Barnstaple RFC
Barnstaple, Devon
North Devon club competing in the South West leagues with a proud history in the region.
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South West rugby is some of the most passionate in England. This page lists all 70 clubs we hold across the region, grouped by county. So whether you live in Penzance or Swindon, you can find your nearest club in seconds.
At the top level, England's South West is home to four Premiership clubs: Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby. Below them, however, sits a deep network of community clubs, many of them well over a century old.
England South West Rugby at a Glance
| County | Clubs listed | Notable clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Devon | 21 | Exeter Chiefs, Plymouth Albion RFC |
| Cornwall | 16 | Cornish Pirates, Redruth RFC, Camborne RFC |
| Somerset | 7 | Bath Rugby, Taunton RFC |
| Gloucestershire | 8 | Gloucester Rugby, Cinderford RFC, Stroud RFC |
| Bristol | 7 | Bristol Bears, Clifton RFC, Dings Crusaders RFC |
| Dorset | 6 | Dorchester RFC, Weymouth RFC |
| Wiltshire | 5 | Chippenham RFC, Marlborough RFC |
Scroll down to see South West rugby clubs county by county. For the city itself, see our dedicated page on rugby clubs in Bristol.
Rugby Clubs in Devon
Rugby Clubs in Cornwall
Rugby Clubs in Somerset
Rugby Clubs in Gloucestershire
Rugby Clubs in Bristol
Rugby Clubs in Dorset
Rugby Clubs in Wiltshire
Why South West Rugby Stands Out
For many fans, Cornwall is the heartland of South West rugby. It treats rugby almost as a national sport. In fact, clubs such as Redruth RFC and Camborne RFC draw some of the most loyal crowds in the community game.
Beyond Cornwall, South West rugby has plenty of variety. Devon, Somerset and Gloucestershire, meanwhile, combine big city clubs with market-town sides. As a result, players in the South West can find everything from elite academies to relaxed social rugby within a short drive.
England South West rugby by county
England's South West rugby clubs fall under the RFU's South West Division, which covers Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Dorset, Wiltshire and the Berks/Bucks & Oxon area. Devon and Cornwall have the most clubs in our directory, with strong community sides in nearly every town.
| County | Clubs in our directory | Highest-ranked community clubs (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|
| Devon | 22 | Plymouth Albion (National League 1), Barnstaple (NL2 West) |
| Cornwall | 16 | Camborne (National League 1), Redruth (NL2 West) |
| Bristol | 11 | Dings Crusaders (National League 1), Clifton (NL2 West) |
| Somerset | 9 | Taunton (NL2 West) |
| Gloucestershire | 8 | Cinderford (NL2 West), Cleve (Regional 2 Severn) |
| Dorset | 6 | Bournemouth (Regional 1 South Central) |
| Wiltshire | 5 | Trowbridge (Regional 1 South West) |
South West rugby leagues explained
South West clubs play in Regional 1 South West at level 5, then Regional 2 South West and Regional 2 Severn at level 6. Below that are the Counties leagues, such as Counties 1 Western West and Counties 2 Cornwall. All are sponsored by Tribute Ale. The old "South West 1" and "South West Premier" names were retired in 2022.
Clubs in our directory currently in Regional 1 Tribute Ale South West include:
For how these leagues fit the national pyramid, see the English rugby union league structure.
County pages for the region: Bristol · Somerset · Gloucestershire
How to join a South West rugby club
To join a South West rugby club, search your town, shortlist two clubs within a short drive and go to a training session. South West rugby is almost all rugby union, run by the RFU through county unions such as Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Gloucestershire.
- Search by county. Use the county sections above.
- Check the league. Each club's 2026-27 league is on its profile where confirmed.
- Contact the club. Ask which adult team suits you.
- Go to training. Most clubs train twice a week and play on Saturdays.
- Ask about other sections. Many clubs run women's, junior and touch rugby.
Sources and further reading
Quick Answers
South West Rugby FAQs
Which Premiership rugby clubs are in the South West?
Bath Rugby, Bristol Bears, Exeter Chiefs and Gloucester Rugby all play in the South West. Together, they make the region a powerhouse of the Premiership.
How many South West rugby clubs are in the directory?
We currently list 70 clubs across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Dorset and Wiltshire. So South West rugby is one of the best-covered regions in the directory.
Is there rugby league in the South West?
Yes, there is. Cornwall RLFC brings professional rugby league to the region, although rugby union remains the main code.
How do I find a rugby club near me in the South West?
Start with your county section above. Then open each club profile and use the map link to check the distance from home.
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