didi rugby Bristol: A family outlet for the Gullys

The Gully family, Rochelle, Simon and Tyler all wearing red didi rugby kit.

didi rugby Bristol leads, Simon and Rochelle Gully are looking forward to providing an opportunity for young children that wasn’t available for their son at such a young age.

Simon has a professional rugby career behind him, so he is excited to begin his new journey with didi rugby.

Because of the immense love and passion he has for the sport, he sees didi rugby as an opportunity for him to spend his weekend doing something he loves, as opposed to it being “work.” Simon currently works as a carpenter five days a week, so can’t wait to have didi rugby as his “fun day” of the week.

Simon is also a rugby coach at one of didi Bristol’s venues, Kingswood RFC.

Two ladies in a red top and a man wearing a red top and blue cap smiling.
The Gully family

Before meeting Simon, Rochelle had no experience with the sport.

“Rugby has given our family an outlet to grow closer and to bond over a sport we all enjoy,” Rochelle says.

“We are all season ticket holders at Bristol Bears, and we go to watch all the games. This allowed us to all grow closer as a family. Having two teenagers, it’s nice to go and experience something we all know and love together.

“We have been discussing the possibility of running kids rugby classes for a few years now but the timing never quite worked.

“This year seemed like the perfect time to make that jump, especially with our daughter Tyler now being 16, she can get involved with coaching at the classes.”

Young age groups

Their son, Lucas, started his rugby journey at four years old. Simon and Rochelle struggled to find him a class so young that best suited and supported his age and ability.

“We really struggled to find him a class at that age as no club really provided for such young age groups,” Rochelle said.

“The coach at a class which was slightly too old for him said to bring him along, but he was too overwhelmed to continue.

“If didi rugby had been around at the time, we would have 100% taken him to classes there.

“Because of this experience we had, we want to provide this opportunity for and build confidence in children from a young age.”

didi rugby Bristol launch party

didi rugby Bristol will be launching with an exciting event on Friday 9 September; with didi mascots Dougie and Daisy making a special appearance!

The event will be kicking off at Clifton RFC from 9:00am-12:00 Noon. The action will then be moving over to Pomphrey Hill Pavilion from 1pm.

The Gully family are all looking forward to meeting the kids, the rest of the didi team and to experience a brand new venue.

WATCH: Leicester Tigers and didi rugby launch exciting new partnership.

Find a didi rugby class in Blackburn at St Mary’s Mellor C of E Primary School

Find a didi rugby class in Blackburn at St Mary’s Mellor C of E Primary School

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at St Mary’s Mellor C of E Primary School in Mellor, Blackburn. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in: Ramsgreave, Wilpshire, Walton le Dale, Beardwood, Langho, Samlesbury, Pleasington, Lammack, Ribchester, Brownhill

St Mary’s Mellor C of E Primary School

Brundhurst Fold
Mellor
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 7JT

Ran by didi rugby Preston, Blackburn and Ribble Valley
Contact John O’Ryan – 07988 720062  
john.oryan@didirugby.com

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Find a didi rugby class in Bristol at Kingswood RFC

Find a didi rugby class in Bristol at Kingswood RFC

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Kingswood RFC in Bristol. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in:
Kingswood
Hanham
St George
Longwell Green
Warmley
Wick
Oldland Common
Cadbury Heath

Kingswood RFC

Grimsbury Rd Playing Fields
Grimsbury Rd
Bristol
South Gloucestershire
BS15 9RA

Ran by didi rugby Bristol
Contact Simon Gully – 07870 800294  
roxy.gully@didirugby.com

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“Our son, Oliver, is our biggest driving force.”

Sophie and Hattie Elliott-Edwards wearing red didi rugby kit, holding their son, Oliver.

didi rugby Newcastle lead Hattie Elliott-Edwards is determined to give her son Oliver the opportunities she never had.

With an impressive rugby career behind her, she is keen to offer her son the chance to learn new skills and grow in confidence while doing something he loves at a young age.

Along with fellow lead Sophie Elliott-Edwards, Hattie is excited to get their new didi rugby classes in the north-east off the ground with some much-awaited classes day at Novocastrians RFC on Saturday 3 September.

It will be the launch pad for Oliver and a host of new members to begin a grounding that Hattie always wishes she has enjoyed.

