North West Bristol · Founded 1929
Bristol's most
welcoming rugby club
A volunteer-run community club providing rugby for children, young people and adults — from Under 6 right through to senior rugby.
One club, one pathway
Welcome
A club for everyone in North West Bristol
Founded in 1929, St Brendan's RFC has been serving the communities of North West Bristol for nearly 100 years.
We are a welcoming, volunteer-run community rugby club, providing rugby for children, young people and adults. Whether you are completely new to rugby, returning to the game after a break, looking for a club for your child, interested in volunteering or simply looking to be part of a welcoming community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Whilst our new website is under construction, this temporary site contains the key information you need to get involved with the club.
Our vision
We want to be Bristol's most welcoming rugby club
We are committed to:
- Helping every player enjoy rugby and fulfil their potential.
- Creating a lifelong connection between people and the club.
- Supporting coaches and volunteers.
- Growing rugby within our local community.
- Developing our home at the Portway RDC as a thriving community asset.
An RFU accredited club
St Brendan's RFC is proud to be an RFU-accredited club, incorporating Sport England's Clubmark standard. This reflects our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment for players, parents, volunteers and supporters of all ages.
Our home
We are based at the Portway Rugby Development Centre, a shared community facility that brings together rugby players, gym members, volunteers, families, schools, local organisations and other community groups from across Bristol.
Coming on the new website
- Club news and updates
- Team information
- Player registration
- Volunteer opportunities
- News and events
- The Portway and our wider community activities
Until then, we hope you find the information you need on this website. If not, please get in touch.
Under 6 to Colts · Boys and girls
Mini & Junior rugby
Rugby for boys and girls from Under 6 (school year 1) through to Colts.
Our aim is to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment where young players can develop confidence, make friends and improve as players and people.
Whether your child has played rugby before or is trying it for the first time, they will receive a warm welcome.
Why choose St Brendan's
- Rugby for a wide range of age groups.
- Qualified and committed coaches.
- A welcoming club community.
- Affordable subscriptions — free for Under 6 and Under 7.
- Great BS9 location, with access to Coombe Dingle and the Portway RDC.
- Opportunities to develop at the right level for each individual player.
- A clear pathway through mini, junior, colts and senior rugby.
- Discounted gym membership for parents and players (over 16s only).
How to join
Contact the age group coach for your child's year group, and they will take it from there.
You can also speak to any of the club contacts on our Contact us page — if you are not sure which age group your child falls into, just ask.
Where and when we play
University of Bristol Sports Complex
Coombe Dingle, Coombe Lane, Bristol BS9 2BJ Facility details →Portway Rugby Development Centre
Portway, Bristol BS9 2HS portwayrdc.com →We play and train on Sundays. Under 10s upwards also train mid-week at the Portway RDC.
Please contact the relevant age group contact below for details of where and when your age group is playing.
Interested in joining?
Age group contacts
If you would like your child to try rugby with St Brendan's RFC, please get in touch with the appropriate age group contact.
| Age group | Head coach / contact | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | Owen Badman | owen.badman@portwayrdc.com | 07428 457631 |
| Under 7 | Owen Badman | owen.badman@portwayrdc.com | 07428 457631 |
| Under 8 | Owen Badman | owen.badman@portwayrdc.com | 07428 457631 |
| Under 9 | Matt Hinks | matthew.hinks@hotmail.com | 07894 104865 |
| Under 10 | Simon Hawkins | shawkinsmedical@mac.com | 07873 214168 |
| Under 11 | Jonny Codling | jonny_codling@hotmail.com | 07709 485775 |
| Under 12 | Dave Watkins | david.watkins@arup.com | 07824 622494 |
| Under 13 | Charles van der Lande | chairman@sbobrfc.co.uk | 07891 693944 |
| Under 14 | Matt Collier | mattcollier76@hotmail.com | 07786 660115 |
| Under 15 | James Webb | dixonians10@yahoo.co.uk | 07989 391322 |
| Under 16 | James Grindal | jamesgrindal@hotmail.com | 07801 140280 |
| Colts (U17/18) | Alex Morris | alexmorris10@hotmail.com | 07710 452755 |
| Colts (U17/18) | Sam Hawke | sam.hawke@outlook.com | 07792 856362 |
Safeguarding and welfare
Safeguarding and player welfare are central to everything we do
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Club Safeguarding Officer, Cathy Dodsworth.
