On Saturday 22nd November, Medway Rugby Club proudly marked a major milestone, 50 years of Minis and Youth rugby at our Past Players’ Lunch, attended by more than 80 former and current members of our club community. It was a day filled with heritage, gratitude and pride, honouring the people and values that have shaped half a century of Medway rugby.

Minis Chair Mel Butler gave a heartfelt speech that charted the extraordinary journey of our Minis and Youth sections. What began in 1975 with just thirty boys on a rainy October morning has grown into a successful mini and youth section.

We paid tribute to Grahame Rowlands and Tony Armstrong, whose belief in what rugby could bring to young players and their families brought minis rugby to Medway. Their passion and commitment laid the foundations for a thriving section. Within only six weeks of that very first session, over one hundred children were taking part, a testament to the spirit that still defines our club.

As numbers grew, volunteers stepped forward in true Medway style: dads and senior players pulled on boots to coach, while mums organised fundraising and Christmas parties, building the family feel we still celebrate today. Many of those early volunteers remain part of our collective story; their values echo through our current players, coaches and traditions.

Since those early days, our Minis and Youth sections have gone from strength to strength. The launch of our girls section in 1995 has since grown into the largest women’s and girls’ rugby section in the country, and today more than 500 children and young people, aged 4 to 18, proudly wear the Medway shirt.

The afternoon also coincided with a proud moment for one of our home-grown players. Max Bullock, who started playing rugby at Medway at just three years old, went on to play his 100th game later that same day, officially earning his 100th cap, a milestone celebrated warmly by everyone who had gathered for the lunch.

Adding another memorable touch to the day, two young players — six year old Isaac Butler and Ashleigh Ellis, aged 14, delivered heartfelt speeches about what Medway Rugby Club means to them. Their words beautifully captured the essence of our club: belonging, opportunity, pride and friendship.

The event concluded with a special presentation to Grahame Rowlands, honouring the legacy he helped create. Grahame was presented with a special-edition 50th Year Minis & Youth MRFC ball, along with a commissioned artwork depicting all our current Mini and Youth teams, a fitting tribute to his role in shaping generations of Medway players.

We may have seen many changes over those 50 years, pristine pitches, flood lights and a smart new club house but stretch the surface and you’ll still find the same old Medway. A rugby club with an earthy atmosphere, a community spirit and that perfect mixture of anarchy and respect.

Here’s to the next 50 years of Medway Minis and Youth Rugby, and to everyone who continues to make this club the incredible club it is.

https://www.mrfc.net/photos/mrfc-minis-and-youth-50th-birthday-1161142.html