“Our son, Oliver, is our biggest driving force,” she says.

“It’s about providing the opportunity for him and other children in Newcastle and the surrounding area to build confidence through rugby and play.”

“We both want to give Oliver and the other didi children the opportunities I had and the skills I developed throughout my rugby career, but were not available for me at his age.”

Sophie and Hattie Elliott-Edwards wearing red didi rugby kit, holding their son, Oliver.
Sophie and Hattie Elliott-Edwards, didi rugby Newcastle leads with their son, Oliver.

Hattie’s rugby background

With Hattie having a well-rounded rugby background, she is really looking forward to promoting the teamwork, leadership, social skills and self-belief that she has developed through the sport, to young children.

Fluctuating between the first and second team at Lichfield rugby club, she played in the same team as one of our didi ambassadors, Heather Fisher. “I was never one of the greatest,” Hattie said. “But it was a great opportunity to play alongside them.”

Sophie and Hattie both agree that they don’t just see the business side to building a didi franchise, “it’s about didi rugby’s ethos,” Hattie said. “Bringing enjoyment in sport to young people. There was nothing like this around when I was playing, so we’re excited to provide this for other young children.”

Novocastrians RFC partnership

With Newcastle being a very football-focused area, Sophie and Hattie are both excited to bring the sense of rugby community to the area.

didi rugby Newcastle will be partnering with Novocastrians RFC, with classes being held at the venue.

Having produced some of the best female rugby players, including didi ambassador Sarah Hunter, Novocastrians RFC are looking forward to welcoming didi rugby Newcastle to the family.

“The club are very proactive and family friendly,” Hattie said. “They have a very similar ethos to didi rugby and have built a lovely community with the rugby mums and dads who attend the club.

“Our longer-term goals are to spread further across Newcastle, but we’re looking forward to building a relationship with Novocastrians, promoting opportunity for young people.”

As the launch party of didi rugby Newcastle fast approaches, Sophie and Hattie are excited to bring fun and happiness to the children. “This is the start of an adventure,” Sophie said. “We want to celebrate the potential of what we’re doing.”

READ MORE: The rugby-mad family are launching didi rugby Bristol.

WATCH: Coach Jake shares his journey so far.

The rugby-mad Gully family are launching didi rugby Bristol

The Gully family, Rochelle, Simon and Tyler all wearing red didi rugby kit.

A refreshing new outlook on children’s rugby will be launching in Bristol next month.

A family of complete rugby fanatics, Simon, Rochelle and Tyler Gully, will be bringing didi rugby to the area!

didi rugby Bristol will be launching with an exciting launch event on Friday 9 September! All visitors will be eligible for a free taster session. The event will be kicking off at Clifton Rugby Club from 9:00am-12:00Noon. The action will then be moving over to Pomphrey Hill Pavilion from 1pm.

Rochelle and Simon Gully stood on a large rock at the beach.
Simon and Rochelle Gully – didi rugby Bristol leads.

The Gully family

All visitors will be guaranteed lots of fun delivered by a Gully family who cannot wait to bet started.

Rochelle was introduced to rugby by her husband, who she watched play the game for two decades.

“It was inevitable that the kids would love it too,” she says. “I spend most Sundays in wellies and a raincoat being a supportive rugby mum.

“I can honestly say that being part of the rugby community has given our family a physical and emotional outlet, a shared love and a fantastic social circle. We have made life-long friends thanks to rugby.

Sports

“When my son started rugby he was overwhelmed and a little scared. If there had been a didi rugby back then, we could have introduced it to him earlier and made the transition to outdoor sports easier.

“I am really looking forward to supporting a new generation of rugby dads – and mums like me – to inspire their little ones to be brave and have fun.

Two ladies in a red top and a man wearing a red top and blue cap smile
The Gully family

Simon, was fortunate enough to grow up in a family who loved a variety of sports but he soon decided that rugby was his favourite.

“It combined all of my favourite elements of sport,” Simon said. “Skill, physicality, speed, endurance, control and teamwork.”

Simon’s professional career

Simon has played rugby for over 40 years and was lucky enough to play the game professionally too.

“I have bestowed my rugby passion to my children and have been able to support them in their rugby journey, as both their coach and biggest supporter, Simon said.

