Welcome to the Northern Hawks Rugby League Club!

Who are the Hawks?

The Hawks are a junior Rugby League club formed in 2011 to offer increased opportunities for junior players in Northern Bristol & the surrounding area. We will be competing in the Bristol Cluster Clubs Competition between May and July 2012 against other junior clubs from around the city. To find out more about the other teams and the overall format see the Junior Clubs page.

Where are the Hawks based?

We are based at Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club – see below for address and a map. We train here each week and one of the tournaments will be held at the club.

How can I join the Hawks?

Contact one of the coaches by emailing hawks@bristolsonics.com or use the contact us form here. Membership is open to anyone qualified to play in the Under-14 (school years 8 & 9) or Under-16 (school years 10 & 11) age group and costs just £20 for the season. A training t-shirt is included in the membership price plus all insurance and administration costs.

Who coaches the Hawks?

Name: Sam Barker

Playing Position: Utility

Playing Experience: Sidall RLFC, Elland Boxers, Stainland Stags, York Acorn, Northumbria University (Captain), Gateshead Storm, Bristol Sonics.

Coaching qualification: RFL Level 1 and Level 2 accredited

Coaching experience: Wallsend Eagles, North East  Under 14s, Sonics Academy (2010)

Hailing from the rugby league heartland of Halifax, West Yorkshire Sam has been watching and playing Rugby League from an early age. He's played a variety of positions, most commonly second row and wing and really found his niche as a winger with a huge amount of experience and the ability to control and influence the effectiveness of our defensive efforts. Sam is a big believer in what some players lack in physical weight can be made up for in determination and confidence. He also believes that learning the skills of Rugby league should be fun and appeal to as wide a range of particpants as possible, however if you mess around at training he will make you do press ups, many, many press ups! 

Name: Tristan Moore 

Position: Prop / Second row

Coaching qualification: RFL Level 2 accredited

Coaching experience: New coach for 2011

Tristan is a recent level 2 qualified coach. He has played for the Sonics first team since 2005 at both prop and second row. Career highlights include winning the west midlands regional conference in 2007, making the final in the 2010 midlands premier conference and winning the 2010 Bristol Sonics coaches' award.

Both coaches are RFL Level 2 qualified and hold current first aid and Safeguarding & Protecting Children certificates which can be produced upon request.

When is training?

Training will be every Wednesday at 6:30pm from 2nd May. The coaching will start with developing core Rugby skills such as passing and tackling, as well as preparing players for the fast and exciting sport of Rugby League.  There is also a focus on progressing the coaching to learning about Rugby League game structure and more advanced skills such as kicking and defensive tactics to ensure players can express their potential during the matches.

When are matches?

All matches will take pace in tournaments with the 4 Bristol clubs (and invited clubs from the local area) meeting at a single location and playing each of the other teams. The tournaments will take place on Sundays with exact dates TBC.

Where can I find out more about rugby league?

Take a look at the RFL’s Guide to the Game

Do I need to have played rugby before?

No. Whilst most players will have played some sort of rugby before it is not essential as you will receive full coaching on the fundamentals of the game. However, you may have played RL in schools or be part of a Rugby Union team both of which will stand you in good stead.

Location

Chipping Sodbury RFC, Wickwar Road, The Ridings, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BQ