Building on the success of last season, Hampshire RFU and the England Rugby Community team will once again run a series of ‘Friday Night Under Light’ evenings to help our clubs recruit and retain players in the adult game. 

 

Our key learning points from last season were:

 

• Success:

-   Planning evenings linked to either the Autumn Internationals or 6 Nations games. 

-   Providing a relaxed, enjoyable and competitive environment where the rules and pitch size were adapted to the level of the players involved

-   A free drink and food post-match   

 

• Nil Success:

-   Organising events in the early part of the season

-   Planning too many evenings.  (Less is more)

 

Considering this, two events have been arranged before Christmas with a further two evenings organised in the second half of the season. (These dates will be publicised closer to the events). 

 

Please note we have the flexibility to organise more events if the demand is there.

 

Dates & Venues:

 

• 9^thNovember               Millbrook RFC - (Before England v New Zealand)
• 23rd November            Eastleigh RFC - (Before England v Australia)

Timings:

-  1800 Arrive

-   1845 Briefing

-   Games commence between 1915

-   O/C Free drink and food

 

Some of the benefits from the Friday Night Under Lights:

• Engage players that are not able to  commit  to regular training and play Saturday Rugby
• Recruit new players to increase squad numbers for the lower teams
• Retain players that are not being selected or having regular game time
• Provide opportunities for Dad’s and lad’s  / friends to play together 
• Individuals can come along on their own or with a friend and just join in.

Ivan will be in contact via the weekly send outs ahead of the evenings to nudge and confirm availabilities.

For now just set the dates aside in your calendars.