About Us

Worcester Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the Midlands, with a history stretching back over 150 years. From humble beginnings on the playing fields of Victorian Worcester to a thriving modern community club, our story is one of passion, perseverance and pride in the blue and gold.

THE EARLY YEARS — 1871 TO THE GREAT WAR

Worcester Rugby Football Club was founded in 1871 by the Reverend Francis John Eld, formerly a curate at Rugby School and at the time Headmaster of Royal Grammar School Worcester. The first game was played on 8th November 1871 against Worcester Artillery, at Somerset Place, the site of what would later become Flagmeadow Walk.

The first recorded victory came against Gloucester College, with Worcester winning comfortably, though no score was recorded. In that first season of 1871-72, nine games were played. By 1875 the first AGM had taken place under Reverend Eld, and the fixture list was growing, with Kings School Bromsgrove, Kidderminster and RGS added to the schedule. In 1877, Moseley were played for the first time, a fixture that would become a long-standing rivalry.

A Second XV was formed in 1883, reflecting the growing appetite for rugby in the city. In the early 1890s the club competed in the Midland Counties Cup and moved grounds several times, to New Road in 1892, Pitchcroft in 1893, where Worcester recorded a notable 10-8 victory over Moseley.

In 1896 the club was disbanded, only to be revived in 1908 with an AGM at the Star Hotel. Games resumed at Northwick, with players changing at the Northwick Arms, and playing membership reached 40. Team colours at this point were light and dark blue. The club’s coach was Reverend Monahan, a Surrey County player and member of the Irish Selection Board.

REVIVAL AND GROWTH — 1920 TO 1945

The club was revived after the First World War thanks to the efforts of Reverend J G Scougal, Frank Henderson, Fred Turner and Kenneth Foster. The first full post-war season is believed to have been 1921-22, with the club playing 26 games, winning 12 and losing 14.

Club headquarters during this period moved between the Bull’s Head on High Street, the Hop Market Hotel and the Saracens Hotel, which provided a clubroom and baths. Grounds moved between Perdiswell, Northwick and Pitchcroft throughout the 1920s and 30s, before the club settled at Perdiswell Park on the corner of Bilford Road in 1934.

A key figure of this era was C H ‘Daddy’ Kimber, who served as President from 1923 to 1935 and oversaw the construction of a covered stand at Perdiswell. The club continued to grow through the 1930s before the Second World War brought activity to a halt once again between 1939 and 1945.

POST-WAR RESURGENCE — 1945 TO 1975

Following the Second World War, the club returned to Northwick in 1945-46 before moving back to Bilford Road in 1946-47. In 1956 the club moved to Bevere, before making a significant move to Sixways in 1975 when the clubhouse was opened, a ground that would become central to the club’s story for decades to come.

Worcester Colts were formed in 1957 and quickly established themselves as one of the most successful sections of the club. During the pre-professional years their fixture list boasted most of the first class clubs of the time, and they became a vital pipeline of talent into the First XV, a role they continue to fulfil today.

This period saw the club establish itself as a significant force in Midlands rugby, building the foundations for the success that was to follow.

A GOLDEN ERA — 1975 TO 2004

The move to Sixways marked the beginning of an extraordinary period of growth and success for Worcester RFC. The club won the North Midlands Cup and North Midlands Sevens in 1977, and continued to build through the 1980s.

The 1989-90 season saw the club crowned North Midlands Division 1 Champions, and the club reached the North Midlands Cup Final the following season. The 1992-93 season brought the Midlands Division 2 title, and in 1994-95 Worcester were Midlands Division 1 Champions, also winning the prestigious Whitbread Flowers & Rugby World Junior Club of the Year award.

Further league titles followed in rapid succession. The club won the National Division 5 North in 1995-96, National Division 4 North in 1996-97 and in 1997-98 claimed the Jewsons National League One title alongside the North Midlands Cup and the Powerline Floodlit Cup. By 1999-2000 the club were competing in the Allied Dunbar Premiership Division Two, and in 2003-04 won the National Division 1 title to reach the Zurich Premiership.

