It’s a shining example of how people working together with passion, enthusiasm and commitment can create a community asset.

And this month – October – marks the pinnacle of the resurrected Christchurch RFC when the newly formed ladies team begin their debut season.

So says David McDonald, President.

He co-founded the former Plessey Christchurch Rugby Club in 1985.

It played its last match 21 years ago before disappearing from view, seemingly for ever.

But Donovan Lynaghan, Chair of Governance for Dorset and Wilts Rugby, was determined to put it back on the map.

After his initial research in November 2018  he started painstakingly rebuilding the club, galvanising a strong team.

One of his earliest decisions was to approach David, a graduate at Plessey in 1985, to seek both his blessing but also active participation as President.

Last year, and as reported on Dorset Biz News, the renamed Christchurch RFC returned to competitive action in the Dorset and Wilts league.

And now, a year after they began training, the ladies team is to start playing in a development league with their first match – an away – at Poole on October 17.

Bryony Solan, who manages the team, said it would be a proud moment.

She said: “We now have over 20 members, many who came to us via word of mouth or Facebook.

“Women are more interested in getting involved in sport, perhaps due to events like the Olympics.

“The ages range from 24 to 49 with a wide variety of backgrounds.

“The majority are new to rugby.”

Bryony, whose partner, Lewis Thompson, plays in the first team, said she had resolved never to become involved in a contact sport but was now a committed member of the team.

“I really enjoy it. We have a great group of ladies,” said Bryony, a chartered surveyor and Associate with commercial property firm, Vail Williams.

Christchurch RFC also has a thriving youth and mini section based at The Grange School.

The club now serves more than 90 children with ages ranging from Under 6s through to Under 14s.

Donovan, pictured last year with David, said: “It’s incredible to think that it was only in August last year that the ladies started training and they are now on the verge of entering a local friendly league.

“The ladies game is growing across the country and there will be more focus than ever on appealing to a wider audience base.

“We’re excited that Christchurch RFC has been able to expand to offer a ladies section and show that the game has much more to offer than just the physical aspect many associate with rugby.

“If it wasn’t for the core unit of ladies who have been here since day one we wouldn’t be where we are so a huge thank you and well done to them all.

“We’re very fortunate to have Bryony lead the section.

“She is passionate about welcoming new players on board and settling them in, working really hard on getting everyone through to this stage and ready for their first season.

“Tom Chong only joined the club this year but was keen to get into coaching and took over the reins of head coach for the ladies two months ago.

“He hit the ground running and was the obvious choice for taking the ladies forward.

“Alongside the ladies team we have the youth and mini section, also thriving.

“We are only five months into the set-up, based at The Grange School, Christchurch, but have seen excellent growth, particularly in the younger age groups.

“A big thank you there to the school itself and our amazing group of coaches.

“As a club we’re pushing ahead further still by focusing on what the club and its members can do in the local community, partnering with charities and fulfilling our pledge as a community focused sports club.

“Our aim is to grow sustainably and offer rugby to all age groups, male and female, across Christchurch and beyond.”

David, who went on from Plessey to enjoy a successful high-level management career, said: “I am extremely proud at the extent of Christchurch RFC’s achievements in just two years.

“The recent launch of the ladies section is the pinnacle – so far – of our short existence.

“We are an inclusive, family friendly, fun, hard-working and community focused club.

“I believe that these characteristics are key to our success so far.”

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