Those out in front, as the vanguard of the original Minis entering the Senior ranks of the club, will be forming the nucleus of a Men’s 3rd XV, aptly named the “Outriders”. Off the back of the breakthrough win in the top Surrey Under 22 competition last Easter, Barnes Rugby recognises the opportunity to offer this important bridge from Youth to Senior Rugby for a promising cohort of young men!

What’s in the name? Barnes already has Occies (occasional, non-training) and Originals (the Vets) squads. Adding the Outriders to the roster of playing teams signifies the importance of this new team, with a purpose to break new ground. This group of players has toured most rugby playing countries in Europe in their Barnes careers and will continue to take the Barnes brand of rugby far afield for years to come.

The Outriders will play in the new London Premier League, that involves 14x league fixtures and 3x cup matches with the possibility of two further cup matches if we progress to the latter stages. It’s a mouthwatering prospect that a few of the fixtures coincide with the 1st XV and 2nd XV at home, with the chance for the club to come together to celebrate the connection of the Youth division with the Senior club.

The Outriders is part of a continuing drive at Barnes Rugby Club to create a sustainable community club for the next 30 years plus. At a time when many clubs are struggling to fulfil their Men’s and Women’s fixtures, Barnes Rugby club goes into the next season with seven adult teams with the Outriders providing the perfect bridge for young players to progress between our thriving Youth section and the senior adult teams in the club. This clear player pathway to the Men’s 1st XV will ensure a Barnes Rugby remains competitive for many years to come.

Jake Shaw will lead the Outriders as captain. Tommy Burkett & Len Ascroft-Leigh, ex 1st XV second row, will support the Outriders as their coaching team. Club stalwarts, Jason Betteley and Chris Williams will continue to provide management continuity and a vital connection with players, parents and sponsors.

Jason Betteley becomes the Head of the Academy division of the club, that combines Colts (under 17-18), Under 22s and the Outriders. The objective of the Academy is to provide a smooth transition from Under 17 rugby through to the senior ranks for all of our men and women in currently in the Youth section, or for other local players who want to continue to play rugby. We will welcome all newcomers, friends and local players seeking a friendly local rugby club, to this exciting new squad. There will be fluidity between the Outriders and the 2nd XV as the season evolves, and we hope that many of the Under 22s that are at university will be able to play when they are back in the Barnes locale.

Jack Heald, Barnes Director of Rugby, said:
“I am thrilled to see so many players that I have coached for many years coming through the Colts and Under 22s and running out for us in the Senior Men’s teams. We are delighted to add this 3rd Men’s team this season, to build the strength in depth of the Barnes rugby community. My coaching staff and physios are eager to work with a growing pool of talent.”

Jason Betteley, Head of the Academy Division, said,
“The Minis was only set up in 2008 and we now have some of the original players joining the senior ranks. We have a clear vision of how to bridge the gap to the Seniors and I am committed to making the Academy a model for how to retain young adults in sport.”

Chris Williams, Deputy Manager of the Academy, said:
“Many of us recall the fun and camaraderie for the early seasons of Men’s rugby when first setting out in our careers in London. Barnes Rugby has the ideal culture and rugby family to provide the sporting club focus for many young professionals in SW London. We now have waves of Colts and Under 22s graduating into the senior ranks and the Outriders provides that easy entry point into Senior rugby.”

Onwards and upwards Barnow!!!