work on the Nuneaton Rugby Club Progression Plan.
The Club’s 15 year progression plan sets out a whole club strategy to strengthen playing performance, modernise facilities, grow commercial sustainability, and deepen its social and community impact. Grounded in shared values and collective responsibility, the plan aims to build a thriving rugby pathway, deliver National 2 standard infrastructure, diversify income, and create a vibrant, inclusive club culture supported by volunteers, members, and partners.
Key Points

Promotion ambition: reach and sustain National 2 by 2035–2040, with a full senior and women’s pathway.
Facilities upgrade: RFU standard pitches, lighting, gym, medical space, and an accessible clubhouse.
Commercial growth: diversified revenue, stronger sponsorship, and projects like padel courts.
Social focus: build a community anchor with inclusive events, partnerships, and volunteer development.
Immediate actions: padel income ringfenced for facilities improvement, coaching alignment, member meetings, volunteer day, and a unified events calendar.

This is steady, thoughtful work aimed at supporting the club’s future growth and ensuring long term stability.

Six Nations at the Club
Six Nations weekends have brought steady attendance and a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere in the clubhouse. The club will continue showing every match through to Super Saturday on 14 March, including:
Round 4 – 6–7 March

Ireland v Wales
Scotland v France
Italy v England

Super Saturday – 14 March

Ireland v Scotland
Wales v Italy
France v England

A good opportunity for members and supporters to spend time together and enjoy the rugby.

Upcoming Social Events
A number of events are planned over the coming weeks:

M&J Volunteers Meal – Saturday 7th March 2026	A chance to thank the volunteers who support the Minis & Juniors section.
Cheltenham Festival Race Day – Friday 13th March 2026	Racing on the screens and a sociable afternoon in the clubhouse.
Former Players Dinner / Future Players meets Former Players Day – Saturday 21st March 2026	A combined day for past Nuns to reconnect and for younger players to meet those who have worn the shirt before them.
St Patrick’s Afternoon – Sunday 22nd March 2026	A relaxed afternoon of rugby, music, and Irish themed hospitality.

A Club Moving Forward Together
Across all age groups and areas of the club, progress continues to be made. Thank you to everyone who contributes, players, coaches, volunteers, parents, supporters, and sponsors.