A break-in caused ‘significant damage’ and is being investigated by police
Damage allegedly caused during a break-in at Hullensians RUFC at Anlaby(Image: Hullensians RUFC )
A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a rugby club after its buildings suffered damage in a reported break-in. The incident occurred during the early hours of Thursday, August 6, at Hullensians RUFC clubhouse, in Anlaby.
Thankfully, “nothing of value” was taken, but the clubhouse roof, marquee, lighting, showers and toilet facilities were all found damaged. Humberside Police are investigating. Cyd McCarthy-Akrill, club secretary, said: “It was devastating when we heard about it. You think, why?
“When you actually see the damage, it makes your stomach churn. My heart dropped.
“It’s all the hours of work, that level of dedication to the local community as well as to the club which is run by volunteers – we’re not only a rugby club, we do an awful lot for the community – that goes into things, and we’re just a few weeks away from the start of the season, and you get something like this.”
Hullensians are currently fundraising for new boilers which Cyd said would cost £25,000. “Then you get this on top,” she said.
“Craig [Wallis, membership secretary] asked the board about setting up an appeal and we thought it was a great idea to ask the community to help us, it takes some of the pressure off and also helps to raise the profile of the club. All these people who are kindly donating will be welcomed to a day to recognise them for their contributions and to show our gratitude.”
The GoFundMe appeal is already more than halfway to its £2,000 target. The appeal page said: “As many of you know, Hullensians RUFC is much more than just a rugby club. We are proud to be a community hub, hosting charity events, local gatherings, family celebrations, and providing a welcoming space for people of all ages throughout the year.
“With the new rugby season fast approaching, we are working hard to ensure the clubhouse is safe, repaired, and ready to welcome back our players, members, supporters, and the wider community. Unfortunately, the cost of these unexpected repairs is significant.
“We would be incredibly grateful for any support, no matter how small, to help us restore our clubhouse and get the club back fighting fit. Every donation will go directly towards the repairs needed to our facilities and continue serving our community.
“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continued support. Together, we can rebuild and come back stronger. Hullensians RUFC.”
Tom McCarthy is one of the club players and has been connected to Hullensians for 24 years. “I’m obviously Hullensians, through and through,” he said.
“I understand, now I’ve got that bit older, about the struggles to raise funds so we have the appropriate training equipment, that we are able to feed players after a game, that kind of thing.
“We’re a massive part of the local community and we serve that community, trying our best with the limited budget and resources we have and all our volunteers work hard for the club. Then you get opportunist or possibly organised thieves whose actions end up taking funds away from the betterment of the players and the club.
“Hopefully we can recoup some of the money through the appeal. We went from organising a big charity event on the Saturday before, with record numbers of people there and getting to see the club, to this happening in the early hours of Thursday.”
A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: “Officers were called to reports of a burglary at a business premises on Springhead Lane on Anlaby Common, East Riding of Yorkshire, which is believed to have occurred between 4.40am and 5.10am on Thursday, 6 August 2026. It is reported two people forced entry into the premises and allegedly caused damage to the inside of the building before fleeing the area.
“If anyone has any information, please contact our non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference 26*110719.”
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