Dan Baber – So many people want to help on our journey at Whitehall RFC

Dan Baber, the director of rugby at Whitehall RFC, offers insight into the grassroots challenge of rebooting after Covid

New beginnings, old values

I’m honoured to have recently stepped into the role of director of rugby at Whitehall RFC – a proud and historic community-driven club in the BS5 area of Bristol.

Like many grassroots clubs across the country, we’re more than just a place to play rugby: we’re a social anchor, a support network, and a second home for hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds.

I’m no stranger to Whitehall RFC. I currently captain the 2nd XV, coach the Under-8s, and have three boys playing in our thriving Juniors’ section.

Stepping into this leadership role marks the start of a new chapter, not just for me, but – I hope – for the club as a whole.

A club with heart and history

Founded in 1931, Whitehall RFC is arguably Bristol’s only true inner-city rugby club. We’re steeped in history but it’s not just our past that defines us; it’s our present and future.

Over the decades, we’ve grown from a local team into a club that is defined by supporting and connecting the community. Our social media hashtag – #NotJustARugbyClub – isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s a reflection of the broader role we play in connecting and supporting our community.

Today, we field two senior men’s teams, a Vets’ side, and an exciting women’s team that’s currently in development.

At the core of everything is our vibrant junior section – with around 140 young players from U6s to U15s, supported by an incredible team of dedicated volunteers. Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings down at Foundry Lane and across Bristol truly embody our values and culture.

The challenge: rebuilding after COVID

Like every grassroots club, the COVID-19 pandemic hit us pretty hard. From financial uncertainty to dwindling participation and stretched volunteer resources, the last few years have tested the spirit and resilience of community rugby in ways we never expected.

Post-COVID, many clubs have found themselves not just rebuilding squads but rebuilding culture and identity – and that’s what I want to reflect on in this piece.

At Whitehall RFC, we didn’t just lose players during the pandemic – we lost habits, momentum, and, for some, that weekly connection to something bigger than themselves.

When the game returned, we found ourselves asking deeper questions: “Who are we as a club?”, “What do we stand for now?”, “How do we rebuild the sense of belonging that once defined us?”

Reconnection over reinvention

The answer hasn’t been to reinvent ourselves, but to reconnect – with our roots, our people, and our community.

We’ve doubled down on inclusivity and openness – by working hard to make the club welcoming to new faces, whether that’s a parent bringing their child for the first time, a lapsed player rediscovering the game, or a volunteer keen to get stuck in. We’ve ramped up our events calendar – not just the usual fundraisers and tours, but social events that bring families, friends, and neighbours together, with or without a rugby ball.

Crucially, we’re investing in visibility – both within our community and beyond it. Telling our story more boldly, celebrating our wins (on and off the field), and showing people that we’re still here – growing, thriving, and determined to serve our community.

Culture is a team sport

Rebuilding culture isn’t a one-person job: it’s a collective effort. Rebuilding culture isn’t about grand gestures: it’s about small, consistent actions. What’s been most inspiring is seeing just how much appetite there is across our membership to lean in, step up, and be part of the next phase of our journey.

Whether it’s a former player coming back to coach, a parent helping organise the junior tour, or a group of teenagers flipping burgers at the matchday BBQ – every contribution builds something bigger.

And that bigger picture? It’s not just about recovery. It’s about renewal. We’re not going back to what we were – we’re building something stronger, more connected, and more relevant than ever before.

Investing in the future

Our junior section is the lifeblood of the club. Rebuilding culture means investing in our youngest players – not just in terms of quality coaching, but in creating an environment where they feel valued and excited to return each week. We’ve increased social activities, introduced themed training sessions, and made sure every child knows they’re part of something bigger.

We’re also working hard to support our volunteers. Without them, community rugby doesn’t happen. That means better communication, clearer roles, and more recognition. A simple ‘Thank You’ goes a long way.

Looking ahead

Post-COVID, community rugby clubs like ours have a unique opportunity – not just to return to what we were, but to reimagine what we can be. There’s still work to be done but we’re heading in the right direction. The spirit is back, the numbers are growing, and the energy around the club is once again palpable.

Rebuilding club culture post-COVID isn’t just about what happens on the pitch. It’s about rediscovering the ‘why’ behind everything we do, which, at Whitehall RFC, is all about creating a true sense of belonging – and we’ve found that again. And I can’t wait to help lead us into this next chapter and an exciting 2025/26 season ahead.

This is my first column for The Rugby Paper and I look forward to sharing more stories and insights from the grassroots game in the months ahead.

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