Grand opening for Barnstaple Rugby Club

Barnstaple RFC has unveiled the new girls’ changing facilities in a remarkable transformation of the historic cricket pavilion.

What do you do with an old, dilapidated cricket pavilion? For Barnstaple Rugby Club, the answer was simple: transform it into state-of-the-art changing facilities to support the rapid growth of girls’ rugby in North Devon.

Thanks to generous grants from North Devon Council and the Keith Abraham Charitable Trust, the ambitious project became a reality.

The newly renovated pavilion now provides bespoke changing rooms tailored to the needs of Barnstaple RFC’s burgeoning girls’ teams, a crucial step in fostering inclusivity and development in women’s rugby.

David Northridge, Chair of Barnstaple RFC’s commercial committee and Jeremy Chugg, Barnstaple RFC’s Director of Age Grade Rugby, spearheaded the project from conception to completion, ensuring the facility was delivered on time and to a high standard.

It was a collective effort that made it possible with huge efforts by the incredible Tuesday Volunteers to Head Groundsman Lee Beer, so many people gave their time and expertise to bring this vision to life. Including many local businesses who provided vital materials and support.

The new facility was officially opened by Barnstaple Mayor Councillor Janet Coates and the Mayor’s Consort, Gwen Thomas, in a ceremony attended by volunteers, sponsors, Businesses and club members. The occasion celebrated not just the building itself, but the collective effort behind it.

Following the ribbon-cutting, guests were treated to an electrifying display by Barnstaple RFC’s U12 Girls team, a fitting tribute, as it was their need for proper facilities that originally inspired the project.

The new pavilion marks a significant milestone for Barnstaple RFC, which has seen increasing demand for girls’ and women’s rugby in recent years. With proper facilities now in place, the club hopes to attract even more young players and continue its mission of making rugby accessible to all.

As the U12 girls dashed across the pitch in their first match using the new changing rooms, the message was clear: Barnstaple RFC is investing in the next generation, and the community is right behind them.