“I have played and loved rugby all my life. It is my passion, my challenge, my happy place! I have been coached by some of the best over the years and the respect I have for them is immense.

“I can’t wait to use all I have learnt to inspire the younger generation to love the game as much as I do.”

Local club

The youngest member of didi Bristol, Tyler Gully, was introduced to rugby by her dad, Simon. She started playing for her local club when she was 11.

“I am thrilled at the thought of coaching kids how to play the sport that inspires me and others across the globe,” Tyler said. “Becoming a didi coach will enable me to encourage young children to get active, develop new skills and, most importantly, have fun and make new friends.”

The Gully family are all looking forward to meeting new didi rugby superstars on 9 September!

WATCH: Leicester Tigers and didi rugby launch exciting new partnership.

Find a didi rugby class in Bristol at Clifton RFC

Find a didi rugby class in Bristol at Clifton RFC

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Clifton RFC in Bristol. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in:
Westbury on trym
Patchway
Southmead
Avonmouth
Henbury
Bradley Stoke
Almondsbury

Clifton RFC

Station Road
Cribbs Causeway
Bristol
South Gloucestershire
BS10 7TT

Ran by didi rugby Bristol
Contact Simon Gully – 07870 800294  
roxy.gully@didirugby.com

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Find a didi rugby class in Coventry at Broadstreet RFC

Find a didi rugby class in Coventry at Broadstreet RFC

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Broadstreet RFC in Coventry. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in: Coventry, Binley, Brinklow, Ryton on Dunsmore, Walsgrave

Broadstreet RFC

The Ivor Preece Field
105 Rugby Road
Coventry
Warwickshire
CV3 2AY

Ran by didi rugby Coventry and Warwickshire
Contact Andy Fox – 07506 191982 
andy.fox@didirugby.com

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Find a didi rugby class in Shipston-on-Stour at Shipston-on-Stour RFC

Find a didi rugby class in Shipston-on-Stour at Shipston-on-Stour RFC

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Shipston-on-Stour RFC in Shipston-on-Stour. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in: Shipston-on-Stour, Barcheston, Willington, Honnington, Darlingscott

Shipston-on-Stour RFC

Mayo Road
Shipston-on-Stour
Warwickshire
CV36 4BH

Ran by didi rugby Coventry and Warwickshire
Contact Andy Fox – 07506 191982 
andy.fox@didirugby.com

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didi ambassador – Manu Tuilagi 

A man in a black shirt holds his young daughter who is wearing didi rugby kit
The youngest of six brothers in the Samoan rugby dynasty to have played for Leicester Tigers, Manu Tuilagi has had a glittering career for both club and country. 
 
Having four older siblings, who have all represented Samoa, it was no surprise that this firecracker of a rugby player quickly found a passion for the sport. 

Manu Tuilagi

He moved to the UK as a teenager to follow his brothers on their respective career paths, before joining Rumney RFC’s youth setup.
 
Shortly after, he moved to Leicester to join the Tigers’ academy at 15. He made his first official appearances for the Tigers in 2009, but his first season with the senior side was the 2010-11 season where he quickly became an established first-team regular.

 

A man in a black shirt holds his young daughter who is wearing didi rugby kit
didi rugby ambassador Manu Tuilagi and his daughter

 

Flying his way through the England ranks, he played for the U16 and U18 age group teams, making a hugely physical impact along the way.

He became England’s youngest Rugby World Cup player at just 20 years, beating previous record holder Jonny Wilkinson.  

He scored England’s try in the memorable 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final win over New Zealand before being involved in the final defeat by South Africa. 
Tuilagi left Leicester in 2020 to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks. 
WATCH: Manu Tuilagi joins the didi rugby family as an ambassador…

Find a didi rugby class in Exeter, Devon at Topsham RFC

Find a didi rugby class in Exeter, Devon at Topsham RFC

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Topsham RFC in Topsham, Exeter, Devon. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in: Teignmouth, Exmouth, Woodbury, Cullompton, Tiverton, Crediton, Okehampton

Topsham RFC

Bonfire Field
Exeter Road
Topsham
Exeter
Devon
EX3 0LY

Ran by didi rugby Devon
Contact Paul Tearle and Gemma Carnegie – 01837 83748  
dididevon@didirugby.com

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