Chester RFC
Chester, Cheshire
Historic Cheshire city club competing in the National Leagues from their Hare Lane ground.
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Cheshire offers both codes. This page lists the 13 Cheshire clubs in our directory — 6 rugby league and 7 rugby union.
In the north of the county, Warrington and Widnes are rugby league strongholds, home to Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings and several amateur clubs. Elsewhere rugby union is the main game, with clubs in Chester, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Northwich, Congleton and Crewe.
Warrington also has a rugby union club, so players there can choose either code.
Rugby Clubs by Town
- Chester: Chester RFC
- Congleton: Congleton RFC
- Crewe: Crewe & Nantwich RFC
- Macclesfield: Macclesfield RFC
- Northwich: Northwich RFC
- Runcorn: Upper Runcorn ARLFC
- Warrington: Crosfields ARLFC, Latchford ARLFC, Warrington RFC, Warrington Wolves, Woolston Rovers ARLFC
- Widnes: Widnes Vikings
- Wilmslow: Wilmslow RFC
Rugby Union Clubs in Cheshire
Rugby League Clubs in Cheshire
Cheshire rugby clubs by age: oldest to newest
Our directory lists 13 rugby clubs in Cheshire: 7 rugby union and 6 rugby league. The oldest is Macclesfield RFC, founded in 1860, and 8 of the 13 were formed before 1900. Cheshire rugby clubs are split between union towns and the rugby league towns of Warrington and Widnes.
| Club | Code | Founded | Town |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macclesfield RFC | Rugby union | 1860 | Macclesfield |
| Widnes Vikings | Rugby league | 1873 | Widnes |
| Chester RFC | Rugby union | 1876 | Chester |
| Northwich RFC | Rugby union | 1878 | Northwich |
| Warrington Wolves | Rugby league | 1879 | Warrington |
| Warrington RFC | Rugby union | 1882 | Warrington |
| Wilmslow RFC | Rugby union | 1885 | Wilmslow |
| Congleton RFC | Rugby union | 1887 | Congleton |
| Woolston Rovers ARLFC | Rugby league | 1903 | Warrington |
| Crosfields ARLFC | Rugby league | 1919 | Warrington |
| Crewe & Nantwich RFC | Rugby union | 1923 | Crewe |
| Upper Runcorn ARLFC | Rugby league | 1930 | Runcorn |
| Latchford ARLFC | Rugby league | 1938 | Warrington |
Founding years as listed on each club profile in the UK Rugby Club Directory, checked 4 November 2026.
In practice: an older club is not automatically a bigger or stronger one. Check each profile for the club's current league and teams, and ask the club what it runs this season.
Rugby union and rugby league clubs in Cheshire
Cheshire rugby clubs play both codes. Rugby union clubs are spread across the county, in Chester, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Congleton, Crewe and Northwich. Rugby league is centred on Warrington and Widnes, home to Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings and several amateur clubs.
| Code | Where | Clubs we list |
|---|---|---|
| Rugby union | Chester, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Congleton, Crewe, Northwich, Warrington | 7 |
| Rugby league | Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn | 6 |
Union clubs in Cheshire are affiliated to the RFU through Cheshire RFU. League clubs come under the RFL.
How to join a rugby club in Cheshire
To join a rugby club in Cheshire, decide first whether you want rugby union or rugby league, then contact the nearest club and go to training. Union clubs play mainly from September to April. Most amateur rugby league clubs play in spring and summer.
- Pick the code. Union is 15-a-side; league is 13-a-side with different rules.
- Shortlist two clubs. Use the table above to find clubs near you.
- Contact the club. Ask about adult teams and training nights.
- Bring the basics. Boots, a gum shield and training kit.
- Register. Once you play, the club registers you with the RFU or RFL.
Sources and further reading
Quick Answers
Rugby Clubs in Cheshire FAQs
How many rugby clubs are there in Cheshire?
Our directory currently lists 13 clubs in Cheshire — 7 rugby union and 6 rugby league. If a club is missing, you can register it for free.
Are there rugby league clubs in Cheshire?
Yes. Warrington and Widnes both have professional rugby league clubs, and there are amateur league clubs in Warrington and Runcorn.
How do I join a rugby club in Cheshire?
Pick two or three clubs near you, check each club's profile for where it plays and how to get in touch, then ask about the next training session. Our guide to finding a rugby club walks you through it.
How many rugby clubs are in Cheshire?
We list 13 Cheshire rugby clubs: 7 rugby union and 6 rugby league. The oldest is Macclesfield RFC, founded in 1860.
Which Cheshire rugby clubs play rugby league?
Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings are the professional rugby league clubs in Cheshire. Amateur clubs include Crosfields, Latchford, Woolston Rovers and Upper Runcorn.
Is Your Club Missing?
We add new clubs regularly. If your club is not listed yet, register it for free so players searching near you can find it.
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