Stratford RFC Launches Under-23 Team – Building the Future of Our Club!
At Stratford upon Avon RFC, we’re committed to developing the next generation of senior players while keeping our rugby family connected. The creation of our new Under-23 team is all about bridging the gap between junior rugby and the senior game. It gives younger players the chance to progress in a competitive environment while maintaining ties with former juniors and colts who have moved away to university. By mixing these returning players with those who have stayed local and now play across the senior section, we aim to strengthen bonds and ensure that Stratford remains their home club. When the time is right, we hope these players will transition into our senior squads, bringing experience and passion back with them.
The team will be led by two outstanding young men: co-captains Zak Amond, who at just 21 has already made over 60 appearances for the 1st XV, and former colts captain Jago Vialan, currently studying music in Liverpool. Their leadership embodies what this team is about—fun, camaraderie, and playing with the exuberance of youth. Our ultimate goal is to deepen their love for the game and their commitment to the club, creating lifelong connections. We’re excited to see this vision come to life in their first fixture against local rivals Shipston RFC on Saturday, 3rd January, 2:00 pm kick-off at Shipston. Come along and support the future of Stratford rugby!
A selection of other qualifying players include back row Jamie Jones and wing Charlie Billings, already 1XV regulars despite their age, as well as Jacob Kinnaird back for Christmas from his rugby scholarship programme at McKendree University in Chicago!
