Senior Men’s Rugby at Thornensians RUFC is based at our home ground on Coulman Road — a proper community hub where the blue, black and white comes to life. Training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm, giving players two high‑quality sessions each week to develop skills, build fitness, and enjoy competitive, supportive coaching.

Alongside pitch sessions, players also have access to our strength and conditioning gym, providing the perfect space to work on power, mobility and overall physical preparation. Whether you’re pushing for 1st XV rugby or building confidence as a new or younger player, the gym is a key part of your development pathway.

Matches are played on Saturday afternoons, creating a brilliant weekly rhythm of training, preparation and game‑day energy. Travel is kept reasonable, and the squad prides itself on creating a welcoming, enjoyable environment on and off the field.

If you’re ready to train hard, improve, and be part of a proper rugby family, you’ll feel right at home here.

At Thornensians RUFC, we’re proud to offer top‑class facilities that give every senior player the best possible rugby experience. Our top‑quality, well‑maintained pitch is the heart of the club — a brilliant surface to train and compete on, week in, week out.

Our clubhouse is warm, modern and welcoming, complete with a kitchen serving post‑match food and a licensed bar where players, families and supporters come together after games. Inside, you’ll also find clean, warm showers and a dedicated medical room, giving players the comfort and care they need before and after sessions.

Players have full access to our Strength & Conditioning gym, perfect for building power, mobility and fitness at your own pace. To support player welfare, we provide free physio every Thursday night, helping players stay healthy, confident and ready for matchday.

On game days, a qualified first aider is always present, ensuring player safety is prioritised at every level. And when you run out for the first time, you’ll be kitted out with a playing shirt provided on match days, ready to represent the blue, black and white with pride.

This is a club that looks after its players — on the pitch, in the gym, and in the clubhouse.

Moving from junior rugby into the senior men’s squad is a big milestone — and at Thornensians RUFC, we make sure it’s a positive, supported and confidence‑building step. Our pathway for 17–19‑year‑olds is designed to help young players grow at the right pace, surrounded by experienced teammates and coaches who genuinely care about their development.

You’ll train alongside senior players on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7pm, with coaches guiding you through the physical, technical and mental adjustments needed for adult rugby. Younger players are never thrown in at the deep end — you’re eased in gradually, given clear support, and matched to the right level of rugby through our 1st XV and Social 2nd XV structure.

For many, this pathway becomes the start of a long, rewarding senior rugby journey — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What to Bring

You don’t need much for your first session. Just bring:

• Rugby/football boots

• Sports kit you’re comfortable training in

• A water bottle

• A gumshield (recommended, especially for contact drills)

• Optional: towel for warm showers afterwards

If you don’t have everything yet, don’t worry — turn up anyway and we’ll help you get sorted.

How Sessions Run

Training starts at 7pm every Tuesday and Thursday. A typical session includes:

• A friendly welcome and quick briefing

• Warm‑up and activation

• Skills, decision‑making and unit work

• Game‑based drills and team play

• Optional gym work before or after

Sessions are designed for all abilities, with coaches adapting activities so everyone can learn, improve and enjoy themselves. You’ll never be thrown into anything you’re not ready for.

Who to Ask For

When you arrive, head into the clubhouse or onto the pitch and ask for:

• Andy Evans – Senior Men’s Contact - 07769 308073

• Jono McMillan – Senior Coach - 07881 301510

• Antony Bull – 1xv Team Captain

• Farron Duke - 1xv Vice Captain

• Ciaran Evans – 2nd/Social Team Contact - 07983 094957

And honestly, even if you just say “I’m new”, someone will look after you straight away. The lads are known for being welcoming, supportive and down‑to‑earth, so you won’t be left standing on your own. You’ll be introduced to the right people and settled in quickly.

