Legendary chef launches Rugby Kitchen of the Year 2026

Pierre Koffmann, the iconic chef behind Le Tante Claire, and mentor to the likes of Marco Pierre White, returned to the kitchen to launch Rugby Kitchen of the Year.

The mini rugby players of Southgate RFC in North London were treated to three-Michelin-starred chips as Pierre Koffmann took over the club’s kitchen to launch a competition to find the UK’s best rugby kitchen.

While he’s famed for his work at restaurants such as Le Gavroche, The Waterside Inn and his own Le Tante Claire – and having had the likes of Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Jason Atherton work in his kitchens – Koffmann was also a rugby player, turning out for Toulon, during his military days in the 1960s. A passionate rugby fan, he’s also watched his nephew James Martin climb the mini rugby ranks to the very top (he now plays for Premiership rugby side Northampton Saints) so knows all about the importance of the rugby kitchen.  “The rugby kitchen is the heartbeat of the rugby club,” says Koffmann, “the people who run them are always very passionate about their club, their players, always going the extra mile, so it’s fitting that we should reward them, celebrate them with Rugby Kitchen of the Year.”

Rugby Kitchen of the Year is open to rugby clubs across the UK with a first prize that includes a year’s supply of Koffmann’s chips for the kitchen and Rhino rugby equipment worth over £1,500.

Every club that enters the competition will also receive 50% off orders off Koffmann’s chips for a year and 20% off Rhino match balls.

Judging will be done by a Michelin-starred panel led by Pierre Koffmann, including the likes of Marco Pierre White, Jason Atherton, Tomos Parry, Tom Kitchin, Tom Brown, Josh Eggleston, Nathan Outlaw and, from the rugby world, England Rugby chef Thomas Kirby, Welsh internationals James Botham, Jonathan Davies and Adam Jones, World Cup-winning coach Dave Alred.

The competition is being run by Rugby Journal, in partnership with Rhino rugby and Koffmann’s Potatoes for Chefs. Simon Martin, CEO of Koffmann’s Potatoes for Chefs said: “I’ve been involved in rugby for a long time, especially mini rugby with my son James coming through the ranks to play for Northampton Saints, so I know how important it is beyond the rugby, it’s about the friends they make that will be friends for a lifetime. Given our passion is for making that mini rugby essential – chips – we can’t wait to start celebrating rugby kitchens across the UK.”

Dave Reynish, managing director of Rhino, added: “Everyone who played rugby as a kid or is involved as a parent or coach today knows the chips after training or matches are just as important as the rugby itself, rugby is all about the friendships you make on and off the field and that starts at mini rugby. We can’t think of better people in rugby to champion than those in the kitchens making it happen.”

To enter, clubs simply need to submit an image or video of their rugby kitchen together with a brief explanation as to why they think their kitchen should win. Entries close: 31.12.25. Enter your rugby kitchen now, via therugbyjournal.com/rugbykitchenoftheyear

The prizes

A year’s supply of Koffmann’s chips!
Led by the iconic Pierre Koffmann, Koffmann’s has become renowned for its quality potatoes and fries, used by some of the world’s finest chefs.

The winning club will receive a year’s supply of Koffmann’s fries to fuel their rugby club for the season.

The ultimate rugby equipment collection

Rhino are the world’s No.1 rugby equipment supplier, working with Wales, England, The British & Irish Lions and the world champion Springboks. They’re also where rugby begins, with the UK’s biggest range of mini and junior balls and equipment.

The first prize includes: Rhino Junior Hit Shield, Chop Bag, Crash Mat, Mini & Junior Tackle Bag, Mini & Junior Coaching Set, Essential Marker Cones (x 2 packs), Mini Essential Marker Cones (x 2 packs)

20 x Avalanche Balls (size 3 or 4 ), Coaches Ball Bag, Dave Alred Kicking Tees (x 3), Tag Belts & Tags (20 sets), ECO Water Bottle (x 20), ECO Water Bottle Carrier (x 2)