Rugby is a popular sport in London, with a rich history and a thriving community. If you’re a rugby enthusiast in the city, you may be wondering just how many clubs there are to choose from.
Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the number of rugby clubs in London and what they have to offer.
The Number of Rugby Clubs in London
London is home to an impressive number of rugby clubs – in fact, there are over 100 clubs spread throughout the city! These clubs range from large, well-established organizations with thousands of members to smaller, more niche teams that cater to specific interests or communities.
The Types of Rugby Clubs in London
The rugby clubs in London can be broadly categorized into two types: amateur and professional. Amateur clubs are typically community-based organizations that rely on volunteers and donations to operate. Professional clubs, on the other hand, are usually backed by investors or sponsors and have paid players.
Amateur Rugby Clubs
Amateur rugby clubs are an integral part of London’s sporting landscape. They provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved with the sport and make new friends along the way. Some of the most popular amateur rugby clubs in London include:
- Blackheath Rugby Club: Founded way back in 1858, Blackheath is one of the oldest rugby clubs in England. The club has a rich history and has produced many international players over the years.
- Barnes Rugby Football Club: This club prides itself on being family-friendly and welcoming to players of all skill levels.
Barnes RFC has a strong social scene and hosts regular events throughout the year.
- Richmond Rugby Club: Located in the affluent suburb of Richmond, this club has a large and dedicated following. Richmond RFC has a strong youth program and is known for producing talented young players.
Professional Rugby Clubs
London is also home to several professional rugby clubs that compete in top-level competitions such as the English Premiership and the European Champions Cup. These clubs have access to state-of-the-art facilities and employ some of the best players in the world. Some of the most well-known professional rugby clubs in London include:
- Saracens Rugby Club: Based in north London, Saracens is one of the most successful rugby clubs in England. The club has won multiple Premiership titles and European Cups, and boasts a number of international stars on its roster.
- Harlequins Rugby Club: Harlequins is another long-established club with a passionate fan base.
The team plays its home games at Twickenham Stoop, which has a capacity of over 14,000 spectators.
- London Irish Rugby Club: Despite being based outside of London proper (in Reading), London Irish is included here because it represents the city on a national level. The team has a strong Irish identity and plays its home games at Madejski Stadium.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of rugby clubs to choose from if you’re based in London! Whether you’re looking to play for fun or compete at the highest level, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse community. So why not lace up your boots and get involved today?