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A NEW DAWN SAMURAI RFC I S NOW The foundation of our rugby club has always been about our commitment to rugby beyond the confines of the playing field. From cultivating and nurturing the best talent, to our unwavering dedication to family values and enjoyment, Samurai RFC has been an embodiment of opportunity and the architype for invitational rugby excellence since its birth in 1996. Founded on the parallel values of the Samurai warrior – integrity, honour, courage and respect – the club has evolved to become one of the best 7s clubs in the world boasting a unrivalled roll of honour and acting as a springboard for some of the biggest, most decorated household names in world rugby. ​ As we reflect on 25 years of success, and with two seasons lost to COVID, it seems fitting that as we go into 2024, we turn a page in our rich history. Embracing the wisdom that "From every ending, something new can begin," we're charting a course of change within our club; in 2024, Samurai Rugby will evolve into Shogun Rugby, marking a significant inflection point in our journey. Just like the Samurai warrior's last stand, which was a progression into the time of the Shogun, it's the right time for us to progress as a club. Shogun, standing as a commanding presence on and off the field, maintains the continuity of our core values and goals beneath a new banner. As the era of the Samurai draws to a close, the dawn of the Shogun begins. Back to home page >

TEAMS At Shogun Rugby Football Club our mission is to be the world’s best 7s rugby club in terms of our talent cultivation, performances and development of the sport. We want to provide opportunities for as many aspiring players, coaches and managers as we can. We are a nomadic club, in that we have no home ground, but we are famed for the striking kit, professional attitude and on-field flair. Shogun RFC is the most prestigious, recognised, and feared team on the domestic and international 7s circuit. ​ Achieving this is no mean feat considering we are unable to train together! Our coaches, many of whom are the most experienced on the 7s circuit, are adept at preparing teams to play in 7s competitions. With only 4-6 games per competition to showcase their skills this is key to our success. We have a proven track record of success over the last 25 years, supporting the development of countless players who have progressed to achieve international honours all over the world. The squads selected for each tournament consist of a balance of younger players, with the potential to perform at the highest levels of the game, and experienced players needing to regain match fitness to prepare for international competition. Alongside these we also develop coaches and competition support staff who aspire to work with representative teams too. Identifying and supporting talent is important, but we do so with a win/loss ratio which is the envy of the sport. It is considered a huge honour to play for Shogun RFC, even for professional players, none of whom get paid as we are a non-profit organisation who survive solely on donations and sponsorship. Professional teams, clubs and unions have recognised our achievements and we have a fantastic rapport and relationship with junior clubs and coaches through to international unions. THERE ARE 4 TEAMS IN OUR RUGBY CLUB MEN’s and WOMEN's SENIORS SENIOR ACADEMY MEN'S VETS Our Teams can play in International Tournaments around the World. Players who are identified by our talent ID scouts and selectors will get formally invited into the appropriate #ShogunFamily team. ​ A few of our former players: Shogun RFC has an extensive and exclusive membership, many of whom have international playing experience. These include former England captain Chris Robshaw, Henry Paul, Rachael Burford, Ben Foden, Gavin Henson, David Strettle, Mike Tindall, Chris Ashton, James Haskell, Rochelle Clark, Nick Easter, Carlin Isles, Nemani Nadolo, Maggie Alphonsi, Alex Dombrandt, Cheslin Kolbe, Andy Powell, Ellis Genge, Ben Earl, Martyn Williams, Mike Phillips, Callum Sheedy, Taulupe Faletau & Christian Wade to name a few. "Coming together is a beginning, playing together is progress, winning together is success." We look forward to seeing you in a Shogun RFC shirt very soon! Back to home page >

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM Club President Club Chairman Paul Jordan Mike Friday Vice Chairman Mark Dean Operations Director UK Allen Boyd Performance Director Operations Manager UK Operations Director International Fahad Adil Paul Archer Terry Sands Head of Medical Claire McLoughlin Club Secretary Lauren Finbow Back to home page >

