Our Rugby Club Podcast Ep. 1: Why Grassroots Rugby Matters (with Ryan “Pies” Yeoman) cover art

Our Rugby Club Podcast Ep. 1: Why Grassroots Rugby Matters (with Ryan “Pies” Yeoman)

Our Rugby Club Podcast Ep. 1: Why Grassroots Rugby Matters (with Ryan “Pies” Yeoman)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 In episode one of Our Rugby Club, host Gavin (“the ref cam”) is joined by Ryan “Pies” Yeoman—former player, coach, and now referee across Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall and beyond—to explain why this podcast focuses on community grassroots rugby rather than the elite game. Ryan shares how he got into rugby through school, progressed from Plymouth Albion’s junior setup into adult club rugby, played mainly as a number eight then blindside flanker, and later moved into coaching, club committee work, and refereeing. The conversation explores what rugby clubs mean beyond matchday: a diverse ‘tribe’ built on community, belonging, and social connection for players, families, and volunteers. They discuss how grassroots rugby differs from what’s seen on TV, the importance of simply getting games played, and challenges created by league structures, travel, player availability, and club poaching—arguing for more flexible ‘game on’ solutions. Ryan reflects on changes in the sport, including the growth of women’s rugby and kids being central to club life, shares memorable tour and matchday stories, highlights favorite club atmospheres (including Hale, St Austell, and Bude), and explains the origin of his ‘Pies’ nickname. He finishes with advice to keep clubs alive by sticking with it and keeping people smiling, and Gavin invites listeners to like, subscribe, share, and get involved in future episodes covering recruitment, volunteering, and club challenges.00:00 Welcome to Our Rugby Club00:39 Why Grassroots Matters03:03 Ryan’s Rugby Journey06:42 From Player to Ref08:53 What Clubs Mean10:25 Surprises of Club Life12:11 Rugby for Everyone12:50 Referees and Lifelong Rugby16:01 Tour Tales and Shenanigans20:34 Social Side vs Winning22:57 League Structure Struggles27:56 Game On Solutions29:57 Keeping Fixtures Alive30:52 Last Minute Fixtures31:20 Player Poaching Spiral33:48 Grassroots Changes Today35:28 Modern Club Community36:25 Keeping Rugby Relevant38:53 Toughest Referee Tests42:01 Best Grounds Atmosphere45:43 Origin of Pies Nickname47:33 Quickfire Ref Questions48:48 Why Clubs Matter50:45 Join Your Local Club53:52 Final Message Sign Off
No reviews yet