Lets Talk about Mens Rugby in Staffordshire

Adult men’s rugby remains the cornerstone of our clubs, but recruiting and retaining players is becoming an increasing challenge. Is the traditional way we organise and play the game still meeting everyone’s needs? We want to explore what we needs to change, what could work better, what is working and much more.

On Wednesday 28 October at Newcastle Rugby Club, alongside our Special General Meeting to approve the annual accounts, we will be introducing David Palin, Staffordshire Rugby’s newly appointed Men’s Rugby Lead.
We believe this dedicated role is a first for any RFU Constituent Body in England, and mirrors the successful specialist support provided by Minis, Boys, Girls and Women’s Leads to clubs for many years.
Our recent club survey showed that 45% of responding clubs identified adult men’s rugby as their number-one growth priority.
David’s role is to work with clubs to explore how we can collectively grow and sustain adult men’s rugby across Staffordshire.
And we want to hear your ideas.
Could we learn from the success of women & girls’ rugby and introduce more Pitch Up & Play tournament events? Could more clubs, work together more regularly, to get more games played? Do some of our club teams need different levels of competition, would more Friday or Wednesday night rugby appeal to players?
Or are there other ideas already working in your club that others could learn from?
We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But between our clubs, we have a wealth of experience, and we’d like to collectively put it to good use.
This is an opportunity for Club Chairs, Men’s Rugby Contacts and other Club Representatives to meet David, share experiences and help shape what you want to happen next.
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Newcastle Rugby Club | 7.00pm
Food will be provided.

We would particularly like every club to be represented, and we’d like to feed you, so please complete the attendance form. Launch of Men’s Rugby Lead & SGM – Fill out form

We look forward to seeing you.