The Festival Series, established by the RFU, seeks to provide lower tier university squads across the country with the opportunity for some game-time. For many universities, only the 1st & 2nd XVs can get fixtures in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) Leagues, leaving those below the unenviable task of either scratching around for fixtures or, as is more likely, limiting the numbers of young adults able to play.

The event at PRFC was supported by eight men's teams from across the South East; Portsmouth had two teams, their 5th & 6th XVs, Bournemouth and Southampton Solent sent their 2s, Chichester their 3s, Reading and Surrey their 4s and, finally, Kent's 5s. Three women's teams had been scheduled to play but late drop outs meant that only Solent's turned up for what in effect became a training session with different scenery.

Bournemouth ran out overall winners but, as organiser Nick Parker (RFU Regional Development Officer) explained, “There is no cup or keeping of results really, the focus is just on the students getting out and having a run around and being retained in the game.”

Hopefully, the series will continue to grow the numbers of teams playing at university level, a goal that PRFC Chairman Stuart Barden is keen to keep supporting. “We are currently celebrating our 90th anniversary and throughout this time we have always had community at the heart of the Club,” he said. “Whether it be our local community or the wider rugby / sport community, we will always offer our support to ventures such as this Festival Series.”

PRFC will be back on community duty again on Tuesday, December 12th PRFC as the Club once again hosts the popular annual Charity Match between a PRFC XV and a Royal Navy President's XV. Proceeds, from the supper to be held before kick-off and collections during the game, will be going to a number of charities including the Rosemary Foundation.