All abilities and experience levels
Senior rugby
Competitive, enjoyable and inclusive. New players are always welcome at training.
Interested in playing?
New players are always welcome at training, and attending training does not commit you to playing. Just come along, or get in touch first if you'd prefer.
Who we're looking for
You will receive a warm welcome
St Brendan's RFC welcomes new senior players of all abilities and experience levels. Whether you are:
- A student moving to Bristol.
- A player returning to rugby after time away.
- A player looking for a new club.
- A former player interested in becoming involved again.
We are proud of our commitment to player development and strongly believe that rugby should be competitive, enjoyable and inclusive.
Why join St Brendan's
- Friendly and welcoming club environment.
- Competitive senior rugby.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Strong social side.
- Excellent facilities at the Portway.
- Opportunities to contribute as a player, coach, referee or volunteer.
Training
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7.00–8.30pm
Portway Rugby Development Centre, Portway, Bristol BS9 2HS.
Senior contacts
07956 916535
07944 008111
07731 493816
Project Ignite
Outreach & community
Growing rugby in our community — and using it to create opportunities for young people.
We believe that rugby has the power to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities for young people.
We recognise that many children and young people do not currently have access to rugby and other sport through school, family or friendship groups. We want to help change that.
Our outreach programme is designed to introduce more children and young people to rugby, create positive sporting experiences and provide clear pathways into the club for anyone who wants to become involved.
The programme works in partnership with schools, community organisations and local partners to:
- Introduce children and young people to rugby.
- Support participation in sport and physical activity.
- Increase confidence, teamwork and resilience.
- Create volunteering opportunities for young people.
- Strengthen links between the club and the wider community.
- Make rugby accessible to people from all backgrounds.
Our ambition is not simply to recruit more players. We want to use rugby as a way of creating opportunities, building relationships and contributing positively to our local community.
Get involved
Get in touch
If you are a school interested in working with us, a community organisation, a funder or sponsor, someone interested in volunteering, or a parent who would like to find out more — please get in touch.
Our outreach programme
Project Ignite
Project Ignite is the club's long-term initiative to grow rugby within the community, support young people and create sustainable pathways into sport.
Through Project Ignite we are working to:
- Develop stronger links with local schools.
- Deliver rugby sessions and activities in schools and within the community.
- Support young volunteers and future coaches.
- Increase participation in rugby.
- Create clearer pathways from first involvement through to mini, junior, colts and senior rugby.
- Help ensure the long-term sustainability of our club and rugby within Bristol.
Official club shops
Kit & club shop
Club kit and merchandise are available through our official online club shops.
Shop one
Mini & Junior playing kit
For all mini and junior players, official playing kit can be purchased through our Mini & Junior Club Shop.
- Playing shirts
- Shorts
- Socks
- Essential matchday kit
Pre-owned kit is also available. Please contact Owen Badman for details.
Shop two
Club stash & leisurewear
For all other club clothing, training wear and supporter merchandise, please visit our Club Stash Shop.
- Training kit
- Hoodies
- Tracksuits
- Polo shirts
- Jackets
- Supporter wear
- Club-branded merchandise
If you are unsure what kit is required for your age group or team, please contact your coach or team manager before ordering.
What's on at the club
News, events & information
Key dates for the season ahead, and how to obtain club policies.
Club diary
Dates for your calendar
2026
First training session for minis and juniors
The season starts here. New players and families are very welcome — contact your age group coach beforehand if you would like to know exactly where to go.
