Hove RFC U15s crown historic season with triple trophy triumph

Hove Rugby Football Club is celebrating an extraordinary achievement by its Under-15 squad after the team completed a remarkable treble-winning season, securing the Sussex League title, lifting the Sussex Trophy, and capping off their campaign with victory in the Harlequins Cup Final at The Stoop, the iconic home of Harlequins.

The triple success marks one of the most accomplished seasons in the club’s recent youth rugby history and reflects the dedication, teamwork and resilience shown by the squad throughout a demanding and fiercely competitive campaign.

Hove first clinched the Sussex League championship through a series of dominant and consistent performances across the season, setting the standard with their expansive rugby and defensive discipline.

The team then added the Sussex Trophy in dramatic fashion, defeating local rivals Crowborough in the final to avenge their only league defeat of the season. Having suffered an earlier setback against the same opposition, the squad showed tremendous character and determination to turn the tables when it mattered most, delivering a composed and clinical performance to claim the silverware.

Their crowning achievement came at The Stoop, where Hove faced Sutton & Epsom in the Harlequins Cup Final. Rising to the occasion on one of English rugby’s most prestigious stages, the U15s produced a superb display of skill, intensity and teamwork to secure victory and complete a historic treble.

In front of proud families, coaches and supporters, the players demonstrated the character that has defined their season from start to finish.

Head Coach Luke Talbot said: “This is an exceptional achievement by an outstanding group of young players. To win the Sussex League, gain revenge over Crowborough in the Sussex Trophy final, and then beat Sutton & Epsom at The Stoop to lift the Harlequins Cup is simply phenomenal. The team has shown resilience, commitment and real togetherness throughout the season, but this success would not have been possible without the support, effort and commitment of the wider squad across the entire campaign. Every player has played their part, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved together.”

Director of Rugby Richard Cheeseman added: “This achievement is the result of a decade of commitment and hard work on the training field, with some of these players having been with Hove RFC since the age of five. They have consistently put in the hard yards, both during the off-season and throughout the winter months, to refine their skills and fitness, and that dedication has paid off when it mattered most on matchdays.

“They have been supported every step of the way by an outstanding team of coaches, and this success is a tremendous reward for everyone’s commitment — but most of all for the players themselves, including every member of our hugely talented squad of 60 players.”

This historic treble highlights the strength of Hove RFC’s youth programme and underlines the bright future of rugby talent emerging from the club.

As celebrations continue, the U15 squad can reflect on a season that will be remembered as one of the finest in Hove RFC history.