Rugby in Belfast: Complete Guide to Local Clubs, Training & Equipment
Looking for rugby in Belfast? Whether you’re searching for prestigious clubs, youth training programs, women’s teams, or equipment suppliers, this comprehensive guide covers everything rugby-related across Belfast and its surrounding suburbs from Newtownabbey to Lisburn.
Rugby Clubs in Belfast City and Suburbs
Instonians RFC, located at Shaw’s Bridge Sports Complex in south Belfast, offers top-quality rugby across all age groups. With excellent facilities including multiple pitches and a modern clubhouse, they provide comprehensive rugby programs from mini rugby through to senior level.
Belfast Harlequins RFC at Deramore Park in the popular Malone Road area combines over 140 years of rugby tradition with modern coaching approaches. Their extensive grounds host numerous teams from youth to senior levels in both men’s and women’s rugby.
In east Belfast, Malone RFC at Gibson Park offers excellent rugby programs with their 1st XV competing in the All-Ireland League. Their mini rugby section is particularly strong, welcoming children from age 6 upwards.
CIYMS RFC (Civil Service, Insurance, YMCA, and Marlborough) at Belmont Road provides another excellent east Belfast option with strong youth development pathways.
North Belfast is served by Belfast High School Former Pupils RFC, while Ulster Rugby – the provincial professional team – plays home matches at the iconic Kingspan Stadium (formerly Ravenhill) in the heart of the city.
Rugby for Children and Youth in Belfast
Belfast offers exceptional youth rugby opportunities:
Ulster Rugby’s development programs run regular rugby tots sessions at Kingspan Stadium for children aged 2-4 years, focusing on fundamental movement skills through rugby-themed games.
Instonians and Belfast Harlequins both operate thriving mini rugby sections for 5-12 year olds, with specially designed training for different age groups including dedicated sessions for 5-6 year olds focusing on fun and basic skills.
During school holidays, Ulster Rugby Camps take place at venues throughout Belfast including Campbell College, Methodist College, and Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI) – all schools with strong rugby traditions.
In the suburbs, Holywood RFC and Lisburn RFC provide excellent junior rugby programs, making quality coaching accessible across Greater Belfast.
Women’s and Girls’ Rugby in Belfast
Women’s rugby thrives across Belfast:
Cooke RFC Women, based at Shaw’s Bridge, are one of Ireland’s most successful women’s clubs, competing at the highest levels while also welcoming beginners to their development squad.
Belfast Harlequins Ladies offer competitive women’s rugby with pathways from beginners to advanced players.
Ulster Rugby runs girls-only development programs at Kingspan Stadium, introducing young female players to the sport in a supportive environment.
For women new to rugby, Queen’s University Belfast Rugby Club offers beginners’ sessions open to students and non-students alike.
Rugby Training and Coaching in Belfast
Beyond club training, additional coaching options exist across Belfast:
Private one-to-one rugby coaching is available through several qualified coaches, many of whom are former Ulster and Ireland players residing in the city.
Walking Rugby sessions take place at Grosvenor Recreation Centre and Shankill Leisure Centre, providing less physically demanding versions of the game.
Touch rugby leagues operate during summer months at venues including Ormeau Park and Stormont Estate, offering non-contact rugby opportunities.
For students, Queen’s University and Ulster University both field strong rugby teams with excellent coaching staff.
Rugby Equipment and Shops in Belfast
For rugby gear and equipment in Belfast:
The Ulster Rugby Shop at Kingspan Stadium offers official merchandise plus a wide range of boots, protective gear, and training equipment.
McBride’s Sports on the Lisburn Road stocks an excellent selection of rugby boots, with expert fitting services and advice.
Sports Direct at Castle Court Shopping Centre provides affordable rugby essentials including boots, balls, and training wear.
O’Neills Sportswear in Kennedy Centre specializes in team kit and rugby training equipment, supplying many local clubs and schools.
Rugby Pitches and Facilities in Belfast
Belfast boasts excellent rugby facilities:
Kingspan Stadium, home of Ulster Rugby, occasionally opens its training pitches for community use and hosts various youth tournaments throughout the season.
Orangefield Playing Fields in east Belfast and Cherryvale Playing Fields in south Belfast offer public rugby pitches bookable through Belfast City Council.
Queen’s University Playing Fields at Upper Malone (known locally as “The Dub”) feature multiple rugby pitches used for university and community matches.
For indoor training during inclement weather, Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre and Andersonstown Leisure Centre provide modern facilities suitable for rugby conditioning.
Getting to Rugby in Belfast
Access to rugby venues is straightforward:
Local taxi companies including Value Cabs and FonaCab provide reliable transport to all major rugby facilities.
Most rugby clubs are well-served by Translink Metro and Ulsterbus services connecting Belfast city center with suburbs like Holywood, Newtownabbey, and Lisburn.
The Kingspan Stadium is particularly accessible, with dedicated shuttle buses operating from the city center on Ulster Rugby match days.
Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for competitive rugby, a parent seeking youth programs, or someone interested in trying the sport for the first time, Belfast’s diverse rugby landscape offers something for everyone. From the professional setup at Ulster Rugby to the community-focused approach of local clubs, the city’s strong rugby heritage continues to thrive across both its historic institutions and modern development programs.