The 2024 season has marked the beginning of a new era for the Petersfield U18s Colts. After years of underperformance, a complete overhaul of the coaching setup has breathed new life into the squad, laying the foundation for long-term success. Under the leadership of Director of Rugby Matt McLean, a new coaching team has been assembled, including myself (Nick Blumlein) as Head Coach, Dan Sargent as Forwards Coach, Franko Tomic as Assistant Forwards Coach, and Andy Barnes as Skills Coach. Our collective goal is to transform the Colts into a highly competitive team and establish a clear pathway from junior to senior rugby.

A New Vision for the Colts

For too long, the Colts had struggled to perform at the level expected of a club with Petersfield’s ambitions. The transition from junior to senior rugby had been disjointed, with too many players dropping out before making the step up. Our vision is to change this by making the Colts the gateway to senior rugby, ensuring that players not only develop their skills but also build a deep-rooted connection with the club.
The idea is simple: create a production line of talented, well-coached players who will go on to add value to the senior squad for years to come. This means instilling a culture of hard work, discipline, and commitment while also ensuring that players enjoy their rugby and feel part of something bigger than just their age group.

The early signs of progress have been incredibly encouraging. The squad has responded well to the new coaching setup, showing a renewed sense of purpose and determination. This has translated into strong performances on the pitch, with the team securing impressive victories against New Milton, Portsmouth, and Basingstoke before narrowly losing to Havant.

The first real test of our new-look Colts came against New Milton, a well-drilled side known for their physicality. From the outset, it was clear that our structured approach and emphasis on fundamentals were paying off. The forwards dominated the set-piece, providing a solid platform for our backs to exploit space. Our defensive organisation was also a standout feature, with the team showing resilience and discipline under pressure. The final whistle blew with Petersfield emerging victorious, a result that gave the squad a huge confidence boost.

Our next challenge was against Portsmouth, a club with a strong rugby pedigree. This game was a true test of our progress, and the players rose to the occasion magnificently. The forwards executed their game plan with precision, winning crucial collisions and providing clean ball for the backs. The backline, in turn, showcased their attacking prowess, running intelligent lines and finishing clinically. A comprehensive victory over Portsmouth was another significant step forward, reinforcing the belief that we were on the right track.

Basingstoke provided a different type of challenge. They were a physically imposing side, and we knew we would have to match them in the contact area to stand a chance. The game was a bruising encounter, with both teams refusing to give an inch. However, our fitness and game management proved to be the difference. The leadership on the field was outstanding, with senior players stepping up in key moments. The result was a gritty, hard-earned victory that demonstrated the team’s growing maturity and resilience.

The only blemish on our record so far this season came against Havant, but even in defeat, there were plenty of positives to take away. Havant are a strong side with a well-established Colts setup, and they pushed us to our limits. The match was a high-intensity affair, with both teams playing expansive rugby. While we ultimately fell just short, the performance showed that we can compete with the very best. The players were naturally disappointed, but the coaching team made it clear that this was just another step in the journey. The key now is to learn from the experience and come back stronger.

While the early results have been encouraging, we are under no illusions that there is still plenty of work to be done. The ultimate goal is not just short-term success but long-term sustainability. We want to create a culture where players see the Colts as an essential stepping stone to senior rugby, rather than the final chapter of their playing careers.
To achieve this, we are focusing on several key areas:

1. Developing a Clear Playing Identity – We want the Colts to play a brand of rugby that aligns with the senior team’s philosophy. This means a strong set-piece, aggressive defence, and intelligent attacking play.
2. Building a Strong Club Culture – Creating an environment where players feel valued and motivated to continue their rugby journey at Petersfield.
3. Enhancing Individual Player Development – Ensuring that each player receives the coaching and support they need to reach their full potential.
4. Strengthening Links with the Senior Squad – Encouraging Colts players to train with the seniors, attend senior matches, and see themselves as future first-team players.

The transformation of the Petersfield U18s Colts is well underway, and the progress so far has been hugely encouraging. The introduction of a new coaching team has already made a tangible impact, with the players responding positively to the changes. The victories over New Milton, Portsmouth, and Basingstoke have demonstrated the team’s potential, while the narrow defeat to Havant has provided valuable lessons.

However, this is just the beginning. The real measure of success will be how many of these players go on to represent the senior side in the coming years. If we can establish the Colts as a vital link between junior and senior rugby, we will have achieved something truly special.
For now, the focus remains on continuous improvement, both on and off the pitch. With the foundations now in place, there is every reason to believe that the future of Petersfield Rugby Club is in safe hands.