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UK Rugby Club Directory

Essex Rugby Clubs

Compare 7 Essex rugby clubs, from Chelmsford and Colchester to Brentwood, Harlow and Southend. Then pick the club that suits you.

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Rugby union forwards driving in a maul, representing Essex rugby clubs
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Essex rugby clubs offer rugby for every age and ability, from coastal Southend to the county town of Chelmsford. On this page, you can compare all 7 Essex clubs in our directory. Then click through to each profile for the ground, history and contact details.

Essex rugby has a long history. For example, Rochford Hundred RFC dates from 1896, while Harlow RFC arrived in 1962 alongside the growth of the new town. As a result, the county mixes old-established clubs with younger community sides.

Where to Play Rugby in Essex

In mid Essex, Chelmsford RFC and Brentwood RFC serve two of the county's biggest towns. Meanwhile, Colchester RFC covers the north of the county from its Mill Road ground.

In south Essex, you can choose between Southend RFC, Rochford Hundred RFC and Thurrock RFC. So wherever you live in the county, there is usually a club within a short drive.

All Rugby Clubs in Essex

Joining an Essex Rugby Club

Most Essex clubs welcome new players throughout the season. First, contact the club to check training nights and which teams have space. After that, simply go along with boots, a gum shield and water.

Many clubs also run mini and junior sections. For more on age groups, read our guide to junior and youth rugby. Alternatively, browse all rugby union clubs across the UK.

Quick Answers

Essex Rugby Clubs FAQs

How many rugby clubs are there in Essex?

We currently list 7 rugby union clubs in Essex. However, the county has more, so we are adding clubs all the time.

Which is the oldest rugby club in Essex on this list?

Among the clubs we list, Rochford Hundred RFC is the oldest, dating from 1896. It has played in the county for well over a century.

Is there a rugby club in Chelmsford?

Yes. Chelmsford RFC is the county town's club. It runs rugby across several age groups.

Do Essex rugby clubs take beginners?

Yes, they do. In most cases, clubs welcome beginners of any age and offer a taster session before you join.

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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.