LATEST NEWS "What a start to the Shogun era! (said Mike Friday, Shogun Rugby Chairman). ​ Finally, after our 12th attempt, the men winning the Hong Kong 10's was very special indeed. ​ Then just a week later, and with a very fast turnaround, the men and women do a double by both winning the Melrose 7's. ​ You certainly couldn't write the script, as we have won 2 of the World's biggest tournaments in the space of 2 weeks. ​ We have now won every major tournament we have entered which is testament and well deserved for all the people involved in our quite unique and very special invitation only Rugby Club." Shogun Rugby are incredibly excited to announce Claire Mcloughlan as our Head of Medical for the 2024 season. Claire is an associate Professor for Sport rehabilitation at St Mary’s University in London. Other qualifications also include a BSc & MSC and she has also worked with NZ Rugby, England Rugby, SA Rugby and the British Olympic Canoe and Kayak team amongst many others. We are blessed to have someone with such experience and knowledge working with Shogun Rugby. ​ Claire has been with Shogun Rugby for over 15 years and will lead and consult an experienced and fully qualified team of Shogun Rugby Physiotherapists and Sport rehabilitators. VIEW IDP Shogun Rugby are incredibly excited to announce Jonathan Hooper as our Director of Women's Rug by for the 2024 season. Jonathan AKA “Hoops” played for Wales 7s before commencing his Coaching journey several years ago where he Coached Wales Women’s 7’s. Currently a WRU pathway and development Coach also overseeing Wales U18’s 7s. ​ Hoops has been a member of the Shogun family for several years first joining the family as a player then as a Coach and will now direct, consult and guide our Women’s coaching team, whilst also continuing to Coach. Shogun Rugby are extremely fortunate to have one of the most knowledgeable and experienced Women’s 7s Coaches involved in the modern game. Shogun Rugby are incredibly excited to announce Gareth Baber as our Director of Men's Rugby for the 2024 season. Every Sevens follower worldwide will know Gareth, so he needs absolutely no introduction. ​ Gareth has been a member of the Shogun family for several years but will now direct, consult and guide our extremely impressive team of Shogun Coaches. ​ As part of this role, he will attend tournaments as part of the on-pitch coaching team and also sharing his extensive knowledge of the game to Shogun Rugby Players and Crew. ​ Shogun Rugby are extremely fortunate to have one of the most successful 7s coaches of all time as our Director of Men’s Rugby. UMBRO x SHOGUN RFC Shogun RFC is delighted to announce Umbro, the world renowned apparel company, as its technical kit supplier. The multi-year partnership, which begins on March 1, 2024, will see Umbro manufacture and supply Shogun RFC’s playing and training wear. ​ As official technical kit supplier, the agreement will see Umbro work in collaboration with Kit Locker of Sheffield, outfitting the men’s, women’s and Academy teams, as well as coaching and management staff. ​ The partnership coincides with Shogun RFC’s re-brand. Formerly known as Samurai RFC, the Clubs re-brand, bought about by the historic progression into the time of the Shogun also commences on March 1, 2024. "Our iconic kit is a key part of our history and identity. We welcome Umbro into the #ShogunFamily as our new official technical kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club, and we look forward to working with them where they will also be producing an official supporter’s range that will be available exclusively from KitLocker.com." Mike Friday, Shogun RFC Chairman A NEW DAWN SAMURAI RFC IS NOW SHOGUN RFC The foundation of our rugby club has always been about our commitment to rugby beyond the confines of the playing field. From cultivating and nurturing the best talent, to our unwavering dedication to family values and enjoyment, Samurai RFC has been an embodiment of opportunity and the architype for invitational rugby excellence since its birth in 1996. Founded on the parallel values of the Samurai warrior – integrity, honour, courage and respect – the club has evolved to become one of the best 7s clubs in the world boasting a unrivalled roll of honour and acting as a springboard for some of the biggest, most decorated household names in world rugby. ​ As we reflect on 25 years of success, and with two seasons lost to COVID, it seems fitting that as we go into 2024, we turn a page in our rich history. Embracing the wisdom that "From every ending, something new can begin," we're charting a course of change within our club; in 2024, Samurai Rugby will evolve into Shogun Rugby, marking a significant inflection point in our journey. Just like the Samurai warrior's last stand, which was a progression into the time of the Shogun, it's the right time for us to progress as a club. Shogun, standing as a commanding presence on and off the field, maintains the continuity of our core values and goals beneath a new banner. SHOGUN ACADEMY We are really looking forward to the 2024 7s season as we are set to compete in the newly formed LIT 7s Series. This series comprises of the Chelmsford 7s on 27th April, Manor 7s on 18th May, Egham 7s on 1st June, Peterborough 7s on 22nd June and the LIT 7s on 13th July. These 5 established 7s competitions have joined forces to form this new venture and will certainly help us provide more competitive playing opportunities for our players. As a result of this competition starting so early our usual maiden 7s voyage at the Sunshine 7s is now our 2nd outing of the season as it falls on 28th April! ​ As a not-for-profit organisation we aim to give aspiring 7s rugby players opportunities to showcase their playing ability at the highest levels of the game on the domestic circuit. We do this whilst challenging and developing their skills thanks to our exceptional team of coaches and, when ready, we progress suitable players into various international 7s teams and professional rugby teams across the globe. Our links with these teams are second to none. ​ Our regular coaches include Nick Easter (ex England RFU), Simon Hunt (ex England 7s), Dave Muckalt (EnglandCounties), Tom Bowen (ex GB 7s), Owen Scrimgeour (ex New Zealand 7s), Nick Wakley, Sam Cross & Dan Connolly (ex Wales 7s), Kevin Maggs (IRFU talent ID) and Mike Friday (USA 7s). ​ Commenting on the season ahead, Allen Boyd (Shogun Academy Director), said “The LIT Series is set to be one of the most competitive 7s series in the country and the talent pool available is hugely exciting. We have a blend of youth and experience and having competed at the business end of several tournaments last season the future looks very bright. The Sunshine 7s is also a tournament we like to support and is very competitive. It is always a great start to the season as raises a lot of money to support local charities.” Back to home page >