Much of this extraordinary rise was made possible by the generosity of Cecil Duckworth and the development of Worcester Warriors as a professional entity, which transformed the facilities and ambitions of the club during this period.

THE PROFESSIONAL ERA — 2004 TO 2009

Worcester Warriors competed at the highest level of English club rugby from 2004, appearing in the Zurich Premiership in 2004-05 and the Guinness Premiership in 2005-06. This placed Worcester on the national rugby map and brought professional rugby to the city for the first time.

Throughout this period the amateur section of the club continued to operate under the name Worcester Wanderers, having been granted permission by the RFU to operate as a separate league club from Sixways as far back as 2001, entering at the lowest tier of the league system at that time.

WORCESTER LADIES — A PROUD HISTORY

Worcester Ladies were formed in 1993 by Mark Edwards, initially playing in the national leagues. In 1998 they were promoted into the Women’s Premiership for the first time, marking the beginning of a remarkable rise through the women’s game.

In 2013, Worcester Ladies won their first Women’s Premiership title, claiming a bonus-point victory against Wasps Ladies to stop Richmond Women from winning a fourth consecutive title. It was a landmark moment for women’s rugby in Worcester and a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved in building the women’s section from the ground up.

The club had close links with the University of Worcester throughout this period, with a number of players representing both the club and the university. The women’s side went on to regularly finish in the top four of the Women’s Premiership and produced a number of players who went on to represent England, Scotland and other nations at the highest level, including internationals Joanne Yapp, Samantha Dale, Kat Merchant and former England captain Catherine Spencer.

In 2016 Worcester Ladies joined up with Worcester Warriors and were renamed Worcester Valkyries, before becoming Worcester Warriors Women ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. In October 2023 the team withdrew from Premiership Women’s Rugby following the collapse of the club’s funding, bringing to a close a proud chapter in the history of women’s rugby in Worcester.

The legacy of those years lives on at Worcester RFC. The club remains committed to growing women’s rugby at every level and the women’s section continues to develop as an important and valued part of the club.

A NEW CHAPTER — WORCESTER RFC IN THE MODERN ERA

In 2017, the amateur section of the club was proudly returned to its original name, Worcester RFC, reconnecting with its roots and identity after years of operating as Worcester Wanderers. The club also relocated from Sixways to a new home on Weston’s Fields, close to Sixways Stadium, where it continues to play today.

The story of the modern club is very much one of upward momentum. Having entered the league system at the lowest tier in 2001, the club began climbing steadily through the divisions. Back-to-back promotions were achieved in 2008-09 and 2009-10, winning the Midlands 4 West (South) and Midlands 3 West (South) titles in consecutive seasons. The club continued its rise through the Midlands leagues, winning the Midlands 1 promotion play-off in 2012-13. The pattern since re-entering the league system has been one of consistent upward progress, a club always looking to the next level.

Under the leadership of Director of Rugby Gav Vickers, the club embarked on a new project to return to the DNA of Worcester RFC: playing fast, attacking rugby and competing hard at every level. That vision has borne fruit in remarkable fashion.

In 2021 the club celebrated a landmark milestone, marking 150 years of rugby in Worcester with a special anniversary publication launched at the Former Players Lunch in December of that year. A proud moment for everyone connected with the club.

The 2025-26 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in the club’s modern history. The Men’s 1st XV went the entire league season unbeaten across 19 games, clinching the Counties 1 Midlands West title with a dramatic comeback victory at Camp Hill, recovering from 20 points down with 12 minutes remaining to win 43-42. The Men’s 2nd XV reached the North Midlands Vase Plate Final, finishing the season as runners-up in their league. The club’s junior sections enjoyed success throughout the season, with the U14s winning the North Midlands Cup and the U16 Girls claiming their League Final title.

