At Bath Rugby Foundation, we're committed to transforming lives through sport. Our partnership with Gallagher to deliver Project Rugby sessions has allowed us to reach individuals like Connor Tennyson, 29, who has thrived through the inclusive, confidence-building atmosphere of these programmes.

Connor joined our Project Rugby sessions at Mill Race Community Support Service in Calne without ever having picked up a rugby ball. Now, he regularly attends training with Melksham Stags, a local mixed-ability rugby team, and continues to request more sports sessions at his day service.

Reflecting on his journey, Connor shared: “The sessions helped me step out of my comfort zone. Because of Covid, I was in my room for a while, and that made it difficult to socialise. Project Rugby made it easier to interact with people again. It gave me a lot of confidence when I wasn’t at Mill Race and helped me take that confidence to do other things.”

Delivered in collaboration with Gallagher, Project Rugby brings rugby to traditionally underrepresented groups and makes it easily accessible within local communities. Our coaches and volunteers work closely with each participant, ensuring everyone feels supported and able to engage in the sessions.

For Connor, accessing sports was challenging due to his additional needs, and he was initially hesitant about joining the sessions. However, Project Rugby has become a source of pride and confidence for him. Encouraging others, Connor says, “Give it a go. It is a really good sport with really good activities. I liked taking part and going to different things. It's just been really great for my confidence.”

Project Rugby has positively influenced Connor's social life as well. With support from friends who also participate, he has been able to overcome anxiety and build stronger connections within the group. “If I'm feeling anxious or scared, I can talk to them, and they’ll say nice things to me like: ‘there's no need to be scared, Connor. We're all here. We're all doing the same and will help each other.’”

Connor’s carers have witnessed this transformation firsthand. Mandy Warren from Mill Race shared, “Since the programme, Connor has become much more tolerant and accepting of others, interacting well in both games and social settings. Project Rugby has truly aided his confidence.”

Through Gallagher’s partnership with Premiership Rugby, Project Rugby has already engaged over 100,000 people since 2017, and we are thrilled to see its impact in communities like Connor's.

Andy Ferguson, Managing Director of Gallagher’s Bristol office, commented, “Connor’s story shows how Project Rugby can have a transformative effect, helping young people build skills and discover new opportunities.”

Jack Hill, Community Inclusion Officer at Bath Rugby Foundation, reflected on his experience with the programme: “Working with Connor through Project Rugby was one of my first experiences after joining Bath Rugby Foundation. Seeing his confidence grow has been phenomenal.”

Connor’s journey is one of many that inspire us. Through Project Rugby, we’re proud to help individuals step out of their comfort zones and into their full potential.

Learn more about Gallagher’s Project Rugby programme and the lives it’s impacting here: Project Rugby in Action: Connor’s Story | AJG United Kingdom