Club AGM · 7.00pm
Portway Rugby Development Centre. All members are encouraged to attend. This is a key meeting, as we will be looking to approve our conversion into a charity.
Whole club training session · 10.00am
Portway Rugby Development Centre. Every age group, minis through to seniors, together on one morning — followed by lunch in the marquee.
VPs' lunch and Oktoberfest · 12.00pm
Portway Rugby Development Centre. A sit-down lunch for our Vice Presidents, then watching the 1st XV take on Old Bristolians, then on to our Oktoberfest post-match until late.
Minis and Juniors Christmas party · 10.00am
Portway Rugby Development Centre. Games and activities for all age groups, followed by mulled wine, mince pies and some lunch.
Christmas jumper social · 2.30pm
Portway Rugby Development Centre. Put on your finest Christmas jumper and watch our 1st XV take on Dings Crusaders, then enjoy the post-match Christmas social until late.
Club-wide touch tournament · 10.00am
Portway Rugby Development Centre. Get a team together for our annual touch tournament, or just come along and watch. Yet more mulled wine and mince pies — but with some bacon rolls and burgers too.
2027
Peter Pullin Tournament · 9.00am
Portway Rugby Development Centre. Join us as we host one of the longest-running mini rugby festivals out there. Contact us for entry details.
Policies and information
Club policies
Copies of all club policies, including our safeguarding policy, are available from the Club Secretary.
We would be pleased to hear from you
Contact us
Whether you would like to join the club, volunteer, discuss sponsorship opportunities or simply find out more.
Key contacts
Club address
St Brendan's RFCPortway RDC
Portway
Bristol
BS9 2HS
Telephone
General enquiries
If you are unsure who to contact, please contact the Club Secretary and we will ensure your enquiry reaches the appropriate person.
We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to St Brendan's RFC.
Legal
Privacy policy
How St Brendan's RFC collects, uses and protects personal information.
Last updated: — · Version 1.0 (draft for club approval)
About this temporary website. This is a holding site while our full website is built. It has no contact forms, no member logins, no accounts and no analytics, and it does not collect personal information from you when you visit. This policy covers both this website and the wider handling of personal information by the club.
Who we are
St Brendan's Old Boys Rugby Football Club Limited is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (registration number 30553R), whose registered address is Portway Rugby Development Centre, Portway, Avon, Bristol BS9 2HS.
We are the data controller for the personal information described in this policy. For any question about it, or to exercise any of your rights, please contact the Club Secretary at secretary@sbobrfc.co.uk.
Information we collect
Depending on how you engage with the club, we may hold:
- Contact details — name, address, email address and telephone number.
- Membership and playing information — age group or team, playing history, membership category and subscription payment records.
- Parent and guardian details for players under 18, including emergency contact information.
- Emergency and medical information that you choose to give us so we can keep players safe during training and matches.
- Coaching, volunteering and officiating records — qualifications, training, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check status where a role requires one.
- Photographs and video of club activities, where consent has been given.
- Correspondence you send us by email, telephone or social media.
How we use it, and our lawful basis
- Running the club and your membership — registering players, organising teams and fixtures, collecting subscriptions and communicating about club activity. Lawful basis: performance of a contract with you, and our legitimate interests in operating the club.
- Safety and safeguarding — holding emergency contact and medical information, and carrying out safeguarding checks. Lawful basis: legitimate interests and legal obligation; for health information, the additional condition of protecting someone's vital interests or, where appropriate, your explicit consent.
- Meeting RFU requirements — registering players and coaches, maintaining accreditation and complying with the rules of the game. Lawful basis: legal obligation and legitimate interests.
- Club news, events and fundraising — keeping members and supporters informed. Lawful basis: consent, or legitimate interests where you are an existing member.
- Photography and publicity — promoting the club and celebrating its activities. Lawful basis: consent.