Claire Allen Player, England & Team GB 7s Samurai Rugby played a huge part in developing and supporing the growth of Womens' sevens in the UK. Without a doubt, playing for Samurai Rugby ignited my love for the game of 7s. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and good times I have had wearing a Samurai shirt. Carlin Isles Player, USA 7s Playing for Samurai Rugby was a great rugby experience for me both on and off the pitch. I was able to develop my game and I got to play with good men that became good friends. Ignacio Martin Player, Spain 7s Samurai Rugby is the greatest game changer I know at enabling upcoming players to reach elite heights and stay there. The mix of talened players, supporting staff, vision and team ethic is unbeatable. Nate Ebner Player, USA 7s & New England Patriots Without Samurai Rugby, I wouldn't have got to represent my country at the Rio Olympics. Mike Friday Head Coach, USA 7s Being part of Samurai Rugby is a unique experience where not only do you develop as a player but you enjoy great life experiences and make lifelong friends all over the world. Ben Gollings Player, England 7s I loved my time with Samurai, it was an amazing experience both on and off the field. Phil Greening Assistant Coach, USA 7s Without doubt the global experience, the players and the people within Samurai has shaped me as a coach and as a person. Simon Amor Head Coach, England 7s As one of the leading invitational 7s teams in the world, Samurai Rugby provides fantastic 7s development experiences, assisting players & coaches alike as they progress on their pathway to the 7s international stage. England 7s have been very pleased with their association with Samurai Rugby. Rachel Burford Player, England 7s & 15s Experiencing World-class coaching accelerated my personal development on the pitch which led on to greater international honours. The values I learned from playing for Samurai Rugby have moulded the player I am today both on and off the pitch. Some of my best rugby memories are playing in a Samurai shirt. James Murphy Player, South Africa 7s Samurai...very few will understand a family bond like this. I was fortunate enough to make my debut for Samurai Rugby at the Independence 7s (Nigeria) in 2017, where I was privileged enough to share the field with 7s legends Pedro Leal and Humphrey Kayange, as well as a few others! This incredible family has been an amazing platform for my 7s career and is definitely one of my highlights to date. And best of all I am still in contact with most of my team mates, and will hopefully be seeing some of them in Hong Kong (2018 World Series). Luke Treharne Player, Wales & Team GB 7s Samurai completely capture the spirit of rugby sevens, they are hugely competitive at the top level but still make it fun to be involved. Tim Walsh Head Coach, Australia 7s Without the opportunities Samurai gave me I would not being enjoying the 7s career I am now fortunate enough to be living. To play with the world’s best, to be coached by the world’s best and now to coach the world’s best delivered me an array of skills, experiences and deep understanding of 7s and people that I will cherish forever. ​ The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. I have been a beneficiary of Samurai’s leadership. Ben Ryan Olympic & Gold World Medal Winnin g Coach Samurai were a great vehicle for me in my tenure as England 7s coach as they allowed me to see players that were on the pathway, give game time to developing and current players and coaches, and finally, let me as a coach gain more experiences. Super professional, they understand the key traits needed to make the step up to international sevens and provided me with a very valuable resource that really enhanced all we were trying to do with the National team. Philippa Tuttiett Player Wales 7s & 15s My first ever 7's rugby experience was with Samurai...Amazing set up that gives all players the opportunity to really challenge themselves with quality players, quality coaches and always a good laugh off the field too! Shaped my love for the game and the 7's community, feel so lucky to have started it all with Samurai! Back to home page >

View Prospectus CLUB 25 PROSPECTUS Shogun Rugby are delighted to invite you to join our exclusive Club 25. Created to celebrate Shogun Rugby’s 25th year, membership of Club 25 is restricted to only 25 individuals. As well as explaining the benefits of joining Club 25, this prospectus explains a little more about Shogun Rugby and why it’s a unique phenomenon not just in international rugby but in elite sport. With an exceptional club culture, access to elite rugby players and coaches globally, and the opportunity to become attached to the team as we compete in elite tournaments, we hope you’ll agree with us that Club 25 membership is a rare opportunity to get up and close and personal to one of the worlds fastest growing Olympic sports.

