Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club - Home of Community Rugby
Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club was founded in 1921 to promote amateur rugby in the Rochdale area. Our club prides itself on maintaining an entirely amateur player base while providing professional-grade facilities for players of all ages. Established in 1921, our organisation operates from a modern clubhouse opened in August 2005 featuring state-of-the-art amenities including refurbished bar areas, function rooms with catering capabilities, and four dedicated playing pitches. The club currently fields three senior men's teams across different divisions, a senior women's squad, and junior teams from U6 to U18 levels for both genders. Our facilities extend beyond sports to serve the local community through social event hosting, conference room rentals, and team-building activities across Rochdale, Oldham, and Littleborough.The 2009-2010 season saw significant infrastructure improvements with RFU grant funding, including floodlit training areas. As a community-focused organisation, we welcome new players and visitors while maintaining our reputation as Rochdale's 'hidden gem' for sports and events. Our governance structure includes experienced officials like Club Manager Tom Helliwell and dedicated team contacts for senior, junior, and women's rugby. Through initiatives like our annual August Bank Holiday Beer Festival and matchday sponsorship opportunities, we sustain our operations while remaining accessible to local sports enthusiasts.
Services
Senior Men's Rugby
Women's Rugby
Junior Rugby
Venue Hire
Team Building
Sponsorship
Membership
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1921
Highlights and features
- We maintain 100% amateur status across all teams since 1921
- Our modern facilities include floodlit pitches and state-of-the-art clubhouse
- We offer rugby development from U6 to senior levels for both genders
- Our venue hosts events for up to 150 people with catering services
- We provide structured team-building programmes for local businesses
Services
Senior Men's Rugby Teams
Our club fields three senior men's teams across different divisions, providing competitive rugby opportunities for experienced players. The First XV competes in Regional 1 North West, Second XV in NOWIRUL Baines Plumbing Division 1, and Third XV in NOWIRUL County Couriers Division 4 North/Central. Training facilities and match schedules cater to players seeking regular competitive fixtures while maintaining our amateur ethos.
Women's & Girls' Rugby
We offer comprehensive rugby provision for women and girls, including senior squads training twice weekly and age-group teams from U12 to U18. Our programmes support skill development and competitive fixtures while promoting female participation in the sport. Dedicated contacts and training sessions ensure equal opportunities for female players at all levels.
Junior Rugby Development
Our junior section covers teams from Under 6 to Under 18 levels for both boys and girls. Structured programmes with qualified coaches deliver skills development and competitive fixtures while nurturing future rugby talent. Regular training sessions and comprehensive fixtures calendar support player progression through age-grade teams.
Venue & Room Hire
Modern clubhouse facilities accommodate weddings, conferences, and social events with catering services and capacity for up to 150 guests. Our options include full venue hire with bars, function rooms with separate access, and meeting room rentals during daytime hours. Booking requirements include security deposits and adherence to specific terms.
Community Engagement Programmes
Our club supports local businesses and community groups through team-building initiatives, commercial partnerships, and sports development activities. Sponsorship opportunities, venue hire for educational institutions, and collaborative programmes demonstrate our commitment to community rugby development across Rochdale and surrounding areas.
People
Tom Helliwell
Club Manager
Experienced club manager overseeing daily operations, facility management, and community engagement initiatives. Provides central point of contact for membership, bookings, and general inquiries.
Jane O'Connell
Minis & Juniors Coordinator
Responsible for junior development programmes, overseeing teams from U6 to U18 with comprehensive fixtures and coaching arrangements. Manages junior membership and player development pathways.
Mel Sutcliffe
Sponsorship & Venue Hire
Handles commercial partnerships and venue booking arrangements, coordinating matchday sponsorships and event hire for corporate and private clients at the clubhouse facilities.
Ste Collins
Director of Rugby
Oversees senior men's rugby programmes, managing team selection processes, training schedules, and competitive fixture coordination for the club's three senior men's teams.
Hollie Dews
Women's Team Contact
Coordinates women's rugby activities including senior squad training schedules, fixture arrangements, and development of girls' teams at various age levels within the club structure.
Questions
How can I join Rochdale RUFC's rugby teams?
Contact our team coordinators: Ste Collins for senior men's teams, Jane O'Connell for minis & juniors, or Hollie Dews for women's squads. Trial information and membership details are available on our website.
What facilities are available for hire at Rochdale RUFC?
We offer function room hire for weddings and conferences, meeting rooms, and club members' bar facilities. Our venue accommodates up to 150 guests with catering services and modern amenities.
Are there sponsorship opportunities available at the club?
Yes, we offer pitchside banners, matchday programme advertisements, and beer festival barrel sponsorships. Contact Mel Sutcliffe for details on commercial partnership options.
What junior rugby options exist at Rochdale RUFC?
We provide rugby from Under 6 to Under 18 levels for boys and girls, with structured coaching, competitive fixtures, and progression pathways through age-grade teams.
What makes Rochdale RUFC unique as a venue?
Our modern clubhouse combines sports facilities with event capabilities, featuring refurbished bars, function spaces, and catering services in a convenient Rochdale location with ample parking.
How do I book a matchday table at Rochdale RUFC?
Pre-match tables for 10 people with two-course lunches cost £125. Contact Greg Hayes on 07770 957823 or complete our online booking form to reserve your table.
