Chester RUFC

Rugby is very popular in all parts of the country. Chester is no different. We are fortunate here in Chester in that we have a well run, popular Rugby Club in the name of Chester RUFC. I must stress to anyone reading this that Chester RUFC play under the Rugby Union code – not the Rugby League code.

Anyway, what is there to know about Chester RUFC. Carry on reading…..

Chester RUFC

Chester Rugby Union Football Club (also known as Chester RUFC) is a Rugby Union club based in the north-west city of Chester, Cheshire. The club’s first XV currently competes in the fourth tier of the English Rugby Union league system, the National League 2 North. The second XV and 3rd XV play in the North West Intermediate Rugby Union leagues.

Chester RUFC History

Records suggest that there was a Rugby Club in Chester as far back as the 1880s and apparently there was a game between Chester and New Brighton in 1879–80. However, the club was later disbanded. Consequently a ‘new’ Chester RUFC was formed in 1925 at the Chester YMCA.

In 1932 the club rented facilities at Boughton Hall. Their landlords were Chester Cricket Club. Chester RUFC stayed there for almost 30 years until the ground at Hare Lane, Vicars Cross was purchased. Hence this became their new home from 1961 onwards.

As Rugby blossomed in the sixties and seventies the fixture list was very impressive. Some of the then top clubs in the North were the opponents. As a result many players were awarded County honours. In contrast, the eighties was a quiet period, with playing strength not as impressive as before. As a result, the fixture list suffered.

The introduction of league rugby revitalized the club and started a new era. A new clubhouse was built in 1994. Also, fortunes on the pitch improved.

Chester RUFC – The Year 2000 Onwards

Since the turn of the century Chester have reached the Cheshire Cup final three more times, winning it in 2004.

Arguably, the 2007–08 season was the Club’s most successful. Not only were Chester promoted as champions from North 2 West but they also won the EDF Intermediate Cup, at the home of Rugby, Twickenham. Chester triumphed with a 21–18 win over local rivals Birkenhead Park.

Since then Chester have performed well at Level 5, finishing runner-up in National League 3 Midlands in 2008/09. They lost heavily however in the resulting North/Midlands promotion play-off game against Hull. The following season saw Chester return to the more familiar surroundings of National 3 North (formerly North 1) after a level transfer.

Over the last five years or so, Chester have specialised in playing fast attractive rugby. As a result of this more attractive style, attendances have improved. The comprehensive 34–6 EDF Intermediate Cup semi-final victory against Newport Salop in 2007–08 saw one of the biggest crowds seen at Hare Lane in recent years.

Chester Vets

Chester RUFC hold the Chester Vets tournament each May. This popular tournament is where teams of over-35’s compete in shortened 15-a-side games. The old legs are probably not what they used to be it seems. At one stage this tournament regularly attracted large numbers of sides. However, in recent years the number of competing teams has begun to decline. What has remained the same though is the enthusiasm of the players.

Chester RUFC In Action

Catch a short video of Chester in action here…..

For more information on Chester RUFC, CLICK HERE

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