Rugby onto a winner with launch of One Club
Thousands of rugby clubs across England are onto a winner thanks to a major new alliance between England Rugby and Regency Purchasing Group.
From grassroots and community clubs to premiership sides, the collaboration gives every club access to buying power and commercial expertise normally available exclusively for elite sporting associations.
In a trial last year, clubs reported savings of up to 10 percent – equating to thousands of pounds – through the alliance.
Founded in the South West, Regency Purchasing Group is now the UK’s largest buying group, and has extensive experience in sport and leisure.
Following the successful pilot, England Rugby and Regency have launched One Club – a no-fee service powered by Regency’s team of purchasing experts designed to help more than 2,000 rugby clubs cut costs, streamline operations and build long-term financial resilience.
Through One Club, Regency’s team will deliver a free, no-obligation price audit, benchmarking current spend to unlock savings across every area of club operations — from bar and catering to utilities and facilities management.
A dedicated One Club website is now live, reinforced by a specialist customer support team to provide tailored guidance to the rugby community.
Regency Purchasing Group Founder Alex Demetriou, who is also CEO of Foodbuy UK&I, said: “We’re extremely excited to make One Club available to rugby organisations of all sizes in England, particularly the grassroots and community clubs that are often managed by volunteers and work within very tight budgets and margins.
“They are the foundation stones of the sport, as well as having a positive presence in their local communities, but, like so many businesses, are facing extremely challenging times.
“We’ve supported The Allianz Stadium and Premiership clubs, and now we’re bringing that same expertise to the wider game and every level of the rugby community.
“The genesis of Regency was to support and empower smaller, independent, operators and we’ve never forgotten our roots, which is why we’re passionate about ensuring those grassroot and community clubs can benefit from all that we are able to offer.
“With our £2.5bn of buying power through Foodbuy Group, we’re helping clubs save money, reduce volunteer burden and adopt operational best practice, while connecting them with brand owners who share our passion for rugby – such as Diageo.
“In addition, we’re making innovative technology available to all clubs, big and small, which results in even greater efficiency and control.
“We are equipping clubs with digital tools such as advanced procure-to-pay and accounting systems, real-time spend and inventory reporting, plus comprehensive allergen and menu management, empowering those clubs to maximise gross profit, strengthen financial performance and operate with confidence.
“With the UK’s largest network of field-based procurement experts, we combine unmatched buying power with real operational insight, which means better pricing, stronger partnerships and improved profitability for clubs.”
He added: “On a personal note, as a lifelong rugby fan and founder of Regency, seeing our logo alongside the England Rose in a partnership is a very proud moment.”
Dave Stubley, National Club Development Manager at England Rugby, said: “We want to help clubs become more financially resilient, and working with Regency Purchasing Group (as part of One Club) is a simple way to do that. Their buying power and trusted supplier network mean clubs can access better prices, better service and real savings.
“What excites me most is the impact on the ground with less pressure on volunteers, more confidence in purchasing and more time to focus on giving members and visitors a great experience.
“And it’s already working. Some clubs are saving 8–9%, with one saving over £13,000 a year from its expenditure demonstrating real value for grassroots game.”
Bolton RUFC has already benefited from the support of One Club, with Chairman Mark Chappelhow saying: “We achieved a 10% saving through smart price reviews.”
Emma Wilkinson, CEO of Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, said: “Regency Purchasing Group has quickly become an invaluable partner to our club.
“The process has been seamless and their proactive approach has made a real difference to the club’s commercial operations. Regency have become an essential part of our extended team.”
To find out more about One Club, visit www.oneclubrugby.co.uk
To find out more about Regency Purchasing Group, visit: www.regencypurchasing.co.uk