Shogun Rugby Club is one of the best invitational 7s teams in the world. Our talent ID programme boasts a record that is the envy of other clubs, with a record of uncovering and developing talent that is currently unequalled globally. We develop our players through a growth and success mindset and are passionate about what we do, being truly proud of our success. ONCE A SAMURAI NOW A READ THE STORY WATCH THE VIDEO ABOUT US ABOUT SHOGUN RFC Shogun Rugby Football Club was founded by Terry Sands in 1996, being inspired by the playing spirit and tenacity of the Japanese national rugby team in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Originally called Samurai RFC, the club is widely regarded as one of the best 7s teams in the world. It operates on a purely invitational basis, usually creating a new squad of coaches and players for each tournament, with an unparalleled win/loss ration which is the envy of the sport. In 2024, the club decided to change its name to Shogun Rugby Club - a name fitting with their core values, exceptional leadership and commanding presence on and off the field. Shogun RFC survives by fundraising, donations and sponsorship and has done for over 25 years on a totally non-profit basis. Funds raised go towards the costs of entering and participating in global tournaments annually - a team of Harlem Globetrotters in the fast-growing sport of Rugby 7s. Squads are usually a mix of professional and amateur players and coaches selected by invitation only. Often players that have been identified by our talent ID scouts that are positioned globally. More significantly, a mix of nationalities with frequently at least five or six countries being represented. Players do not get paid for playing, and being selected to play for Shogun Rugby is seen as an honour, even for professional players. ​ Meet the team behind the team here . STATS 77 Number of Shogun players or coaches at the 2018 Commonwealth games 30 Shogun players and coaches on the 2020 World Series 39 Number of countries Shogun players and coaches have been capped for 17 Medal winners in the 2016 Olympics were Shogun players or coaches View More Stats > FIXTURES FIXTURES 2024 Thanking all of our sponsors 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 GALLERY Load More See More Videos TESTIMONIALS Scott Wight Player, Glasgow Warriors & Scotland 7s Samurai for me has been a great asset to the sport in what it does across the world. It gives people opportunities that they would never otherwise have had, like playing overseas and meeting new people in 7s. It really brings all the values of rugby sevens under one roof. Scott Curry Player, NZ All Blacks 7s I’m hugely grateful for the experiences Samurai gave me early in my career. Being able to travel the world and play 7s at a high level helped me develop, both as a player and a person. Getting the opportunity to play alongside players from other countries and then going on to play against them on the World Sevens Series is an awesome experience to share and one that wouldn’t be possible without Samurai. Dan Norton Player, England 7s Samurai 7s helped springboard me into international sevens. They are an amateur team with a professional setup and have created a wonderful culture and legacy, both on and off the field, over the years. Tim Walsh Head Coach, Australia 7s Without the opportunities Samurai gave me I would not be enjoying the 7s career I am now fortunate enough to be living. To play with the world’s best, to be coached by the world’s best and now to coach the world’s best delivered me an array of skills, experiences and deep understanding of 7s. The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. I have been a beneficiary of Samurai’s leadership. View All Testimonials Contact Us Submit Thanks for submitting! Allen Boyd Operations Director (UK) E. allenb@shogun-rugby.com Terry Sands Performance Director E. tsands@tessensports.com Paul Archer Operations Manager E. paulnarcher@yahoo.com CONTACT US