We know joining a new squad can feel daunting — especially if you’re young, new to rugby, or coming back after time away. That’s why we make sure you’re supported from day one:

• You’ll be introduced to players your age and ability

• Coaches will guide you at a pace that suits you

• You’ll never be judged for fitness, experience or confidence levels

• You’ll have access to free physio on Thursdays, warm showers, a medical room, and a qualified first aider on matchdays

• You’ll be eased into contact and match play safely and gradually

Most players say they felt part of the team within their first session — because that’s exactly the environment we work hard to create.

Squad Structure

At Thornensians RUFC, we run a senior setup that gives every player — from ambitious competitors to social rugby lovers — a place to belong. Our structure is built to support development, enjoyment and progression, ensuring that all players can find the right level of rugby in the blue, black and white.

1st XV – Competitive Senior Rugby

Our 1st XV represents the club at the highest level of senior men’s rugby. This squad is ideal for players who want to push themselves, compete hard, and develop their game under strong coaching.

• High‑intensity training

• Clear tactical structure

• Strong team culture

• Opportunities for ambitious 17–19s to progress safely

Players are supported to improve week by week, with access to our S&C gym, free physio, and a coaching team committed to helping them reach their potential.

Social 2nd XV – Rugby for Everyone

Our Social 2nd XV is the heartbeat of inclusive rugby at Thornensians RUFC. It’s the perfect place for players who want to enjoy the game at a more relaxed pace, return after time away, or build confidence before stepping up toward 1st XV rugby. This squad is all about enjoyment, development and being part of a supportive team environment.

You’ll find an inclusive, friendly atmosphere where players of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels train and play together. It’s ideal for new or developing players, as well as those balancing rugby with work, family or other commitments. There’s no pressure — just good rugby, good people and a strong sense of belonging.

The Social 2nd XV plays competitive fixtures, but the emphasis is always on camaraderie, club spirit and having a great time on and off the pitch. Whether you’re rediscovering your love for the game or trying rugby for the first time, this team gives you the space to grow, learn and enjoy every moment.

No matter your experience, fitness or confidence level, there’s a place for you at Thornensians.

• New players are eased in gradually

• Returning players can rebuild at their own pace

• 17–19‑year‑olds are supported through a safe, structured pathway

• Ambitious players can push for 1st XV rugby

• Social players can enjoy the game without pressure

Both squads train together, creating one united senior group where everyone is part of the same rugby family. Whether you’re chasing competitive rugby or simply want to enjoy the sport with good people, you’ll find your place here.

At Thornensians RUFC, our culture is the heartbeat of the club. We’re a place where players feel supported, challenged and proud to wear the blue, black and white.

Community

A welcoming, down‑to‑earth club at the centre of Thorne. Players of all ages and backgrounds find friendship, support and a genuine sense of home.

Respect

We respect teammates, coaches, opponents and the game. We set the standard for behaviour on and off the pitch and represent the club with pride.

Hard Work

Effort matters. We value graft, commitment and a willingness to improve — whether you’re pushing for Counties 3 rugby or enjoying the social side.

Belonging

Everyone belongs here. New players are welcomed instantly, supported at their own pace and made part of the group from day one.

Blue, Black and White Identity

Our colours mean something. Wearing the shirt is about pride, history and representing a club built on heart, loyalty and togetherness.

Joining the senior men’s squad at Thornensians RUFC is simple. Whether you’re an experienced player, returning after time away, or completely new to the sport, you’ll be welcomed straight in. We keep the process easy, friendly and open to everyone aged 17+.

Contact Details

For all senior men’s enquiries, get in touch with: Andy Evans – Senior Men’s Contact 📞 07769 308073

You can message, call, or just turn up — whatever feels easiest.

Simple Steps to Get Started

Getting involved is straightforward:

1. Send Andy a quick message or give him a call to say you’re interested.

2. Come along to a training session on Tuesday or Thursday at 7pm.

3. Meet the coaches and players, get shown around, and settle in.

4. Join in at your own pace — no pressure, no expectations.

5. Try a few sessions before deciding if it’s right for you.

“Turn Up and Try”

We operate a genuine turn up and try approach. No need to book. No need to commit. Just come down, introduce yourself, and get involved. Most players say they felt part of the group within their first session.