The BRRS Charity was created in during the 2018/19 season following then Chairman Steve Leyshon's charity climb of Kilimanjaro. Since then it has been able to support a variety of financial awards to a range of good causes in the local Bristol Combination rugby family. For example, awards have recently been made to injured players, for life saving equipment and in support following bereavements.

To further raise awareness of the BRRS charity, in his second year as President, ex-Premiership referee Steve Leyshon has set himself a new challenge...to referee all Bristol Combination clubs in the 2024/25 season!

In return, the Society asks that each club make a small donation to the Charity, outside of their normal match fees, to support its charitable endeavours aiding worthy causes within Bristol rugby. The contributing club (as well as getting Steve as referee!) will be presented with a commemorative pennant with the BRRS logo and acknowledgement of being a supporter of the BRRS Charity to proudly display in their clubhouse.

Steve began this challenge by refereeing Barton Hill v Whitehall on Saturday 28th September 2024, a fixture won by the home team 36-29. Following the game, Steve presented both clubs with their charity pennant in recognition of their generous donations to the BRRS Charity. This was a brilliant occasion to mark the start of Steve's charity challenge, and he is looking forwarding to visit the rest of the Combination clubs throughout the year.

More information on the BRRS Charity:

Mission statement: A charity run by passionate rugby people from Bristol in support of passionate rugby people from Bristol who are in need of financial support.

The charity’s purpose and how it will achieve this purpose: For the public benefit, the relief and assistance of those associated with amateur rugby in Bristol in need of financial support, by reason of injury, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage, by making financial grants.