Cumbria Rams were a big part of the Cumbrian Rugby Landscape for over 30 years. Set up by John Cusack of Cockermouth Rufc, the initiative went on to win an RFU President Award in 2008, not only for keeping men playing rugby but also for raising £40k for local charities. (https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/sport/17048388.cumbrian-rams-reap-award-for-defying-the-years/)

16 years on from this date, Cockermouth RUFC members Chris Wright, Dale Pope and Craig Muller are part of a group restablishing this initiative. After a couple of seasons playing as Allerdale Barbarians (a successful programme between Cockermouth, Aspatria, Wigton & Keswick) the team has expanded to form the Wooden Spoon Cumbrian Rams and travel to the National Vet's Festival 2024 on Saturday 28th Sept at Old Reigations RFC, Surrey. Vets Fest was created to bring the rugby players back together and give something back to rugby. Like the Cumbria Rams of old, this squad will be raising money for the Cumbria Wooden Spoon Charity which ensures young people with disadvantages are getting fantastic funded opportunities including buildings and programmes.

“As a young player breaking into Cockermouth Wasps Senior set up, John was an inspiration, still playing rugby in his colourful boots as full back. I remember attending one Cumbria Rams game after session, the atmosphere in the clubhouse was brilliant and it’s vital we keep retired players in the game, not just for the physical & mental benefits on the pitch but the social experiences off the pitch. We are delighted that Cockermouth RUFC is again at the forefront of this programme. None of us have yet gone for the pink or yellow boots John used to play in but we certainly hope to do a fine a job as John did with this programme”. Chris Wright, Cockermouth Rufc, Allerdale Barbarians & Cumbria Rams.

The squad to date is as follows
Cockermouth Rufc
Chris Wright (Captain)
Dale Pope
Craig Muller
Ian Smith
David Griffiths

Keswick Rufc
David Raye
Rob Nelson
Bryan Moi
Andy Wallace

Aspatria Rufc
Heine Jonker

Aspatria Hornets Rlfc
James Robinson
Richard Holliday

Wigton Rufc
Steve Carruthers

Penrith
David Bowman

Workington Zebras
Chris Davidson

Netherhall RUFC
Will Comp

Kells ARLFC
Kevin Agnew

Arlecdon Arlfc
Ben Sloan

Kendal Rufc
James Gough
Lenny Bowes
James Beary
Tom Jones
Craig Hine
Adrian Bland
Kid Hitchcox

Kirby Lonsdale
Gareth Gore (Coach)
Alex Rogers
John Ladell (Kendal vets)

A massive thanks to Gareth Gore and James Beary who have helped ensure south Cumbria is well represented.

As part of our Wooden Spoon fundraising we are delighted to engage the following shirt sponsors who have hugely bolstered our funds, thanks to the following companies for their fantastic support:

Front shirt Main Sponsor - Reays Coaches
Upper back - Keswick Scaffolding
Lower Back - Lake District Farmers
Arm - 24/30 Engineering Squadron
Arm - James Robinson’s Builders
Arm - On Tap Plumbing
Arm - Lake District Biltong

If you would like to support this team please see our fundraising link below

http://www.justgiving.com/page/cumbriaspoonmen24

If we would like any more information please contact Chris on 07789991774.