.jpg?w=1440&itok=ETLhCrub)
Clubs Claim National Titles at the Papa Johns Community Cup Finals
The Papa Johns Community Cup is a year-long celebration of community rugby, bringing together clubs from across the country to compete for national honours. This year, eight teams earned the chance to play at Allianz Stadium in a series of exciting finals.
Old Albanians triumph in Championship play-off
Old Albanians head coach Sarah McKenna was delighted to see her side secure a 33-19 victory over Richmond in the Papa Johns Women's Championship Play-off final.
A double from Makeda Lewis, along with tries from Lucy Biggs, May Goulding and Alex Kane, proved the difference at Allianz Stadium.
The St Albans team emerged victorious despite a spirited fightback from Richmond, who responded with tries from Caitlin Keefe, Catherine Teyssier and Rebecca Kemball.
McKenna said: “The opportunity to come and play here at Allianz Stadium is a huge motivator for these players. Getting to play out on that turf on a May afternoon with the sun shining and two big crowds behind those teams is what dreams are made of.”
Thurrock Ladies secure Cup victory
Thurrock Ladies 2XV beat Sefton Ladies 31-0 to be crowned Papa Johns Women's Intermediate Cup champions.
Ami Parsad, Tessa Grainger, Faye Inglis, Rosie Bennett and Georgia Cook all crossed the line in a dominant attacking display.
Lead coach Lewys Steward said: “It was a fantastic game. Sefton brought absolute power and physicality to our game, but we did not back down and we got it.
“Today was incredible. The girls deserve everything. They give one hundred and ten to one hundred and fifty per cent every Wednesday and Sunday, and some of the ladies travel from near and far, so for them it is incredible.”
Buckingham Swans clinch Junior Cup after late drama
Buckingham Swans 2XV won 33-27 against Winscombe Ladies to lift the Papa Johns Women's Junior Cup.
Having led for most of the match, Swans found themselves behind with less than a minute remaining, but fly-half Carys Coletta touched down at the death to secure the trophy.
Head coach Michael Clark said: “We spoke about having a legacy this season and the second team holding up for themselves.
“They have won their league and they have won the cup now. It shows that we value the second team players as much as the first team players, so we are in a fantastic place with our women and girls section.”
Old Otliensians crowned champions
Old Otliensians head coach Andy Hinchcliffe declared himself 'the proudest man in the world' after his side beat Old Georgians 35-26 in the Papa Johns Men’s Counties 3 & Below Championship Final.
A four-try burst from winger Will Howarth, the leading county try scorer, and a try from Luke Cowdell helped Old Otliensians secure victory in a thrilling encounter.
“I cannot put it into words. I am over the moon,” said Hinchcliffe. “It was an extremely hard game and a wonderful contest. It could have easily gone either way, but I am absolutely delighted for the players.”
Old Elthamians win Men’s Counties 2 Final
Old Elthamians beat Smiths Rugby 33-19 in a hard-fought contest to become Men’s Counties 2 champions.
Tries from Reis Norman, Matthew Chick, Luca Petrozzi, Cam Hancock and Ben Adamson secured back-to-back titles, following their Counties 3 Championship win in 2024.
Smiths Rugby responded with tries from Jack Davies, captain Ben Hawker and John Bryant, but could not fully take control.
Director of Rugby Gavin Lach said: “I am so proud of the boys. We have come a long way this year.
“This competition is great. It is supported by the RFU and clubs should enter it. It gives players a day out and it really is massive.”
Brunel dominant in Men’s Counties 1 Final
Brunel University produced a stunning performance to win the Men’s Counties 1 Championship final.
The Uxbridge-based side swept past Stamford 45-15, thanks to a five-try burst during the first half that set the tone.
Brunel, who were beaten finalists in the Counties 2 Championship in 2024, did not let up in the second half and added two more scores to complete a commanding win.
Topsham seal Regional 2 title with late rally
Topsham were crowned Men’s Regional 2 champions after a pulsating encounter with Lutterworth. The Devon club scored three late tries to secure a 47-26 victory.
Head coach Ross Bovingdon said: “It was not easy out there today. Lutterworth pushed us all the way, so huge credit to the way they performed. To get the win feels euphoric.”
Hundreds of Topsham supporters were present at Allianz Stadium and Bovingdon praised their backing.
He added: “That crowd was amazing. They created a great atmosphere and it was special that so many family members were here today.”
Oundle score seven tries to win Regional 1 Final
Oundle ran in seven tries to beat Huddersfield 52-19 and lift the Men’s Regional 1 Championship title.
Director of Rugby Aly Kachra, a former Oundle captain, was almost lost for words as he reflected on the club’s rise.
“We were at the bottom level of English rugby eleven years ago and I was captain, embarrassingly,” he said with a smile.
“Did I ever dream back then that we would, in one season, win the league at Level 5, get promoted to Level 4, and win the cup? Never. But here we are and what a place to do it.
“I am so proud of the guys. Some of them have been here all their careers. It is an amazing experience for them and everyone else.”
For a round-up of all the Papa Johns Community Cup final action and to watch the matches back, follow @RFU on X or search for #PapaJohnsCommunityCup.
