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The Yate Rugby Blog

At Yate Rugby Club, we are fuelled by passion, commitment, and a sense of community. Leading our men's team with unparalleled enthusiasm and expertise is our head coach, Chris Moore. With a rich playing and coaching history, Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for the game to our club. Let's dive into Chris's journey and his vision for the future of Yate RFC.


A Storied Rugby Background

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Chris's rugby journey began at Cefneithin RFC, the home of Welsh and Lions legends Barry John and Carwyn James. His playing career saw him representing numerous Division 1 and Championship clubs, culminating in a memorable highlight at Bonymaen RFC, where he played in the Welsh Cup at the Principality Stadium. Transitioning to coaching, Chris honed his skills at Brynamman and Bonymaen before crossing the bridge to take on his current role at Yate RFC. His journey is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his desire to give back to the rugby community.


Hopes for the Coming Season

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Chris is optimistic and ambitious about the upcoming season. "My hopes for the coming season are to build on what we’ve started to develop as a group. I believe we are down to the 1%ers in our development, and with a little fine-tuning here and there, we can push for silverware come the end of the season," he shares. Last season saw a few close losses in the dying minutes of games, and Chris is confident that a few adjustments will make a massive difference. The drive for continuous improvement is at the core of his coaching philosophy.


Opportunities for Growth

Growth is a constant focus for Chris and his team. "In terms of our growth, we’ll continue to work on our attack, fitness, and discipline while ensuring that our strengths remain strengths. This is what forms our identity," Chris explains. The team has seen significant growth in skill sets across all positions, and maintaining high standards is crucial. By balancing the development of new skills with the preservation of core strengths, Chris aims to build a well-rounded and formidable team.


Key Takeaways from Last Season

Reflecting on the previous season, Chris highlights the team's formidable defensive capabilities. "We’d become a difficult team to beat, and our defensive play was solid. The attacking play was starting to develop, so it’s about bringing that physicality and flair into this season, along with the same team spirit and high training numbers," he notes. The combination of strong defence, developing attack, and a cohesive team spirit forms the foundation for future success.


The Yate Experience

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For Chris, Yate RFC offers a unique and rewarding environment. "I have to say I’ve loved being a part of Yate RFC. The family feel to the environment is unparalleled, and in terms of the playing group, I couldn’t have asked for a better buy-in," he says. The dedication and effort shown by players of all abilities during training sessions are a coach's dream. "When we have over 30 training, ranging in abilities, yet everyone puts in the same effort and dedication, a coach can’t ask for more," Chris adds. The support from his coaching team, Simon (forwards) and Nick (backs), has also been invaluable, allowing Chris to continue playing the sport he loves.

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Join the Yate Rugby Family

Under Chris Moore's leadership, Yate Rugby Club is poised for an exciting and successful season. His passion for rugby, commitment to the club, and belief in his players are driving forces behind our progress. We invite you to be a part of our journey, whether as a player, supporter, or volunteer. Come and experience the family atmosphere, the thrill of the game, and the spirit of Yate RFC.

Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more:

Let's celebrate the passion, dedication, and growth that define Yate Rugby Club. Together, we can achieve greatness! Up The Yate!

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Yate Rugby Academy

At Yate Rugby Academy, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our coaches, players, and volunteers. Leading the charge is our head coach, Nick Roberts. With his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, Nick has been instrumental in transforming Yate Rugby Academy into the thriving community it is today. As we return this weekend, its great to get some time with him to understand his journey with Yate Rugby Academy


Why Yate?

For Nick, Yate Rugby Academy is more than just a club; it’s a community he loves and believes in. "I joined Yate Minis and Youth Section with my son when there were only 10 players attending. I absolutely loved the family feel to the club and the passion Stewart Stacey had to build something special. When an opportunity was offered to me to volunteer, I was in," Nick recalls. This family-centric atmosphere and the vision of creating something extraordinary drew Nick in and inspired him to contribute his time and energy to the club.


The Joy of Coaching

Nick’s journey with Yate Rugby Academy spans several years, during which he has witnessed incredible growth and transformation. "I have been with the club for several years now, and as I was here from almost the beginning, I have been with what is now the U15's section for their duration at the club. Their growth as a team and their bond has been truly amazing, and I am honoured to be part of their journey," he shares.

