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UK Rugby Club Directory

Rugby Clubs in Bristol

8 Bristol rugby teams, from Premiership rugby at Ashton Gate to community clubs across the city. Find your rugby club in Bristol below.

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Rugby union players in a tackle, representing rugby clubs in Bristol
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Looking for rugby clubs in Bristol? This page lists 8 Bristol rugby teams, from the professional game to long-established community clubs. As a result, you can compare every rugby club in Bristol that we list in one place.

At the top, Bristol Bears and Bristol Bears Women carry the city's name in the Premiership. Beyond them, however, Bristol has a rich club scene. For example, Clifton RFC dates from 1872 and is the city's oldest club.

Community Rugby Clubs in Bristol

In the north of the city, Dings Crusaders RFC play at Shaftesbury Park in Frenchay, while Avonmouth Old Boys RFC are based at Barracks Lane in Shirehampton. Meanwhile, Brislington is home to both Old Redcliffians RFC and Bristol Harlequins RFC.

On the eastern edge of the city, Cleve RFC play at The Hayfields in Mangotsfield. In addition, the club runs junior rugby from the age of six.

Bristol Rugby Teams

Choosing a Rugby Club in Bristol

First, check how far each ground is from home, because training usually takes place on weekday evenings. Then contact two or three clubs, ask about their teams and try a session.

For clubs beyond the city, explore our guide to South West rugby clubs. It covers every county in the region.

Quick Answers

Rugby Clubs in Bristol FAQs

What is the oldest rugby club in Bristol?

Clifton RFC, founded in 1872, is Bristol's oldest rugby club.

Which Bristol rugby teams play professionally?

Bristol Bears and Bristol Bears Women play in the Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby. Both are based in the city.

Is there a rugby club in Bristol for beginners?

Yes. In fact, most community clubs in Bristol welcome beginners. Contact the club, ask about social or development teams, and go along to training.

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FAQs

The RFU registers over 1,900 rugby union clubs in England alone, with a further 800+ clubs across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK Rugby Club Directory lists 470 of the most prominent clubs. Use the search tool above to find rugby union clubs near you.

Rugby union is played with 15 players per side under World Rugby rules. Rugby league is played with 13 players per side and is strongest in the North of England. Both codes are covered in this directory — use the filter buttons to search union or league clubs separately.

Almost all community rugby union clubs actively welcome adult beginners. Find a club near you using this directory, contact them via their profile page, and ask about beginner or social rugby sessions. Most clubs offer a free trial before committing to membership.

Below the Gallagher Premiership and RFU Championship, the English pyramid runs through National Leagues 1 and 2 and then regional divisions — London & SE, Midlands, North and South West — all the way to county and local league level.

Yes — most rugby union clubs now have dedicated women's and girls' sections. The RFU's Allianz Premier 15s is the top domestic women's league in England, with a full pyramid of regional and county leagues below it.