Chester RUFC

History suggests that Chester RUFC were up and running and playing fixtures as far back as the 19th century. Just have a read of this brief story of the history of this popular, local sports club, located at Hare Lane, Littleton, Chester.

Chester RUFC – A Brief History

Chester RUFC

“There is evidence that a team from Chester played a game against New Brighton at the end of the 19th century. It is also confirmed that such a match appears in their records during the season 1879/80. However no reference has been found to a Chester Rugby Club prior to 1925 when it would appear that Chester RUFC was formed under the Chairmanship of Colonel Charles Bromley during a meeting at the YMCA in October of that year.

Having initially played on pitches at both the Racecourse and Bumpers Lane, in 1932 the Club moved to rented facilities at Boughton Hall as tenants of the Cricket Club. Here Chester RUFC stayed for almost 30 years until an old American army camp, along with adjoining fields, at Vicars Cross was purchased and the Club moved there in 1961.

Rugby in Chester blossomed in the sixties and seventies with a fixture list including some of the then top clubs in the North. Also, along the way, many Chester players were awarded county honours. The eighties was a quiet period for the Club, with playing strength less than before and the fixture list suffering as a result.

Chester Rugby Revitalised

However, the introduction of league rugby for season 1985/6, revitalised Chester rugby and started a new era. Chester were one of ten teams in the inaugural North West 1 League and the following season, despite a variable record, they were placed in the first official Courage League, North West Division 1.

In 1994 a new clubhouse was built, partly financed by the compensation gained from the A55 Chester by-pass which cut through and separated the ‘bottom pitches’ from the first team pitch and old clubhouse in 1991. In 1998 Chester were promoted from North West 1 to North 2. Two years later another promotion. This time to North 1, along with another losing Cheshire Cup final (against New Brighton, as in the previous season) gave the Club its most successful season to date.

Since the turn of the century Chester has made that final four more times, winning the Cup in 2004.

2007/8 season was one of the most successful in the Club’s history. Not only were Chester promoted as League champions from North 2 West (having been relegated from North 1 the previous season), they also won the EDF Intermediate Cup, at Twickenham, with a 21-18 win over local rivals Birkenhead Park.

Chester RUFC Goes From Strength to Strength

Since then, Chester RUFC has gone from strength to strength. They reached two play-offs at Level 5 (both lost) before promotion to National 2 North in 2012/13. Last season, having finished second in that league behind Hull Ionians, promotion to National 1 beckoned. However, a tough away game down in Kent against National 2 South runners-up Canterbury proved a step too far with the hosts running out winners 19-10.”

As you can see there has been plenty going on over a long period for Chester RUFC. In its current location, access to the ground is easy, with motorway access very close by. Plenty of parking and an excellent, well sized clubhouse makes any visit a very enjoyable experience. The clubhouse itself can also be booked for private functions. Given it’s size, location and ample parking, this is without doubt an option well worth considering if you have a forthcoming event to arrange.

Take a look at all the links to Chester RUFC’s website and social media accounts here on this page. You can also find details of upcoming fixture here –  https://www.chesterrufc.com/calendar. So, why not pop along and have a look at our local rugby team.

Best of luck for the seasons ahead Chester RUFC.