‘There are so many benefits to playing’: Former Fed rep on new era of Force rugby

25 February 2025

Former Fed rep Steffan (Steff) Griffiths is one of the main driving forces behind the revitalisation of Nottinghamshire Police Rugby, which has seen the squad grow to 50 players in just a few years.

Here, we caught up with the PC, who has been involved in British Policing Rugby since launching his career as a cop in 2010 and has been captain of the national team for the past decade. 

Two years ago, he began helping to lead his own force’s team into a new era after a freeze in recruiting players had resulted in dormancy for a significant period of time.

“It was something I’d had in my mind for a while because although I had responsibilities at a national level, I always thought it was a huge shame to see nothing going on for police rugby in Nottinghamshire,” said Steff.

“I finally got into a position where I could take something on in terms of a big player recruitment drive, but from then on, it’s been a real collective effort. It was really just an idea from me, and a lot of other people have taken it forward.

“In a short amount of time, we have grown so much – we have 50 players, who range in the amount of time they can commit, and we have got to a level that is competitive and meaningful for everyone and is a great advert for the Force.”

Steff in action for the Force last year.

With a usual home ground of either Mansfield or Paviors rugby clubs, the team is currently playing full 15-a-side rugby union fixtures at least once a month, across involvements in both the Police Sport UK national tournament – of which they have reached the semi-final stage – and a tri-county cup made up of local amateur sides from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

The team also had its first taste of overseas competition in November when they were invited to play the Paris police force’s outfit, Ile De France Police Rugby.

Matches were played against their opponent’s first and second teams at the Stade Municipal Jean Moulin, while the squad also had the honour of training at France Rugby’s national headquarters.

Amazing experience

“This was an amazing experience for everyone who travelled to Paris to share and remember for a long time – I think it was exactly what the club needed,” Steff continued.

“Overseas tours are a big attraction for players, and we’d like to do another one in the next 12 to 18 months.” 

As far as many officers are concerned, however, fixtures on foreign soil are only a part of the team’s appeal, the 39-year-old added.

“There are so many psychological and physiological benefits to what we have going on here – rugby is great physical exercise, and the team spirit involved can make you feel on top of the world.

“It can add something to your overall profile as a cop and might give an extra layer of enjoyment and pride at being in the police.

Sense of fulfilment

“There are a few people who have said they may only still be in the Force because of this team. That obviously throws up some wider concerns but focusing on the positives, we are just happy we can give those officers a sense of fulfilment.”

While Steff – who was a Fed rep between 2017 and 2019 – is not captain of Nottinghamshire Police Rugby, he plays in his usual positions of second row and back row and undertakes a general management role alongside others.

He also still has a hand in recruitment and invited Federation members to join the team as players, organisers, or both.

Steff (fifth from right, top row) and the Nottinghamshire Police Rugby team.

“We have a healthy squad size, but we are always looking for more. As I said, we have a core group of players who are involved with absolutely everything, but beyond that, a lot of our squad understandably have other commitments sometimes.

“We welcome players of any age and ability – all we need is enthusiasm.

Passionate

“Personally, I am not just passionate about rugby, but police rugby specifically, which has given me so much over the last 15 years. I want to help other officers have that too.”

The team’s next fixture is the final group-stage game of the Police Sport UK tournament – before their pre-qualified semi-final – where they will face Thames Valley Police tomorrow (26 February).

Progress can be followed on their Instagram page @nottspolicerugby.

Anyone interested in joining the team or finding out more information can contact Steff via email at steffan.griffiths@notts.police.uk or through the Force’s sports and social club.

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