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, three who have obtained Barbarian Caps and various County, Varsity and University honours.

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

Since that date Douglas was officially reformed and the Clubhouse built by the members. Douglas has grown in strength and the club 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 with the able administration of Club steward Paul Howarth.

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

Until rugby gained professional status and the creation of the true League system was incorporated, Douglas played most of its fixtures against touring teams and held various rugby tournaments. Easter Festivals of the 1970's and 80's attracted top teams from all over the UK, and a purple patch of home festival success included wins against Broughton Park in 1980, Ruthin in 1981 and London Welsh in 1982. In the past Douglas 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:

· 1st XV South Lancashire & Cheshire League Two

· 2nd 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.

1983 - 
Douglas meet Sale in the 1/4 Finals of the Cheshire County Cup and although the result 
  was never in doubt against a team that at the time contained two current England Internationals 
  (Steve Smith & Tony Bond), England 'B' and Scotland 'B'. Honours where still even at half time 6-6.
   
1987 -  Founder members and first Manx team to join the newly established English League System
   
1991 -  Winnington Park (National Division 4) end our interest in the 1/4 finals of the Cheshire Cup
   
1994 - Paul Snellgrove starts up the Mini's & Juniors section, another first on the Island 
   
1999 -  Promoted as runners up in league 
  Manx Cup - winners
   
2000 - Mini's under 8's win the Cheshire Cup
   
2001 -  2nd XV win Manx Bowl against Ramsey 2nd's @ Ramsey 26-15 (12/5/01)
   
2003 -  2nd XV win Manx Bowl against Ramsey 2nd's @ Douglas 20-0 (15/3/03)
   
2005 -  2nd XV win Manx Bowl against Vagabonds 3rd's @ Douglas 24-19 (2/4/05)
   
2006 -  Manx Cup - winners
   
2008 - Promoted as Champions in league 
  2nd XV win Manx Bowl against Western Vikings @ Douglas 20-12 (5/4/08)