The Club was formed in the 1998 / 99 season, this came about after a falling out from another club and a drunken discussion in the Joseph Paxton pub on Hunts Pond Road. We were then called Paxton Pumas and if truth be told we only had 9 players. Our first season was a bit of a blur by our "founding fathers", rocking up to play with 9 and getting thumped by the opposition. But the spirit was great and more players started to play for us towards the end of the season. Our second season saw us winning a few games and by the start of the third season Hampshire RFU asked us to join the leagues.

 

The Pumas since those days has gone from strength to strength. Our then Chairman Rich Jones looked to get a great social side going, having as many games as possible played. Our most successful Chairman, George Winch, grew the senior side to nearly 3 teams and a Vets offering a great range of rugby. However, since the pandemic, this has now seen our numbers under new leadership fall. Our 2XV has struggled to get games and we welcome players to be available to allow us to get games going. George also started our Walking Rugby sessions and now have a good group performing an impressive workout every Saturday during the summer months.

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George was also the catalyst to recognise that the Pumas needed to bring rugby to the community and began the formation of the Puma Cubs.  For the last six years we have run our Puma Mini and Youth section offering Age Grade rugby for children from year R through to now Under 14s. It is great to see how the growth of the Puma Cubs (now 180+) has offered a safe and reliable environment for our local children to enjoy.

 

Whilst we are serious about our rugby, this club is all about the social side for the lads, wives, girlfriends, civil partners and your children. We have always believed a strong social set up will keep players and the fact that we are attracting more players is testament not only to the style of rugby we play, but to the fun you can have off the pitch as well.

 

All that is left to be said for those playing remember this is about enjoyment, if you give 100%, then the beer tastes 100% better after the game (thanks for that one Tom O!)!  But we also need you to be available for games as the "best ability is availability!!

 

For those watching we thank you for you continued support, I know the lads appreciate it and that 16th man is invaluable to us this coming season. For those perhaps reading this and coming across us for the first time, come down, watch a game, have a drink after and let us entertain you!

 

Paul Greenwood

President

Locks Heath Pumas RFC

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“Bringing Rugby to the Community & the Community to Rugby”