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UK Rugby Club Directory

Rugby Clubs in Sussex

Compare 15 rugby clubs in Sussex, see where each one plays, and find the right club near you.

England Rugby logo – rugby clubs in Sussex are part of the RFU

Sussex has a rugby union club in almost every town, from the coast to the Weald. This page lists the 15 East and West Sussex clubs in our directory.

Clubs include Brighton, one of the oldest in the south, plus Worthing, Horsham, Uckfield, Eastbourne and Chichester.

Rugby Clubs by Town

All Rugby Clubs in Sussex

By the UK Rugby Club Directory team · Last reviewed

Sussex rugby clubs by area

Sussex rugby clubs are spread along the coast and through the Weald. Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne and Hastings & Bexhill cover the coast. Horsham, Crawley, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill cover mid-Sussex. Uckfield, Crowborough and Lewes cover East Sussex, and Chichester, Bognor, Midhurst and Pulborough cover West Sussex.

Area Clubs (founded)
Brighton and Lewes Brighton RFC (1868), Lewes RFC (1929)
East Sussex Weald Uckfield RFC (1936), Crowborough RFC (1927)
East Sussex coast Eastbourne RFC (1878), Hastings & Bexhill RFC (1926)
Mid Sussex Haywards Heath RFC (1964), Burgess Hill RFC (1956)
North Sussex Horsham RFC (1930), Crawley RFC (1962)
West Sussex coast Worthing RFC (1921), Chichester RFC (1925), Bognor RFC (1933)
West Sussex rural Midhurst RFC (1921), Pulborough RFC (1952)

Choosing a rugby club in Sussex

Choose a Sussex rugby club by location first. The county is long and the A27 and A23 shape travel times, so a club 15 minutes away is better than a stronger one an hour away. Then check whether the club runs the team you need, whether that is men's, women's, vets or juniors.

Crawley and Horsham are close to Surrey clubs such as Reigate & Redhill. Crowborough and Uckfield are near the Kent border, with Tunbridge Wells close by.

Rugby clubs in Sussex by age: oldest to newest

Our directory lists 15 rugby clubs in Sussex: all 15 rugby union. The oldest is Brighton RFC, founded in 1868, and 2 of the 15 were formed before 1900. Rugby clubs in Sussex cover both East and West Sussex, from Chichester to Hastings.

ClubCodeFoundedTown
Brighton RFCRugby union1868Brighton
Eastbourne RFCRugby union1878Eastbourne
Midhurst RFCRugby union1921Midhurst
Worthing RFCRugby union1921Worthing
Chichester RFCRugby union1925Chichester
Hastings & Bexhill RFCRugby union1926Hastings
Crowborough RFCRugby union1927Crowborough
Lewes RFCRugby union1929Lewes
Horsham RFCRugby union1930Horsham
Bognor RFCRugby union1933Bognor Regis
Uckfield RFCRugby union1936Uckfield
Pulborough RFCRugby union1952Pulborough
Burgess Hill RFCRugby union1956Burgess Hill
Crawley RFCRugby union1962Crawley
Haywards Heath RFCRugby union1964Haywards Heath

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.

How to join a rugby club in Sussex

To join a rugby club in Sussex, find the nearest club in West or East Sussex, contact it and go to a training session. Rugby clubs in Sussex are affiliated to the RFU through Sussex RFU. Most run several adult teams, so beginners get games at the right level.

  1. West Sussex: Chichester, Bognor, Worthing, Horsham, Crawley, Midhurst and Pulborough.
  2. Mid Sussex: Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill.
  3. East Sussex: Brighton, Lewes, Uckfield, Crowborough, Eastbourne and Hastings & Bexhill.
  4. Contact two clubs. Ask which team suits your experience and when they train.
  5. Go along. Bring boots, a gum shield and training kit.

Sources and further reading

Quick Answers

Rugby Clubs in Sussex FAQs

How many rugby clubs are there in Sussex?

Our directory currently lists 15 clubs in Sussex. If a club is missing, you can register it for free.

Is there a rugby club in Uckfield?

Yes. Uckfield RFC, founded in 1936, runs senior and junior teams. Crowborough and Lewes are also nearby.

How do I join a rugby club in Sussex?

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.

What is the oldest rugby club in Sussex?

Brighton RFC, founded in 1868, is the oldest of the rugby clubs in Sussex that we list. Eastbourne RFC (1878) is next.

How many rugby clubs are in Sussex?

We list 15 rugby clubs in Sussex, all rugby union, across West Sussex, Mid Sussex and East Sussex.

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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