University Of Huddersfield Rugby Union Club

New year, new committee, Fred’s still in the front row.

Our new President for the 26/27 season, is none other than our very own Fred “Smeat” Smeaton. On the pitch, he has covered both ho**er and second row, and his versatility has been massive for the team in the previous seasons. Always willing to step in wherever needed, and his all-round game is exceptional — from lineouts and tackles to ball handling and work rate in open play. He puts in the effort in consistently, week in, week out, and has improved not just in his role for the club but across all areas of the game — and it’s paid off. Off the pitch, Fred is a caring and compassionate individual always up for a good time on a Wednesday night out. In the previous season he kept track of how many pints he has drunk this year which is currently at 1,903 and counting. Being one of our best pint drinkers, he is also a previous winner of pub golf in the 25/26 season beating the previous president. Overall, he has earned his right to be at the helm of the Sharks, leading us into a new era. In his own words, “Don’t believe what they say. I’ll be starting at 10 next season, just you wait!!

Doesn’t mean I’ll stop eating wings though 😂😂”.

Another returning member of committee for the 26/27 season, is in the form of Vice President Max “Boysey” Boyes. Last season, as our Player Development Officer, he was instrumental in helping players improve individually and for our team. A previous winner of “clubman of the year” award, Max has been nothing but a positive impact on the Sharks since he joined us late as a fresher, including supporting players, coaching, and guiding our less experienced players. On the pitch it’s no different. He is an all-round fantastic teammate, giving pre match massages, and giving players and the team motivation on and off the pitch. As a fierce centre Max holds a lot of presence within the club and proved that he is worthy of driving the Sharks forward alongside his fellow committee members with his incredible leadership skills. In his own words, “I am so excited to see what we can build together as a team for next season. UTS 🦈”.

With the Sharks captaincy having an uncertain future for the 26/27 season, one individual has proved himself to be worthy and is courageously taking on the captaincy of the Sharks. That person is Benedict Wood. From the very beginning of his fresher year last season, he has been a constant presence in the squad and a true stalwart. Whether it’s been on the wing, at fullback, or stepping into the number 9 shirt when the team needed him, he’s taken on every challenge without hesitation. Even with an unfortunate injury during the halfway point of the previous season, he was there to support the team through the training sessions and games where he wasn’t involved, which says everything about how important he is to the team. He’s scored a couple of truly lovely tries last year, including against Leeds Beckett, and with that Ben was awarded “fresher’s player of the year” last season. In his own words, “I’m very excited to be captaining the sharks this year, hoping to build on the improvements made last year and take us to the next level. UTS.”

Our first returning member of committee, is in the form of Social Sec Dylan Craig. Quoted as “The man who will quite literally do ANYTHING for the Sharks” Dylan brings a lot of passion when it comes to organising and planning a Sharks night out. Although he still remains one of the clubs slowest pint drinkers, he still makes a constant effort to make every Wednesday social a class night out. Being a previous winner of ‘fresher of the year’ and having learnt from the experience of other committee members in the previous season, Dylan has grown into an unreal asset for the club cementing his place as the lead social sec. On the pitch Dylan is a nippy winger/fullback whose dump tackles are un-matched. He also is one of our lads who plays for Huddersfield RUFC too, bringing the experience learnt from there into the Sharks. In his own words, “It was a cracking year to begin my committee journey last year. Onto bigger and better for the next. Win or lose. We’re on the booze 🤪 UTS🦈”

The first member of the 26/27 Sharks committee to be announced, is the brand-new social sec Nathan “Bouchdog” Boucher. He is one of the most committed individuals within the club, making nearly every training and S & C session last season, including him running the workout playlist during those S & C sessions. Being one of the longest serving members of the club this will be his final year in the Sharks with him being on committee for one last season. His responsibilities for the club this year will include running the Sharks social media and helping run the Wednesday student nights out. Overall, he was given the nickname “Bouchdog” after his sterling performance on nights out during our tour to Glasgow in 2024 where he won Man of Tour. In his own words, “I cannot wait to usher in a new era for the Sharks, with the nights out promising to be bigger and better than ever. Up the Sharks and see you at the welcome festival 26/27.”

The first member of the 26/27 Sharks committee to be announced, is the brand-new social sec Nathan “Bouchdog” Boucher. He is one of the most committed individuals within the club, making nearly every training and S & C session last season, including him running the workout playlist during those S & C sessions. Being one of the longest serving members of the club this will be his final year in the Sharks with him being on committee for one last season. His responsibilities for the club this year will include running the Sharks social media and helping run the Wednesday student nights out. Overall, he was given the nickname “Bouchdog” after his sterling performance on nights out during our tour to Glasgow in 2024 where he won Man of Tour. In his own words, “I cannot wait to usher in a new era for the Sharks, with the nights out promising to be bigger and better than ever. Up the Sharks and see you at the welcome festival 26/27.”

It is with great sadness that, with this year coming to a close, we lose our four most senior committee members. Having all spent two years on committee in various roles, these lads have been at the forefront of the club throughout.

From securing sponsorships with local bars and pubs, to overseeing the huge VK deal, these lads played a massive role in pushing the club forward.

Having never conceded a walkover during their time in charge, they instilled a real sense of ambition and commitment within the club. Taking over after a season out of BUCS and during a difficult period, they helped turn things around — overseeing two full BUCS seasons, friendlies throughout, and even a cup run to top off a brilliant year.

Over the last 3/4 years the performances on the pitch and the Wednesday socials created stories and memories that will stay with the club for years to come.

With leadership both on and off the pitch, they drove success through small goals, high standards, and steady growth, building a platform that future committees can continue to grow from.

Will, Josh, Warner and Jamie are the definition of what it means to be part of this club, and will forever remain club legends.

A huge thank you for everything you have achieved.

Up the Sharks 🦈

When York St John’s pulled out, we didn’t think a game would go ahead at all, but thankfully with a combination of our bench and bringing down some lads we managed to have a final game of the season.
An great win for the starting 15 boys, with both teams scoring relatively highly, the game was a total tale of two halves, the first half being very equal, battling at each end of the pitch, where over time fatigue built and the starting 15 managed to dominate leading to the scoreline.

Overall a great show of rugby, an excellent end of season game where everyone could show off what’s been built this year.
Both sides with excellent scrums and line outs shows the growth in players over the last year, ball handling and skills have improved massively and that was shown on wednesday.
A great way to round out the season 🫡
UP THE SHARKS 🦈🦈🦈

For one final time this year,
UP THE SHARKS 🦈

For one final time this year, we face York St John’s in what has become a bit of an end of season tradition, 2:30pm kick off at Lockwood Park 🎯
Up the Sharks 🦈