A Dorset-based property developer has proudly joined Bournemouth Rugby as an official sponsor for the 2024/2025 season.

AJC Group has been newly appointed as Headline Community Patron for the historic club, as well as Headline Youth Sponsor for the U11s team, with a new match kit for the youth side.

The developer, based in Poole, will support Bournemouth Rugby’s community outreach efforts, working with 18 schools a week and 32 schools over the course of the year, as well as the provision of primary school rugby tournaments.

Bournemouth Rugby is particularly focused on supporting areas of mass deprivation and creating pathways for those children to access rugby for free and working with children with SEND, building key skills to progress in life not just sport.

David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, pictured left, said: “As part of our commitment to building 500 affordable homes over the next five years, we continually seek meaningful ways to engage with the communities where we operate.

“Partnering with Bournemouth Rugby Club, a long-established and respected institution, offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the local community.

“The club’s outreach to schools is particularly commendable, promoting health, fitness, and social interaction to all children -benefits that many kids might not have access to otherwise.

“We’re excited to support Bournemouth Rugby Club, the U11s team and look forward to cheering them on at upcoming matches.”

James Croker, Commercial Director at Bournemouth Rugby, said: “We are thrilled to welcome AJC Group as a new sponsorship partner for the upcoming season.

“Their dedication to supporting the local community resonates with our own values.

“We look forward to a successful partnership that will not only benefit our teams and players but also strengthen the vibrant community we’ve built at Bournemouth Rugby.”

A rugby union club founded in 1893, Bournemouth Rugby has been a cornerstone of the local community for over a century.

Based at the 67-acre Chapel Gate site in Christchurch, the club regularly hosts Junior, Schoolboy, and Student International matches, with previous games against teams from Wales, Ireland, France, and New Zealand.

AJC Group continues to grow its presence across the Wessex region, with five additional projects currently underway.

The developments include affordable housing initiatives in Dorchester, The New Forest, and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.