Locks Heath Pumas RFC has been left devastated after their minibus was stolen and burned with all their kit inside

Days after Locks Heath Pumas RFC began their campaign in their new league after winning promotion, they have lost their means of transport and playing strip.

The minibus – containing all their equipment worth thousands of pounds – was taken from outside their clubhouse following a friendly pre-season match against Havant RFC.

It was taken in the early hours of Wednesday September 9 and found hours later on fire in May’s Lane, Fareham, at about 5am.

Now the club needs to find £7,000 to replace the vehicle and the equipment that was inside.

The minibus was also used by elderly and disabled people in Locks Heath.

Andrew Hamlett, business development manager of the club, said: “It’s a big loss. We have just been promoted to league one and had purchased new strips for the season.

“Now we have no kit for the team or our own form of transport.”

Locks Heath Pumas RFC

The damage for the equipment has been estimated at more than £3,000, with further funds needed to buy and insure a new minibus for the team’s away games.

Andrew added: “We have no funds to replace the stolen goods, as a self-funded club, we rely solely on sponsorship for the club’s income.

“We need to replace everything from the players’ kits to first aid equipment and rugby balls. The club is really struggling with this loss.”

Although the club will borrow a minibus from Portsmouth RFC for an alternative means of transport, they still require a more permanent arrangement.

Andrew said: “We are very grateful for the help and support from Portsmouth RFC and the area, however, this is only a temporary and we will soon be without transport again.”

The club have set up a crowd funding page appealing for support and donations.

Andrew said the response from the public was “overwhelming”.

“In only two days, we have raised £1,200 in donations. Some of these are from local people and others as far as North Wales.

“Our target is £7,000 which will cover the replacement of kit and purchasing and insuring a new vehicle for the club,” he said.

The club has offered advertising on their new minibus for anyone who donates £500 to their crowd funding page.

Donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/locksheath-pumas-rfc-minibus-fund.

Hampshire police said three people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The two men – aged 17 and 34 – and a 39-year-old woman have been bailed until November 17.