A chance encounter in a Bristol pub has transformed the life of one man, turning a trajectory of repeat offending and addiction into a growing community movement.
Hayward, who had been arrested for drink-driving, found himself spiralling as his court appearance loomed. Fearing the consequences and trapped in a cycle of substance abuse, he fled to Bristol the night before his hearing, seeking solace in a local pub. It was there, amidst the clinking glasses and chatter, that he struck up a conversation with an elderly couple.
The man, a former magistrate, provided the perspective Hayward desperately needed. Recognizing the depth of the struggle, the stranger offered simple but profound advice: “Just call someone, get picked up, and go tomorrow. What’s the worst that’s going to happen?”
Those words acted as a catalyst. Hayward credits that fleeting conversation with saving his life. He returned home, opened up to his family about his struggles, and subsequently checked himself into a rehabilitation facility in Bolton.
Fast forward one year, and Hayward’s life looks radically different. He is now the driving force behind “Clearhead RFC,” a rugby project based at Taunton’s YMCA pitches. The club was founded on a unique premise: providing a space for people who want to play competitive sport, foster community, and build skills, all while actively avoiding the traditional “drinking culture” often associated with rugby.
“It’s not just for people who struggle, but it’s also not a replacement for any other sort of help that people can get,” Hayward explains. “I’m just someone who knows what this is like, who wants to try and give a little bit back.”
The project has resonated deeply within the local area. Every Tuesday evening, players gather on the pitch, united not by a shared past of addiction, but by a collective desire for a healthier lifestyle. According to Hayward, the club draws a diverse group—some are in recovery, while others are simply individuals choosing to live a sober life. By removing alcohol from the social equation, the club provides a rare, inclusive environment where community is built on genuine connection rather than intoxication.
For Hayward, the success of Clearhead RFC is personal. He notes that the club has played a vital role in maintaining his own sobriety. Reflecting on his journey, he says the most profound change is his newfound clarity.
“I’ve had countless incredible experiences since coming into recovery,” he says, “and the key difference is I remember every single one of them.”
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