This has been another great year of success for Harrogate RUFC at all levels. All our age groups have had to face the challenge of waterlogged pitches, with home matches having to be played at other venues.

Here are a few of the highlights:

- Senior Men promoted back to National 2 North at the first attempt
- Under 14’s/15’s and 16’s won the cup competition at Pocklington 7’s
- Under 16’s won the Yorkshire Cup
- 3 Girls represented Yorkshire Centre of Excellence throughout the Season (Emily
Barber, Ella Garvey, Hannah Roberts)
- Gabe Horberry received Yorkshire Academy Under 18 ‘Coaches player of the year’
- Paddy Yates represented North of England Under 18’s
- Former Harrogate Junior Harry Yates has signed a professional contract with Ealing
Trailfinders
- Gabe Horberry, Oli Spencer and Fin Green all represented Yorkshire Under 18’s this season
- Paddy Yates, Mathew Mackeaver, Ben Petit, Charlie Bunce all represented Yorkshire Under 18’s in the county games
- Ollie Mcnab has started 2x Under 21 Yorkshire County Games
- Ex Harrogate Junior Fin Baker is now signed for Newcastle Falcons

And then there’s the story of Harry Willard below! (Pictured playing for Japan U20 in 2023)

Soon after finishing his season playing with Harrogate RUFC Colts, Harry Willard was planning on starting a new rugby journey at Durham University. Just before starting at Durham, a rugby agent in London got in touch explaining how he had spotted him on social media and he had gained the interest of Kubota, a professional rugby club in Tokyo! Excited and nervous, Harry then flew out to Tokyo to partake in a pre-season, which went really well and for the next season he played for Durham University first team, whilst also training in Tokyo during his holidays. Whilst training in Tokyo, Harry was then offered the chance to train with the Japanese U-20’s side. This of course was amazing news for the Willard family! After a few training sessions and a successful game against New Zealand Students Harry was then invited to play in the U20s rugby World Cup based in Cape Town in June 2023, which was an incredible experience for Harry and his family who had flown out to support him! After an amazing season filled with exciting opportunities, Harry has recently been offered a professional contract to continue play at Kubota after he graduates from Durham next year!

Quote from Harry’s Dad, Jez Willard;
“Harry had 12 wonderful years playing rugby for Harrogate Rugby Club. He has always been extremely driven and has long held a dream to be a professional rugby player, but his coaches, his team mates and the experiences of playing at junior level rugby at such a wonderful rugby club undoubtably helped to shape Harry and have played a part in him achieving his dream!”