Momentous Day for Nottingham Moderns RFC
Saturday 2nd March 2024 was a momentous day in the history of Nottingham Moderns RFC…
Two former age grade players, Jack Pearson and Bongumusa Moyo (Musa), who joined the club at 14 years of age were appointed captain (Jack) and vice-captain (Musa) for the league game against Gainsborough.
Both players joined the club from local Nottingham Schools – Farnborough and Bluecoat, as a result of the club’s engagement with the RFU All Schools programme which Moderns piloted on behalf of the RFU in 2012/2013.
Figures published in 2020 showed that 18000 pupils had joined local clubs as a result of the All-Schools initiative.
Alistair Clark the clubs former Chairman who first formed a junior section at Moderns in 2005 was instrumental in bring both players to the club when they played in a City schools Competition held at Moderns.
The above photograph of the team who won the NLDRFU U17 Plate Competition in 2017 shows Jack and Musa together with several other players who have continued to play at Moderns – Back row 7th from the left Cory Laurence Lowther,11th from the left William (Billy) Griffiths,13th from the left Musa Moyo.
In 2017 the club set up a fund raiser to support Jack and Musa to spend time playing rugby in Australia. Mike Penistone a former captain at Moderns and now an internationally known and well-travelled coach hosted both players who played rugby for Eastern Suburbs U20s in Sydney.
Click HERE for Jack and Musa’s story – in their own words
Nottingham Moderns' Season to date...
Nottingham Moderns currently lie 3rd in their league – their remaining games should see them vying for a promotion spot at the end of the season.
The 2nd XV captained by another ex-age grade player Morgan Brown are currently top of the Notts Lincs and Derbys. Merit table having lost only 1 game this season.
The 3rd XV has played 8 games winning 7 and stand a realistic chance of reaching the final of NLDs 2nd XV Plate final in May.
The Colts who are mostly U17 have reached the quarter final of the Colts cup with an excellent playing record of Played 18 Won 15 lost 3. 6 Colts made winning debut for the 3rd XV v West Bridgford 3s contributing to a 34-29 win.