City of Bristol Rugby U16s
The Programme
City of Bristol Rugby U16s is a high-quality development programme designed for ambitious players who want to train, compete, and progress in an environment that reflects the demands of the next level.
The programme runs alongside your school and club rugby, providing elite coaching, meaningful competition, and clear development support throughout the season.
The Season at a Glance
- June – mid July assessment block
- Season: September – May
- Weekly training sessions at quality facilities across Bristol
- 6 competitive fixtures against school, academy, and representative opposition
- Limited spaces available for committed players
The season provides consistent development, meaningful competition, and clear progression opportunities.
Weekly Training Sessions
Our weekly training sessions are delivered by experienced coaches and designed to replicate the standards and expectations of higher-level rugby environments. Sessions challenge players while supporting individual development at the right pace.
Training focus:
- Technical skill development
- Tactical game understanding
- Physical conditioning and strength
- Mental resilience and decision-making
- Position-specific expertise
- Team play and communication
Competitive Fixtures
Players test themselves against high-quality opposition throughout the season, including:
- Independent schools
- Academy development teams (including Hereford – Ealing Trailfinders, Coventry RFC)
- Regional representative sides
- Other city programmes
These matches provide invaluable experience and exposure while allowing players to apply their development in competitive environments.
High-Performance Coaching Team
City of Bristol Rugby U16s is led by coaches who understand the local rugby landscape and the demands of progression.
Matt Sheppard
Switch Rugby Director
Extensive experience coaching across Bristol schools and clubs, with a strong track record of player development.
Gary Townsend
Former Bristol Bears Junior Academy Manager
Brings professional academy standards, insight, and expertise into the programme.
Together, the coaching team creates a supportive, challenging, and aspirational environment.
Together, the coaching team creates a supportive, challenging, and aspirational environment.
Match Day Support
Every City of Bristol Rugby fixture includes professional match-day provision:
- Qualified medical staff
- On-the-day coaching and tactical guidance
- Video analysis opportunities
- Post-match performance feedback
Player Development Tracking
Player development is central to everything we do. Each player receives:
- Progress monitoring throughout the season
- Performance reviews and feedback
- Pathway guidance and advice
- Updates and communication for parents and guardians
We recognise that players develop at different rates and provide the support needed to help each individual reach their potential.
Kit & Identity
Wear the City of Bristol badge with pride.
All players are kitted out in City of Bristol Rugby playing shirts for matches, representing the club and the city every time they take to the field.
A full range of kit is available to make it your own — including training tops, shorts, socks, drill-tops and hoodies.
Players joining the main programme will need to purchase their kit.
Our kit represents the city, its history, and the values we stand for — on and off the pitch.
Community & Celebration
City of Bristol Rugby is about more than training and matches — it’s about belonging.
The programme includes:
- An end-of-season awards ceremony
- Recognition of individual achievement and progression
- Updates when players move into U17s/U18s or academy pathways
- Being part of a community of ambitious athletes representing Bristol
Player Pathways
City of Bristol Rugby sits perfectly between grassroots rugby and the demands of professional academies.
Your Development Pathway
Club & School Rugby — Grassroots rugby through schools and local clubs, where players build strong foundations and a love for the game.
Switch Rugby Academy — A stepping stone for young players to develop technique, game understanding, and on-field confidence.
City of Bristol Rugby U16s — The key development bridge. Expert coaching, competitive fixtures, and exposure, while continuing club and school rugby.
Bristol Schools U17s/U18s — Academies, regional programmes, and advanced club pathways.
What Happens After U16s?
City of Bristol Rugby operates a cohort-based model that ensures every generation of Bristol players has the opportunity to represent their city.
Each season:
- U16 players transition into Bristol Schools U17s/U18s, club opportunities, or academy pathways
- A new group of U15 players transitions into the next U16 squad
This approach provides continuity, clarity, and long-term development for players at every stage.
Future Plans
City of Bristol Rugby is growing.
Plans are underway to expand the programme to include:
- A Girls U16s programme
- U15s development elements to strengthen the pathway into U16s
These developments will ensure even more young players across Bristol can access high-quality coaching and competitive opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any ambitious 15 or 16-year-old rugby player from Bristol and surrounding areas. We welcome players from state and independent schools, all clubs, and all backgrounds.
Absolutely. City of Bristol Rugby is designed to complement your existing rugby, not replace it. Many of our players represent their schools and clubs alongside playing for City of Bristol.
One weekly training session (typically around 90mins) plus six match fixtures throughout the September to May season.
Fee structure information will be shared directly with interested players and parents. Please contact us to discuss details.
All players are kitted out in City of Bristol Rugby playing shirts for matches. A full range of kit is available to make it your own — including training tops, shorts, socks, drill-tops and hoodies. Players joining the main programme will need to purchase their kit. Players will need their own boots, gumshield, and appropriate training wear.
We are looking for ambitious, committed players who want to develop. If you are passionate about rugby and willing to work hard, we want to hear from you — regardless of whether you are currently in an academy or playing grassroots rugby.
Rather than a traditional trial, we run an assessment block of around six weeks from June to July. This gives players the chance to experience the programme properly before successful players are enrolled into the main programme, which runs from September to May.
Get in touch to discuss your interest and rugby background, and we’ll get you started.
Training sessions take place at quality facilities across Bristol. Specific locations are shared with registered players.
Coaching is provided by Switch Rugby staff and selected coaches drawn from within the wider rugby community, all with extensive experience developing young players.
Players typically transition to Bristol Schools U17s/U18s, academy opportunities, or continue developing through their clubs. We provide pathway guidance and support throughout.
Fill in our registration form to tell us about your rugby background and why you’d like to be part of City of Bristol Rugby.
Ready to Represent Bristol?
If you are 15 or 16, ambitious about rugby, and looking to take the next step in your development, City of Bristol Rugby is your opportunity.
What you get:
- High-performance weekly coaching
- Competitive fixtures against strong opposition
- Full City of Bristol playing kit
- Individual development and pathway guidance
- Professional match-day support
Spaces are limited and demand is high.