Since 2019, the Clayton Rugby Football Club has proudly hosted our annual Toys for Tots Charity Match and Toy Drive, turning the rugby pitch into a place of giving, joy, and community spirit. Each holiday season, our players, families, and supporters have come together to collect hundreds of toys for children in need across our region. What started as a simple gesture has grown into one of our most meaningful traditions—proof of the power of grassroots rugby to rally a community for a cause.
 

Building Tradition, Growing Impact

This year, we’re taking the next step forward. The 2025 Toys for Tots event will expand to add a Men’s round robin 10s tournament, welcoming more teams, more players, and most importantly—more toy donations for kids who deserve a brighter holiday season.

Our vision doesn’t stop there. By 2026, we hope to transform the event into a full-scale tournament including both men’s and women’s teams playing on two of the pitches at the Johnston County Rugby Park. The goal is simple: to create even more opportunities to give back while celebrating the best parts of rugby—competition, camaraderie, and community.

Event Details

  • When: November 22, 2025

  • Where: Johnston County Rugby Park, Wilson’s Mills, NC

  • Who: 4 Men’s Teams (10s round robin format) + our annual Clayton Old Boys vs. Southern Pines Old Boys match

  • Cost of Entry: Each player or fan must bring a toy to donate

Youth Rugby Clinic – Free for Ages 4–12

We’re also hosting a free youth rugby clinic during our intermission from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Open to kids ages 4–12, this fun, safe, and engaging session is the perfect introduction to the sport of rugby. No experience is needed—just a willingness to run, play, and have fun! It’s a chance for kids to get active, meet new friends, and discover what makes rugby such a special game.

Giving Back Through Rugby

Every toy donation makes a difference. To show our thanks, each person who donates a toy will receive a raffle ticket for our prize draw. Additional raffle tickets will also be available for purchase, ensuring everyone has the chance to win while supporting the cause.

And of course, no Clayton RFC event would be complete without good food, great gear, and a chance to show your colors. We’ll have concessions, event merchandise, and Clayton RFC gear available for sale, with proceeds helping us cover event costs and keep this tradition alive for years to come.

Event Sponsorship Opportunities

We’re also inviting local businesses and community partners to join us in making this year’s Toys for Tots Rugby Festival a success. Event sponsorships start at $250 and include:

  • Your business logo on the back of the event t-shirts

  • Your logo featured on the event web page at ClaytonRFC.com

  • Social media recognition leading up to and during the event

Sponsorships not only help us cover event costs but also directly support our mission of giving back to the community. It’s a chance to show your brand’s commitment to local families while reaching a wide audience of players, fans, and community members.

More Than a Game

The Toys for Tots Rugby Festival has always been about more than rugby—it’s about bringing people together to make a difference. With every try scored, every toy donated, and every young player introduced to the game, we’re reminded of the incredible impact a community can have when it unites for something bigger than itself.

Join us on November 22nd to be part of the tradition. Bring your teammates, your family, your friends—and most importantly, bring a toy. Together, we can keep the spirit of giving at the heart of Clayton Rugby and spread joy to children this holiday season.