Children's information
We provide rugby for children from Under 6 upwards, so we hold personal information about children. Where we rely on consent for a player under 18 — including for photography and for club communications — we obtain that consent from a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians may withdraw consent at any time by contacting the Club Secretary or the Club Safeguarding Officer, and doing so will not affect a child's ability to play.
Safeguarding concerns should be directed to our Club Safeguarding Officer, Cathy Dodsworth, at safeguarding@sbobrfc.co.uk.
Who we share it with
We do not sell personal information, and we do not share it for marketing by anyone else. We may share it with:
- The Rugby Football Union and its Game Management System, and county and league bodies, for player registration, competition administration and accreditation.
- Portway Rugby Development Centre, where this is necessary to administer facility or gym access.
- Service providers acting on our instructions, such as our email, membership, payment and website providers.
- Statutory agencies, including the police, local authority children's services and the Disclosure and Barring Service, where we are required to do so or where there is a safeguarding concern.
How long we keep it
We keep personal information only as long as we need it. Membership and subscription records are generally kept for the period of membership and for up to six years afterwards to meet accounting and legal requirements. Safeguarding records are kept in line with RFU and statutory guidance, which in some cases requires longer retention. Information held on the basis of consent is deleted when consent is withdrawn, unless we must keep it for another reason.
Where it is held
Personal information is held on club systems and on services provided by third parties. Some of those providers may store or process information outside the United Kingdom. Where that happens, we take steps to ensure an appropriate level of protection is in place, such as UK adequacy regulations or standard contractual clauses.
Keeping it secure
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against loss, misuse and unauthorised access. Access is limited to those club officers, coaches and volunteers who need it for their role, and we ask everyone who handles personal information on the club's behalf to treat it confidentially.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law you have the right to:
- Ask for a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Ask us to correct information that is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Ask us to delete information where there is no good reason for us to keep it.
- Ask us to restrict how we use it, or object to our use of it where we rely on legitimate interests.
- Ask us to transfer information you gave us to another organisation, where this applies.
- Withdraw consent at any time, where we rely on consent.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact the Club Secretary at secretary@sbobrfc.co.uk. We will respond within one month.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your personal information, please tell us first so that we can put it right. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint, or by telephone on 0303 123 1113.
Other websites
This site links to other organisations, including the Portway RDC, our online club shops, our gym membership provider and our social media pages. Those sites have their own privacy policies and we are not responsible for them.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The current version will always appear on this page with the date it was last updated.
Legal
Cookie policy
What this website stores on your device — and what it does not.
Last updated: — · Version 1.0 (draft for club approval)
In short: this temporary website sets no cookies of its own. There is no analytics, no advertising and no tracking. Because of that, you will not see a cookie consent banner here.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that a website can store on your computer, tablet or phone. They are widely used to make websites work, to remember your preferences, and to collect information about how a site is used.
Cookies used by this website
None. This is a temporary holding website while our full website is built. It has no contact forms, no member accounts and no analytics or advertising software, so it does not need to store anything on your device.
Third-party services on this page
The website loads its typefaces from Google Fonts. Google Fonts does not set cookies, but delivering the fonts means your IP address is sent to Google's servers so that the files can be returned to your browser. Google's handling of that request is covered by its own privacy policy. No other third-party service is loaded on this site.
Links to other websites
This site links out to other organisations, including the Portway Rugby Development Centre, our online club shops, our gym membership provider and our social media pages. Once you follow one of those links you are on a website we do not control, and it will have its own cookies and its own cookie policy. We would encourage you to read them.
Managing cookies in your browser
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings, including blocking them altogether. Doing so will not affect this website, but it may stop other websites from working properly. Your browser's help pages explain how, and the Information Commissioner's Office publishes general guidance at ico.org.uk.
When our new website launches
Our new website is likely to use cookies — for example to keep you signed in, to remember preferences, or to help us understand how the site is used. When it launches we will publish an updated cookie policy and, where the law requires it, ask for your consent before setting any non-essential cookies.
Questions
Please contact the Club Secretary at secretary@sbobrfc.co.uk.