Rugby in Manchester: Complete Guide to Clubs, Training & Facilities | 2025

Rugby in Manchester: Complete Guide to Clubs, Pitches & Training for All Ages

Manchester, the vibrant northern powerhouse with its rich industrial heritage and iconic landmarks like the Beetham Tower and Old Trafford, offers a thriving rugby scene across both league and union codes. From the professional environment of Sale Sharks to community clubs in suburbs like Didsbury, Stockport, and Salford, the Greater Manchester region provides exceptional rugby opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. This comprehensive guide covers everything from junior rugby clubs in Manchester to women’s teams in Trafford, helping you find the perfect rugby experience in your local area.

Rugby Union Clubs in Manchester

Manchester has a strong rugby union presence, headlined by Premiership team Sale Sharks:

Sale Sharks – Professional Premiership team based at the Salford Community Stadium with elite academy pathway
Manchester Rugby Club – Historic club founded in 1860 with excellent facilities at Grove Park in Cheadle Hulme
Didsbury Toc H RFC – Community club in south Manchester with teams from minis to seniors
Broughton Park FC – Oldest club in Manchester located in Chorlton with comprehensive age-group teams
Aldwinians RUFC – Family-friendly club in Audenshaw with growing youth section
Stockport RUFC – Established club with excellent facilities at Headlands Road
Trafford MV RFCC – Community club in Sale with strong mini and junior sections
Eccles RFC – Inclusive club in Salford with thriving women’s and junior programs

Rugby League Clubs in Manchester

With its proximity to rugby league heartlands, Manchester boasts several league clubs:

Salford Red Devils – Professional Super League team at the Salford Community Stadium
Swinton Lions – Historic club with community roots in the Manchester area
Manchester Rangers – Community club developing rugby league across the city
Oldham St Annes ARLFC – Strong community club with excellent youth development
Folly Lane ARLFC – Established club in Swinton with teams across multiple age groups

Rugby for Children in Manchester

Manchester offers outstanding opportunities for children to begin their rugby journey:

Rugby Tots and Mini Rugby in Manchester

For the youngest players (ages 2-7), several clubs and organizations run specialized programs:

Rugby Tots Manchester – Professional toddler rugby program running sessions in Didsbury, Chorlton, and Altrincham
Sale Sharks Community Trust – Introduction to rugby sessions across Greater Manchester for ages 3-6
Manchester Rugby Club Minis – Weekend sessions for ages 4-6 at Grove Park
Broughton Park Mini Rugby – Saturday morning sessions for ages 5-7 in Chorlton

Junior Rugby Clubs in Manchester

For children aged 7-16, structured junior rugby is available across Manchester’s suburbs:

Sale Sharks Academy Centers – Development hubs across the region
Trafford MV Juniors – Comprehensive age-group teams from U7 to U16
Eccles RFC Youth – Inclusive approach to youth development in Salford
Stockport Rugby Club Juniors – Strong program with excellent coaching staff
Aldwinians Youth Rugby – Well-established youth section in Tameside

Women’s Rugby in Manchester

Women’s rugby is flourishing across Manchester, with dedicated teams and beginners’ sessions:

Sale Sharks Women – Premier women’s team playing in the Allianz Premier 15s
Eccles RFC Women – Established team with development squad
Didsbury Toc H Ladies – Welcoming team with beginners’ programs
Broughton Park Women – Community-focused women’s rugby in south Manchester
Manchester Village Spartans Women – Inclusive team with focus on player development
University of Manchester Women’s Rugby – Competitive university team welcoming students

Rugby Pitches and Training Facilities in Manchester

Manchester boasts excellent rugby facilities across the city region:

Salford Community Stadium – Home of Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils
Grove Park – Manchester Rugby Club’s home ground in Cheadle Hulme
Hough End Playing Fields – Community pitches in Chorlton used by multiple clubs
Broughton Park – Historic ground in Chorlton with training facilities
Heywood Road – Former home of Sale Sharks still used for community rugby
Eccles RFC Grounds – Excellent facilities at Gorton Street
Manchester Regional Arena – Multi-sport venue occasionally hosting rugby
Trafford MV’s MacPherson Park – Quality pitches in Sale

Rugby Shops and Equipment in Manchester

For equipment and merchandise, Manchester offers several options:

Sale Sharks Club Shop – Official merchandise at Salford Community Stadium
Sports Direct – Multiple locations including Manchester Arndale and Trafford Centre
DW Sports – Stores across Greater Manchester
Lovell Rugby – Online retailer with collection points in Manchester
JD Sports – Branches throughout Manchester carrying rugby boots and training gear
Decathlon – Comprehensive range at Manchester Eastlands and Stockport branches

Rugby Academies and Coaching in Manchester

Dedicated players can access specialized coaching through:

Sale Sharks Academy – Elite pathway for talented youngsters
Manchester Metropolitan University Rugby Academy – Educational pathway combined with rugby development
RFL Player Development Centers – Rugby league talent programs
Private Rugby Coaching – Several professional coaches offer one-to-one sessions across Manchester, particularly in Didsbury and Altrincham areas

Alternative Rugby Formats in Manchester

Beyond traditional rugby, Manchester offers:

Touch Rugby – Non-contact leagues run at Broughton Park and Hough End
Tag Rugby – Popular in schools and summer leagues across the city
Walking Rugby – Sessions for older players at Manchester Rugby Club and Eccles RFC
Wheelchair Rugby – Inclusive sessions at the Manchester Regional Arena

Whether you’re searching for junior rugby clubs in Chorlton, women’s teams in Salford, or walking rugby in Stockport, Manchester’s diverse rugby landscape offers opportunities for everyone. With the iconic Manchester skyline and the spirit of this proud sporting city as backdrop, rugby continues to thrive across Greater Manchester, welcoming players from toddlers to veterans across both codes of the game.