For Nick, the real highlight of his week is attending training sessions or fixtures on Sundays. This season, he is excited to take on the Under 11's. "I must admit I've been looking forward to returning to some of the younger age groups," Nick says. Seeing the club evolve from a small group of 10 players to over 100 players across ages 2 to 16 each week is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. "It's an absolute pleasure to work along so many like-minded volunteers who all want the club to move in the same direction," he adds.


Looking Forward

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Nick is enthusiastic about the future of Yate Rugby Academy. "I'm looking forward to the continued growth of the Minis and Youth section into the Yate Rugby Academy and the Yate Rugby Club as a whole," he says. One of the most exciting developments is the club's ongoing partnership with the Bristol Bears. "Our continued links to Bristol Bears Connection had an amazing impact on the club last year, and I am very excited to see what this season brings to all of our players," Nick explains. This partnership offers incredible opportunities for player development and inspiration, fuelling the ambitions of young rugby enthusiasts.


Join the Yate Rugby Family

Under Nick’s leadership, Yate Rugby Academy is not just about playing rugby; it’s about building a community, fostering friendships, and developing life skills. Nick’s passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to everyone involved, from players to fellow coaches and volunteers.


We invite you to join us and be a part of this vibrant community. Come down to support our teams, bring your children to training, and experience the family spirit that makes Yate Rugby Academy so special. Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more:

Together, let’s celebrate the achievements of our players and look forward to a bright and exciting future for Yate Rugby Academy. Up The Yate!

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At Yate Rugby Club, we thrive on community, passion, and dedication. Our journey has been greatly enriched by the support of local businesses, and today, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our proud sponsors, Smile Independent Living Support. Their commitment to our club and the community embodies the very essence of what Yate Rugby stands for.

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Meet Smile Independent Living Support

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Established in 2007, Smile Independent Living Support is a family-run business dedicated to providing specialized support to adults with learning disabilities, autism, and other needs in South Gloucestershire. From humble beginnings, Smile has grown into a formidable team of over 50 support staff, all working tirelessly to assist service users in their homes and within the community.

Their services are uniquely tailored to each individual, promoting new skills and fostering greater independence. Smile’s holistic approach covers personal hygiene, cooking, budgeting, employment, and social engagement, ensuring that every aspect of a service user’s life is enriched. The high standards of care at Smile are maintained through ongoing training for their dedicated staff, ensuring the best possible service.


The Connection with Yate Rugby

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Our bond with Smile Independent Living Support is a testament to the power of community and shared passion. It all began at the 2023 Race for Life event at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex. Jay Dwyer, a senior manager at Smile, recounts the moment their Managing Director met one of our coaches and the club chairman. The enthusiasm, passion for rugby and the community that radiated from our representatives was so evident that Smile’s Managing Director instantly decided to sponsor the coach's charity event on the spot.

From that chance meeting, a beautiful partnership was born. Smile didn't stop there; they went on to sponsor a board at our pitch, solidifying their commitment to our club. Since then, our connection has only grown stronger, and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support.


The Importance of Local Support


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Jay Dwyer emphasizes the significance of local companies supporting their local teams. "Supporting local rugby clubs is a significant way for us as a local company to foster community spirit and promote health and fitness to all," he says. For Smile, sponsoring Yate Rugby is about more than just visibility and reputation; it’s about giving back to the community, nurturing local talent, and providing young players with opportunities to excel in a team environment.

Such sponsorships are vital for building a stronger, healthier community. By investing in local interests and well-being, Smile demonstrates a profound commitment to the growth and development of our area. Their support helps create a sense of loyalty among local customers who see the company actively contributing to their community.




A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future

At Yate Rugby Club, we share Smile’s vision for a vibrant, thriving community. Together, we are building more than just a rugby club; we are fostering a spirit of teamwork, dedication, and excellence that extends beyond the pitch. With sponsors like Smile Independent Living Support by our side, we are confident in our journey towards greater achievements and a stronger community.

Thank you, Smile, for your incredible support and for believing in the power of community. Here’s to many more years of partnership and success!

For more information on Smile independent Living:


To stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, events, and more:

Let’s continue to celebrate the spirit of community, passion, and rugby. Together, we are unstoppable! Up the Yate!







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