Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club - Join Rochdale's Premier Rugby Club
Established in 1921, Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club has been a cornerstone of rugby in the Rochdale area for over a century. Our club prides itself on fostering amateur rugby at all levels, from U6s through to senior teams, while maintaining a strong commitment to community engagement. The 2005 opening of our state-of-the-art clubhouse and upgraded pitches marked a new era of excellence, offering first-class facilities for both members and local businesses. With three senior men's teams, a senior women's squad, and comprehensive junior development programs, we provide rugby opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. Our venue's versatility extends beyond sports, accommodating weddings, conferences, and corporate events across Rochdale, Oldham, and Littleborough.The club's dedication to grassroots development is evident in our thriving mini and junior sections, which have produced generations of local talent. Our facilities include modern changing rooms, a refurbished bar area, function spaces with catering capabilities, and floodlit training areas. As a community-focused organization, we actively collaborate with educational institutions and local businesses to promote physical activity and team-building. The club's historical significance and ongoing investment in facilities ensure its position as Rochdale's premier rugby destination. Through strategic partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, we continue to strengthen our role as a vital part of the region's sporting landscape.
Services
Rugby Teams
Event Venue Hire
Membership Programs
Catering Services
Sponsorship Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1921
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of rugby heritage in the Rochdale community
- Our state-of-the-art facilities include floodlit training areas and modern clubhouse amenities
- We offer rugby programs for players from U6s through to senior levels
- Our venue hosts weddings, conferences, and corporate events with catering services
- We maintain strong community ties through local business partnerships and youth development
Services
Rugby Teams
We provide structured rugby programs for players of all ages and abilities. Our offerings include three senior men's teams competing in regional divisions, a senior women's squad, and comprehensive junior development from U6s to U18s. Training sessions and competitive fixtures cater to both boys and girls, with dedicated coaching staff and modern facilities ensuring optimal player development. The club's commitment to grassroots rugby has produced generations of local talent while maintaining amateur status across all teams.
Event Venue Hire
Our purpose-built clubhouse serves as a versatile venue for various events. The facility includes a large function room with bar facilities, a balcony area, and professional catering kitchen. We accommodate weddings, conferences, corporate team-building days, and private functions with seating for up to 100 guests. The venue's strategic location and modern amenities make it a popular choice for both local businesses and community organizations across Rochdale and surrounding areas.
Membership Programs
We offer comprehensive membership packages providing access to all club facilities and activities. Members enjoy priority booking for events, discounted rates on room hire, and exclusive access to training facilities. The membership structure supports our amateur sports model while ensuring financial sustainability for ongoing facility improvements and youth development programs. New members are always welcome to join Rochdale's established rugby community.
Catering Services
Our professional catering services support all venue bookings with customized menu options. The kitchen facilities enable full meal preparation for weddings, conferences, and corporate events, with capacity for formal dining and buffet-style service. We work with approved external caterers to maintain quality standards while offering flexibility in menu choices. Catering packages can be tailored to accommodate specific dietary requirements and event themes.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We provide various sponsorship packages to support local businesses and community engagement. Options include pitchside banner advertising, matchday programme advertisements, and event-specific sponsorships. Commercial partnerships help maintain competitive amateur sports while offering brand visibility to local companies. Our sponsorship model balances financial sustainability with community-focused rugby development across all age groups.
People
Tom Helliwell
Club Manager
Tom oversees daily operations and facility management at Rochdale RUFC, ensuring smooth running of both sports activities and venue hire services.
Jane O'Connell
Minis & Juniors Coordinator
Jane manages the club's extensive junior development programs, coordinating teams from U6s through to U18s across both boys and girls sections.
Ste Collins
Director of Rugby
Ste leads the senior men's rugby programs, overseeing team selection, training schedules, and competitive fixtures in regional leagues.
Hollie Dews
Women's Team Manager
Hollie coordinates the senior women's squad and girls' development teams, organizing training sessions and competitive fixtures.
Mel Sutcliffe
Commercial Manager
Mel manages sponsorship opportunities and venue bookings, developing commercial partnerships that support the club's amateur sports model.
Questions
How can I join Rochdale RUFC?
Contact our club officials for senior teams or visit our website for junior registration details.
What facilities do you offer for events?
Our clubhouse features a function room, bar areas, balcony, and catering kitchen for weddings and corporate events.
When was the club established?
Rochdale Rugby Union Football Club was founded in 1921 and has served the community for over a century.
Do you offer women's rugby programs?
Yes, we have a senior women's team and girls' teams from U12 to U18 age groups.
Can I hire your meeting room?
Our meeting room is available during daytime hours for £25 per hour with a £25 deposit.
What sponsorship opportunities exist?
Options include pitchside banners, matchday programme ads, and beer festival barrel sponsorships.
Reviews (4)
Lawrence Rowcroft
Jan 30, 2022
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Went for junior rugby.Was made to feel very welcome. Hot and cold drinks were available and a good variety of hot food.
Ashley Lee
Sep 20, 2021
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Always a great club to visit. Well organised, great facilities, good food always available when the junior teams are playing.
Heather Varney
Sep 10, 2021
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I enjoyed my visit to the Rugby Club, with my friend. While I'm not a big Rugby fan, it's the pizzas made and sold by Andr and Lisa Richards and the young people of EduCate, that draws me back time and time again. They're open Friday and Saturday evenings.
Zinzanjams Family Fun
Jan 31, 2019
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Great place for a party. I had a good time bar staff were welcoming. Drinks a little pricey but if you're a memeber drinks are cheaper ill be do that.
