Jo Finnegan doesn't just represent Harrogate RFC; she is the club’s living legacy. From running the kitchen to her recent MBE for community fundraising, Jo’s journey from a 'rugby wife' to the Chairwoman of a heritage club is a masterclass in how to support local rugby clubs. Dive into the story of a woman who turned personal devotion into a community's survival and discover why she remains the permanent fixture in the Yorkshire rugby scene.
Jo (Harrogate RFC) was awarded an MBE for her hard work in fund raising in the local community in and around Harrogate, Jo bleeds Harrogate. Being married to the ex-chairman of the rugby club, Jo found herself involving herself more and more in the club, running the kitchen, helping create a women's and girls section, whilst also having her children come through the club themselves.
Harrogate Rugby Union Football Club is an English rugby union club, formed in 1871 and based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The club runs four senior sides with the first team currently playing in Regional 1 North East (2025-26 season), a tier 5 league. The second team, named Harrogate Georgians, play in the Yorkshire RFU Merit Premiership and the third team play in the Yorkshire RFU 2 Central/North Merit League. The club also fields a ladies' team and eight junior rugby teams.
Now with her late husband gone she is now the chairwoman herself, still involved in the club, she is a permanent fixture within the clubs operations and existence. We learn about her involvement, how she got involved and her selfless devotion to her second home Harrogate RFC. Jo is proud to represent the club and be a central part of the community in Harrogate. Jo Finnegan - the heart of Harrogate Rugby Union Football Club.
Harrogate Rugby Union Football Club
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