For the 2026-27 season, Worcester I step up to Regional 2 Midlands West, while Worcester II compete in Counties 3 Midlands West (South), a reflection of the progress made across the club.

WOMEN’S RUGBY AT WORCESTER RFC

Women’s rugby has grown significantly at Worcester RFC in recent years, with the club now fielding senior women’s teams and a thriving pathway of girls’ age group sides from U12 through to U18.

The club has been a proud participant in the Inner Warrior series, providing inclusive and competitive rugby for women of all abilities and experience levels.

The club has also seen two former players, Millie Hyett and Evelyn Clarke, go on to represent Great Britain Women’s 7s in the HSBC SVNS Series, a source of enormous pride for everyone at Worcester RFC.

Also, Haineala Lutui, who joined Worcester RFC at the age of 13, went on to earn an England Red Roses call-up and was named the PWR Breakthrough Player of the Season in 2026. Her journey is a testament to what this club can offer and what its players can achieve.

MIXED ABILITY RUGBY

Worcester RFC is home to a thriving Mixed Ability rugby programme, which in 2026-27 celebrates its 10th anniversary. Born out of a new initiative proposed in 2016 to encourage players of all abilities into rugby, the MA team has grown into one of the most valued and vibrant sections of the club.

Over the past decade the MA team has competed in festivals and fixtures across the country and into Wales, representing Worcester RFC with pride and playing a brand of rugby where participation and enjoyment always come first.

In 2025 the MA team represented Worcester RFC on the international stage, travelling to Spain to take part in the IMART tournament, one of the world’s premier Mixed Ability rugby events. It was a proud moment for the section and a testament to how far the programme has grown since its foundation.

The MA team has also left a lasting legacy at the club away from the pitch. Their fundraising and community efforts have contributed directly to improvements at Worcester RFC, including the donation of picnic benches, a digital screen and, most recently, a table tennis table, enhancing the club environment for everyone who visits. A true reflection of the inclusive and giving spirit that sits at the heart of everything the MA team does.

The 10th anniversary season promises to be a special one for everyone involved.

MINI AND JUNIOR RUGBY

Worcester RFC has one of the most vibrant junior sections in the region, with teams from U6 through to U18 across both boys and girls sections. Hundreds of young players come through the club’s doors each season, developing their love of the game in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment.

Mini rugby at Worcester first commenced at Bevere in 1973 with a small group of 7 and 8 year olds and has grown into one of the largest and most active junior sections in the Midlands, with 400-500 players at all age groups from 6 to 17 years of age. The club hosts several junior festivals each season, welcoming clubs from across the Midlands and beyond. These events are a highlight of the rugby calendar and a reflection of everything that makes Worcester RFC a true community club.

WALKING RUGBY

In partnership with the Worcester Warriors Foundation, Worcester RFC is also home to a Walking Rugby programme, ensuring that rugby remains accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and physical abilities.

OUR GROUND

Worcester RFC is based at Weston’s Fields, Offerton Lane, Worcester, WR3 8TR, a ground with a proud history and modern facilities that reflect the ambitions of a club looking firmly to the future.

PAST PRESIDENTS

Worcester RFC has been served by a long and distinguished line of Presidents since 1892. We are grateful to each and every one of them for their contribution to the club.

Worcester Rugby Football Club has a range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities to help businesses and donors promote their services, products and objectives, support grass roots rugby and reach out to the local community.

For more information, please contact our Club lead for sponsorship: Max Edwards partnerships@wrfc.info

We're just putting the finishing touches to the new photo gallery. We'll share the link once it's live!

From muddy match days to festival weekends, our photo gallery captures what makes Worcester RFC special — on the pitch, on the touchline and everywhere in between.

Got a great shot from a recent game, training session, or club event?

We'd love to feature it here. Send your photos to comms@wrfc.info and help us build a gallery that celebrates every corner of the club, from our youngest Minis to our senior sides.