DOUGLAS R U F C

 General:

Douglas Rugby Club is the oldest Rugby Club on the Isle of Man.   It was founded in 1873 by Mr A W Moore, who went on to play for Cambridge in the 1874 Varsity match.  

Douglas played in the first ever Manx Cup in 1888, winning without two of their best players, Alf Penketh and Arthur Paul who were selected to tour Australia and New Zealand with the first ever British & Irish Lions squad.

Since inception we have had two International Players and three who have obtained Barbarian Caps.  

The clubhouse and grounds have been in various areas on the Island and in 1952 the Club were able to gain occupation on the current premises through the kind generosity of the Drinkwater family.  

Since that date the Club was officially reformed and the Clubhouse built by the members.  The Club has grown in strength and now has three pitches (two of which are floodlit).  Our facilities are excellent and the Clubhouse is a busy place and can be hired out for private functions.  

Douglas were the first Manx club to enter the English League system in 1987/88 and participated  were founder members in the trial system set up in the north of England in 1986/87.  

Until Rugby gained professionalism status and the creation of the true League system was incorporated, the Club played most of its fixtures against touring teams and held various rugby tournaments and in the past has played against some of the now “big” Clubs such as Sale Sharks.  Once the game gained professional momentum the League system was created and the Club has moved upwards with promotion in 1999/2000.  

The Club now has Teams competing in the following competitions:

·         1^st XV South Lancashire & Cheshire League Three

·         2^nd XV Manx Shield

·         Manx Cup

·         Manx Plate

We also run a Mini and Junior Section, which is the oldest of its kind on the Isle of Man.   This was started by Paul Snellgrove in 1994.  The success of which has been very encouraging.  Our results speak for themselves - Cheshire Cup winners and various placements at County level in all age groups.

We run an annual Tournament for all junior age groups and visiting teams are always encouraged to come along and participate.

We hope that you will be able to visit us and enjoy our hospitality.  Please feel free to contact us for any touring fixtures.  The Isle of Man has a lot to offer and is a great place to visit and you will be sure of a warm welcome.

Should you be interested in joining please feel free to come along to our training sessions, where you will be sure of a warm welcome.  If you are a parent and interested in learning more about the Minis & Juniors please contact one of the Coaches.