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

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

North Lanarkshire, nestled in the heart of Scotland’s central belt with its rich industrial heritage and landmarks like the Ravenscraig steelworks site, offers a thriving rugby scene across its diverse communities. From established clubs in Motherwell and Coatbridge to community teams in Airdrie and Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire provides excellent rugby opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. This comprehensive guide covers everything from junior rugby clubs in Bellshill to women’s teams in Wishaw, helping you find the perfect rugby experience across this historic Scottish region.

Rugby Union Clubs in North Lanarkshire

North Lanarkshire has a growing rugby union presence with clubs at various competitive levels:

Dalziel Rugby Club – Established club in Motherwell with excellent facilities at Dalziel Park, offering comprehensive age-grade programs
Coatbridge RFC – Community-focused club with growing youth section at Drumpellier Rugby Ground
Waysiders Drumpellier RFC – Club formed from merger, based in Coatbridge with strong development ethos
Cumbernauld Rugby Club – Community club with excellent facilities at Burnbrae playing fields
Strathaven Rugby Club – Club on the border of North Lanarkshire with comprehensive youth program

Rugby for Children in North Lanarkshire

North Lanarkshire offers fantastic opportunities for children to begin their rugby journey:

Rugby Tots and Mini Rugby in North Lanarkshire

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

Rugby Tots North Lanarkshire – Professional toddler rugby program running sessions in Motherwell, Coatbridge, and Cumbernauld
Dalziel Minis – Weekend sessions for ages 4-6 at Dalziel Park in Motherwell
Coatbridge Mini Rugby – Saturday morning sessions introducing rugby to children from age 3
Cumbernauld Rugby Tigers – Fun sessions designed specifically for ages 4-7

Junior Rugby Clubs in North Lanarkshire

For children aged 7-16, structured junior rugby is available across the region:

Dalziel Rugby Academy – Comprehensive age-group teams from P3 to U18
Coatbridge Colts – Development program for young players with emphasis on skills
Waysiders Drumpellier Youth – Community-focused youth rugby with inclusive approach
Cumbernauld Youth Rugby – Structured program with progressive development path
North Lanarkshire Schools Rugby – Competitive school rugby programs at establishments like Dalziel High School

Women’s Rugby in North Lanarkshire

Women’s rugby is growing across North Lanarkshire, with dedicated teams and beginners’ sessions:

Dalziel Women’s Rugby – Established team with development squad based in Motherwell
Waysiders Drumpellier Ladies – Welcoming team with beginners’ programs in Coatbridge
Cumbernauld Women’s Rugby – Growing women’s section with focus on player development
North Lanarkshire College Women’s Rugby – Educational pathway combined with rugby development

Rugby Pitches and Training Facilities in North Lanarkshire

North Lanarkshire boasts several quality rugby facilities across the region:

Dalziel Park – Premier rugby facility in Motherwell with multiple pitches and clubhouse
Drumpellier Rugby Ground – Coatbridge’s main rugby venue with training areas
Burnbrae Playing Fields – Cumbernauld Rugby Club’s home ground
Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility – Modern complex with indoor training facilities
Wishaw Sports Centre – Community facility occasionally used for rugby training
St Ambrose High School – School pitches in Coatbridge used for youth rugby
Broadwood Stadium – Multi-sport venue in Cumbernauld with rugby capabilities

Rugby Shops and Equipment in North Lanarkshire

For equipment and merchandise, North Lanarkshire offers several options:

Club Shops – Dalziel and Waysiders Drumpellier have shops selling basic equipment and club merchandise
Greaves Sports – Rugby equipment at Motherwell Shopping Centre
Sports Direct – Store at Motherwell Retail Park
JD Sports – Branches in Coatbridge and Cumbernauld carrying rugby boots
Glasgow Rugby Store – Specialist shop accessible to North Lanarkshire residents, just a short journey away

Rugby Academies and Coaching in North Lanarkshire

Dedicated players can access specialized coaching through:

Glasgow Warriors Community Academy – Elite pathway covering North Lanarkshire talent
Scottish Rugby Regional Development Centers – Development programs operating in the region
North Lanarkshire Active Schools Rugby – School-based programs across the district
Private Rugby Coaching – Several professional coaches offer one-to-one sessions across North Lanarkshire, particularly in Motherwell and Coatbridge areas

Alternative Rugby Formats in North Lanarkshire

Beyond traditional rugby, North Lanarkshire offers:

Touch Rugby – Non-contact leagues run at Dalziel Park and Ravenscraig Sports Centre
Tag Rugby – Popular in schools and summer leagues across the district
Walking Rugby – Sessions for older players at Dalziel Rugby Club
Wheelchair Rugby – Inclusive sessions at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility

Whether you’re searching for junior rugby clubs in Motherwell, women’s teams in Coatbridge, or walking rugby in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire’s growing rugby landscape offers opportunities for everyone. Against the backdrop of the region’s industrial heritage and the modern Ravenscraig Sports Complex, rugby continues to develop across this passionate Scottish region, welcoming players from toddlers to veterans in clubs committed to growing the game.