Vodafone’s clubs.connected initiative, which launched in January 2026, aims to strengthen the communities around grassroots rugby clubs through its award-winning network.
Old Penarthians RFC is set to be the first Welsh rugby club to benefit from Vodafone’s clubs.connected initiative, as the programme is extended to Wales following an initial launch in Scotland.
Through clubs.connected, Old Penarthians RFC will receive:
- Enterprise-grade connectivity. Clubs will be given a fast, reliable connection to support productivity, club operations and performance – all free of charge for 12 months.
- Referral codes. Clubs’ sponsors and members can get savings and offers on both mobile and home broadband consumer products, as well as business broadband products.
- Engagement package. Each club gets the opportunity to win exclusive rugby experiences, merchandise and match tickets.
Why is connectivity so important for grassroots rugby?
Vodafone’s clubs.connected has been designed to help power grassroots rugby, by providing the connectivity that helps keep rugby clubs running.
The initial launch of Vodafone’s clubs.connected sees three Scottish rugby clubs – Linlithgow Rugby Club, Hamilton Rugby Club and Highland RFC– hosting roadshows on their premises during both the Men’s and Women’s Six Nations Championship.
With 12 months of free connectivity, plus other exclusive benefits, clubs.connected can help rugby clubs across the UK set themselves up as small businesses by seeking out new revenue streams.
Whether it’s used for bar payments or safety systems, streaming matches or increasing membership, connectivity plays an increasingly vital role for these community-based teams, where balancing finances and logistics can often be a challenge.
Kick off: Vodafone to help grassroots rugby clubs across Scotland
The multi-pronged clubs.connected initiative aims to deliver meaningful change to Scotland’s local rugby clubs in how they operate and how they engage with their communities.
How is Vodafone supporting Wales more broadly?
As well as helping these grassroots clubs modernise, so that they can thrive both on and off the pitch, Vodafone is investing £605 million into its network infrastructure across Wales.
This network investment will strengthen coverage in Wales, while supporting the accelerated rollout of 5G across the nation.
It is expected to boost Wales’ gross value added (GVA) by up to £4.2 billion come 2034, by tackling rural not-spots, supporting tourism hotspots, and improving reliability for residents and businesses alike.
Rural Welsh communities now receiving fast and reliable Vodafone 4G through government-funded element of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme
Rural communities in both Ceredigion and Powys, Wales, are now receiving Vodafone’s fast, reliable 4G coverage as part of the government’s commitment to the Shared Rural Network programme.
What other rugby partnerships does Vodafone UK have?
Vodafone’s clubs.connected is part of the company’s wider drive to support the game at every level, and adds to a long legacy of supporting rugby across the UK, with Vodafone acting as Principal Partner for both Scottish Rugby and Welsh Rugby.
In women’s rugby specifically, Vodafone also partners with Gloucester-Hartpury, Celtic Challenge teams Gwalia Lightning & Brython Thunder, the Armed Forces Women’s Rugby Team, and all seven BUCS Premier Division sides.
Most recently, in March 2026, Vodafone was named Principal Sponsor for the Royal Air Force Rugby Union – an agreement that now sees Vodafone support the entirety of UK Armed Forces rugby.
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