Rugby is facing perhaps its greatest existential threat since William Webb Ellis first picked up a ball and ran.
Widespread misconceptions around safety, dwindling investment in the community game, the collapse of GB7s, no professional women’s side in the North East, and the Newcastle Red Bulls rooted to the foot of the table — these are difficult times for the sport we love.
Of course, success can be measured financially — isn’t it always?
But for us, success looks a lot like the two young players in this photo.
• Spotted early through an RFU schools programme. • Developed through our junior section. • Growing into players capable of captaining their club, earning county honours, and stepping confidently into senior rugby — anywhere in the world.
That same story is repeated across our men’s teams, women and girls section, touch rugby, and throughout every corner of the grassroots game.
Because rugby without grassroots cannot survive.
And rugby without aspiration cannot grow.
Somewhere out there is the next Henry Pollock or Meg Jones — but finding and supporting them takes commitment, resources, and, above all else, volunteers.
They are the people who spot potential first. They are the people who keep this game alive.
So today, we define success a little more simply.
Happy 21st Birthday to two of Stockton RFC’s brightest stars — Neve and Leonie.
The impact was almost immediate. Our junior section was rejuvenated, and talented young players from our part of the borough finally had a clear place to grow, develop and believe in what was possible.
Over the last week, we have celebrated so much of what that move helped create: junior success, awards nights, presentations, county recognition and academy achievement.
One of those success stories is Evan.
A product of Stockton RFC and Yarm Wolves ARLFC, Evan represents everything we hoped Grangefield could become. At the weekend, he celebrated 7s success with Newcastle Red Bulls U18s — and it is worth remembering that he is still an U16, already playing up within a professional academy environment.
Players like Evan are exactly why we took that leap of faith a decade ago.
The rewards of that decision are now being seen in the next generation: young Stockton players growing in confidence, earning opportunities, and showing what can be achieved when a club, a community and a pathway come together.
Yesterday our U15s were back in action at the Middlesbrough 7s — and what a day it was.
With enough players to field two squads, it was fantastic to see the players and families enjoying the rugby and the bank holiday sunshine together.
It’s been a long road to reach this point. Huge credit goes to the players and parents who stuck together and kept this squad going. Last season this group were challenging for County Cup honours, so the talent within the squad has never been in doubt.
A special mention must go to one of the mums behind the scenes, Rebecca Tonkin, whose dedication has been remarkable. When the team lost their coach, Rebecca refused to let the squad fall apart. She led recruitment efforts, helped organise a new lead coach, secured sponsorship for the team, and played a huge part in ensuring the squad now has strong numbers and a full fixture list for next season.
Rugby clubs aren’t built by buildings or committees alone — they’re built by people willing to go the extra mile to make things happen.
And finally… Stockton RFC now runs teams at every age group again.
After travelling back from the other side of the globe to feature in two cup final wins, Jakob is now back in New Zealand, playing second row for College Rifles RFC Under 19s.
Rugby gives players a passport. It opens doors, builds friendships and gives young people the chance to play, belong and make memories anywhere in the world.
How do you define success?
Rugby is facing perhaps its greatest existential threat since William Webb Ellis first picked up a ball and ran.
Widespread misconceptions around safety, dwindling investment in the community game, the collapse of GB7s, no professional women’s side in the North East, and the Newcastle Red Bulls rooted to the foot of the table — these are difficult times for the sport we love.
Of course, success can be measured financially — isn’t it always?
But for us, success looks a lot like the two young players in this photo.
• Spotted early through an RFU schools programme.
• Developed through our junior section.
• Growing into players capable of captaining their club, earning county honours, and stepping confidently into senior rugby — anywhere in the world.
That same story is repeated across our men’s teams, women and girls section, touch rugby, and throughout every corner of the grassroots game.
Because rugby without grassroots cannot survive.
And rugby without aspiration cannot grow.
Somewhere out there is the next Henry Pollock or Meg Jones — but finding and supporting them takes commitment, resources, and, above all else, volunteers.
They are the people who spot potential first.
They are the people who keep this game alive.
So today, we define success a little more simply.
Happy 21st Birthday to two of Stockton RFC’s brightest stars — Neve and Leonie.
#OurTownOurClub ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
10 years ago, we made the move to Grangefield.
The impact was almost immediate. Our junior section was rejuvenated, and talented young players from our part of the borough finally had a clear place to grow, develop and believe in what was possible.
Over the last week, we have celebrated so much of what that move helped create: junior success, awards nights, presentations, county recognition and academy achievement.
One of those success stories is Evan.
A product of Stockton RFC and Yarm Wolves ARLFC, Evan represents everything we hoped Grangefield could become. At the weekend, he celebrated 7s success with Newcastle Red Bulls U18s — and it is worth remembering that he is still an U16, already playing up within a professional academy environment.
Players like Evan are exactly why we took that leap of faith a decade ago.
The rewards of that decision are now being seen in the next generation: young Stockton players growing in confidence, earning opportunities, and showing what can be achieved when a club, a community and a pathway come together.
Our town. Our club. 🔴⚪️ ... See MoreSee Less
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
Meet Isaac from our Under 15s.
Isaac is a prop.
He had never played sevens before. He might never play sevens again 😅
So naturally, he chose one of the hottest days of the year to make his sevens debut — and still managed to score from half the length of the pitch.🥵
Isaac is an absolutely outstanding prop. 🔥
That’s why age-grade rugby matters. 🔴⚪️
#OurTownOurClub ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Yesterday our U15s were back in action at the Middlesbrough 7s — and what a day it was.
With enough players to field two squads, it was fantastic to see the players and families enjoying the rugby and the bank holiday sunshine together.
It’s been a long road to reach this point. Huge credit goes to the players and parents who stuck together and kept this squad going. Last season this group were challenging for County Cup honours, so the talent within the squad has never been in doubt.
A special mention must go to one of the mums behind the scenes, Rebecca Tonkin, whose dedication has been remarkable. When the team lost their coach, Rebecca refused to let the squad fall apart. She led recruitment efforts, helped organise a new lead coach, secured sponsorship for the team, and played a huge part in ensuring the squad now has strong numbers and a full fixture list for next season.
Rugby clubs aren’t built by buildings or committees alone — they’re built by people willing to go the extra mile to make things happen.
And finally… Stockton RFC now runs teams at every age group again.
That feels good to say ❤️🤍
#OurTownOurClub ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
After travelling back from the other side of the globe to feature in two cup final wins, Jakob is now back in New Zealand, playing second row for College Rifles RFC Under 19s.
Rugby gives players a passport. It opens doors, builds friendships and gives young people the chance to play, belong and make memories anywhere in the world.
Enjoy every minute, Jakob 🔴⚪️
#OurTownOurClub ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
C’mon Boro ⚽️⚽️⚽️
#RedAndWhiteArmy 🔴⚪️ ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook