Bath Rugby Foundation was proud to support the delivery of The Foundation Cup at Melksham RFC on Saturday - bringing together an incredible 400 players from across the UK for one of the largest celebrations of inclusive rugby of its kind.

Longlevens

Contact tournament winners.

Melksham Ladies

Touch tournament winners.

With 14 teams travelling to take part, the scale of the event was clear from the very first whistle. Players of all abilities came together to compete in both Contact and Touch formats, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where everyone had the opportunity to take part, contribute, and thrive.

To put it into perspective, 400 players represents hundreds of individual stories, journeys, and reasons for stepping onto the pitch - many overcoming barriers to be there. From experienced players to those newer to the game, The Foundation Cup showcased what rugby can look like when inclusion is placed at its heart.

Hosted by Melksham RFC, with the support and dedication of the Melksham Stags and Bath Rugby Foundation, the event was a true community effort. Months of planning and hard work went into creating a day that not only delivered competitive rugby, but also fostered connection, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Across the day, the atmosphere reflected the very best of the sport. Teams supported one another, spectators lined the sidelines, and every moment, from tries scored to friendships formed, demonstrated the power of inclusive rugby to bring people together.

The Foundation Cup is more than just a tournament. It is a platform for breaking down barriers, challenging perceptions, and creating opportunities for individuals to experience the game in a way that works for them.

Bath Rugby Foundation is proud to work in partnership with Melksham RFC and the Melksham Stags to support an event of this scale and impact. Together, we are helping to ensure that rugby is a sport where everyone belongs.

We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create inclusive opportunities for players and communities across the UK.

For the full album of photos by Jon Taylor, visit: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PryK1nzwjHAqzTMf7