
Men’s team made up solely of local youth team players in historic match.
Milton Keynes Rugby Club will make history tomorrow as they field their first-ever Men’s XV made up entirely of homegrown players.
Every player in the starting line-up for Saturday’s game has come through the club’s youth system which is a testament to MKRUFC’s commitment to grassroots rugby and player development.
The organisation has around 300 players across all age groups, from Super 6s to Colts, highlighting the volume of young talent coming through the ranks. The milestone game underscores the importance of nurturing and supporting players every year and investing in youth development to ensure a strong future for the club.
“We’ve built something special here,” said Kevin Papworth, director of rugby at MKRUFC. “There’s no better feeling than seeing a player who started in the minis now pulling on a 1st team jersey. This is what our club is all about.”
A key to this success has been integrating Colts (U18) players into senior rugby, ensuring a smooth transition through training alongside experienced players and competitive Saturday fixtures.
Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 2pm at The Valley, Bowland Drive, Milton Keynes MK4 2DN. Supporters are encouraged to go and be part of the landmark occasion.