PorqueNo partners with Old Albanian RFC as new digital partner
We're thrilled to announce that PorqueNo Venture Studio has become the official digital partner of Old Albanian RFC, one of Hertfordshire's most prestigious community rugby clubs. This exciting partnership brings together our passion for digital innovation with OA RFC's incredible community spirit and rich sporting heritage.
A century of rugby excellence
Old Albanian RFC isn't just any rugby club – they're a cornerstone of the St Albans community with a remarkable story to tell. Last season marked their centenary year, celebrating 100 years of rugby excellence since their founding. What started as a club for Old Boys of St Albans School has grown into something truly special.
Today, the club's men's 1st XV compete in National League 2 East, the fourth tier of English rugby, whilst their women's 1st XV – known as the Saints – play in Championship 1 South, the second tier of English women's rugby. These achievements represent years of dedication, skill, and community support.
Old Albanian RFC boasts one of the largest mini and junior sections in the entire country. Every weekend, hundreds of young players take to the pitches, from "The Rats" in the u5s just getting their first taste of rugby through to u18s preparing for senior rugby. The club runs four dedicated junior girls' age groups (u12, u14, u16 & u18), demonstrating their commitment to developing the women's game at grassroots level.
What this partnership means
As PorqueNo Venture Studio becomes Old Albanian RFC's digital partner, we're bringing our expertise in digital product development and community engagement to support the club's continued growth and success. This isn't just about building websites or apps – it's about strengthening the connections that make this rugby community so special.
We'll be working closely with the club to enhance their digital presence, making it easier for members, supporters, and the wider community to stay connected with everything happening at Old Albanian RFC. From improving how members engage with the club to providing ongoing digital advice and support, we're here to ensure the club's online presence matches their on-field excellence.
Our partnership extends beyond just the club itself. We'll be providing advice, support, and exclusive offers to Old Albanian RFC members, sponsors, and other partners, creating a network of mutual benefit that strengthens the entire rugby community.
Supporting grassroots rugby
Community sport is the backbone of British rugby, and clubs like Old Albanian RFC are where future stars take their first steps on the rugby journey. By partnering with them, we're investing in the grassroots game that produces the players who eventually represent their counties and countries.
The scale of Old Albanian RFC's youth development is genuinely impressive. With hundreds of children playing every week across all age groups, they're not just teaching rugby skills – they're building character, fostering friendships, and creating memories that last a lifetime. The club's commitment to girls' rugby, with dedicated teams across four age groups, is particularly commendable at a time when women's rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth.
We're proud to support a club that takes such a holistic approach to rugby development, understanding that success isn't just measured in league positions, but in the positive impact they have on young lives in their community.
Connecting business and rugby
One of the most exciting aspects of our partnership is supporting Old Albanian RFC's business networking initiatives through their Network Club. This innovative approach brings together local businesses, creating opportunities for collaboration whilst supporting the rugby club that sits at the heart of the St Albans community.
The Network Club represents exactly the kind of community-focused thinking that attracted us to this partnership. By connecting business professionals in a relaxed, sporting environment, the club creates genuine value for local enterprises whilst building the relationships that sustain community rugby.
The next Network Club event takes place on 13th November 2025, and we encourage local business owners and professionals to get involved. These gatherings offer the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, explore potential collaborations, and support grassroots rugby in Hertfordshire. You can book tickets for the November event through the club's online shop.
Digital innovation meets rugby tradition
What excites us most about this partnership is the opportunity to blend digital innovation with rugby tradition. Old Albanian RFC has spent a century building relationships, fostering community spirit, and developing players. Our role is to enhance these existing strengths through thoughtful digital solutions.
We'll be working with the club to explore new ways of engaging members, streamlining communications, and creating digital touchpoints that bring the rugby community closer together. This might include improving how match information is shared, enhancing the online experience for parents following their children's rugby journey, or creating digital tools that help the club's volunteers manage their incredible youth programme more effectively.
A shared commitment to excellence
Both PorqueNo and Old Albanian RFC share a commitment to excellence – whether that's in digital product development or rugby performance. We both understand that success comes from attention to detail, continuous improvement, and putting community at the heart of everything we do.
The club's achievement in reaching the fourth tier of English rugby with their men's team and the second tier with their women's team demonstrates the same dedication to excellence that we bring to our digital projects. Meanwhile, their investment in youth rugby mirrors our commitment to building sustainable, long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.
Looking ahead
This partnership represents the beginning of an exciting journey together. We're looking forward to working with Old Albanian RFC to strengthen their digital presence, support their community engagement, and help them continue making a positive impact in Hertfordshire and beyond.
Whether you're a rugby fan, a local business owner, a parent with children interested in sport, or simply someone who appreciates community-focused organisations, we hope you'll join us in supporting Old Albanian RFC's continued success.
The rugby club that started as a small group of school alumni has become a cornerstone of the St Albans community, and we're honoured to play a part in their next chapter. Here's to many more years of tries, victories, and community spirit – both on and off the pitch.
If you're interested in learning more about Old Albanian RFC, visit their website at oarugby.com, or better yet, come down to one of their matches and experience the community atmosphere for yourself. For local businesses interested in the Network Club, don't miss the 13th November event – it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals whilst supporting grassroots rugby.