A passion for rugby held since he was 13 years old has driven Huw Solly from Chippenham to make the sport accessible to everyone, and with the support of Premiership Rugby’s Project Rugby community programme and Bath Rugby Foundation his ambition has become a reality.

When health challenges impacted Huw’s ability to play the traditional game, he reignited his love through Walking Rugby but on seeing a lack of inclusive options in the rugby community, Huw began a dedicated effort to create a Mixed Ability Rugby team in his area, the Chippenham Cavaliers.

In his quest, Huw connected with Bath Rugby Foundation for support and through their Project Rugby programme, the Foundation was able to help Huw establish the Chippenham Cavaliers, a team that embodies inclusivity and accessibility. Project Rugby’s non-contact sessions proved crucial in helping Huw create an environment that welcomes individuals of all abilities. The Cavaliers have quickly become a thriving squad of over 50 players - many experiencing rugby for the first time upon joining. Under Huw’s guidance, the team achieved a major milestone, representing Bath and Chippenham at Twickenham during the Premiership Rugby Final earlier this year, a symbol of how far they’ve come.

Huw’s dedication to inclusion has built a supportive community within rugby in his area, empowering people who previously felt sidelined to pick up a ball and get involved. As a coach and mentor, he has transformed lives, fostering confidence and belonging amongst his players. His ambition to grow the Chippenham Cavaliers and expand Mixed Ability Rugby demonstrates his ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to experience the sport he loves.

Huw’s story is just one of many inspiring stories that will be highlighted during Community Weekend Round 7 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (29th Nov - 1st Dec). This special weekend celebrates the award-winning community programmes run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with its ten clubs and club foundations. During the weekend each club will showcase their commitment to using rugby to change lives. All clubs share close, meaningful connections with the communities they serve, and use rugby to inspire, uplift, and create positive opportunities for local people. Everyone is welcome in the rugby community and together offer support, build confidence, boost mental well-being, and create a true sense of belonging.

Project Rugby, delivered in partnership with Gallagher UK and the RFU, delivers fun, inclusive, non-contact sessions which help break down barriers to playing the sport with the aim of increasing participation, diversity and inclusion in the game. Community staff and professional coaches at each of Premiership Rugby’s club foundations work closely within their communities to deliver regular sessions designed to engage participants no matter their age, background or ability.

Charlotte Heywood, Project Rugby Lead at Premiership Rugby said: "Huw’s story is a powerful example of how rugby can break down barriers and create a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of ability. At Premiership Rugby, we’re committed to using our community programmes to reach people who may have never seen themselves on a rugby field. Project Rugby helps individuals like Huw not only find a sport they love but a community where they feel valued and connected. Seeing the difference our community programmes make reaffirms our mission to make rugby a vehicle to change lives for the better.”

Jack Hill, Community Inclusion Officer at Bath Rugby Foundation said: “Huw has helped shape our Inclusive Vision here at Bath Rugby Foundation. Huw’s passion for rugby has transferred to our Community Team and Huw now supports Bath Rugby Foundation to host events and engage our community. Huw’s work and drive has created a safe place for everyone to engage with rugby.”

Andy Ferguson, Managing Director at the Gallagher UK Bristol office said: “With support from Project Rugby and Bath Rugby Foundation, Huw has been able to put his passion for rugby into action to create a team that is inclusive and accessible. It is incredibly important that young people are offered the chance to get involved in the sport, regardless of background or ability. Project Rugby is about inclusivity and community and Huw’s work has brought this to life by establishing the Chippenham Cavaliers.”

Since its launch in 2017, Project Rugby has reached over 100,000 participants across England. By embracing rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, the programme has motivated participants to join local teams and reap the benefits of being involved in the sport on a regular basis.

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About Project Rugby - Project Rugby is Premiership Rugby’s award-winning programme delivered in partnership with Gallagher and the RFU. It introduces people to rugby with the aim of increasing participation and developing a lifelong interest in the sport. Community staff at each of Premiership Rugby’s shareholder club foundations work closely with people from all walks of life to deliver accessible opportunities to pick up a ball and try rugby before signposting to how they can play regularly. Find out more www.premiershiprugby.com/community/project-rugby