Rugby in Bolton: Complete Guide to Local Clubs, Training & Equipment
Looking for rugby in Bolton? Whether you’re searching for clubs, youth training programs, women’s teams, or equipment suppliers, this comprehensive guide covers everything rugby-related across Bolton and its surrounding areas including Horwich, Farnworth, Little Lever, and beyond.
Rugby Clubs in Bolton and Surrounding Areas
Bolton RUFC, located at Avenue Street in Lostock, is Bolton’s premier rugby union club. Founded in 1872, this historic club offers rugby for all age groups with excellent facilities including their main pitch and training areas. Their mini and junior sections provide structured pathways from youth to senior rugby, with teams competing across various regional leagues.
Bolton Mets RLFC provides the town’s rugby league option, based at Greenhalgh’s Pavilion Playing Fields in Horwich. They offer a friendly, community-focused environment for players looking to experience the 13-a-side code.
In Westhoughton, Westhoughton Lions ARLFC delivers quality rugby league with strong youth development pathways and competitive senior teams, making the sport accessible across Bolton’s western suburbs.
Just outside Bolton in neighboring Leigh, Leigh Leopards (formerly Leigh Centurions) offer Super League rugby league at the Leigh Sports Village, providing Bolton residents with professional rugby league within easy reach.
Rugby for Children and Youth in Bolton
Bolton offers excellent youth rugby opportunities:
Bolton RUFC’s mini section welcomes children from age 6 upwards, with specially designed training for different age groups. Sunday morning sessions at their Avenue Street ground are particularly popular, focusing on fun, skills development, and building a lifelong love of rugby.
For younger children, Bolton Little Tacklers runs rugby tots sessions for 3-5 year olds at Bolton St Catherine’s Academy sports hall, introducing fundamental movement skills through rugby-themed games and activities.
The Bolton Rugby Development Group, in partnership with local clubs, delivers tag rugby programs in primary schools throughout Bolton, introducing children aged 5-11 to non-contact rugby.
During school holidays, rugby camps take place at venues including Bolton RUFC, Smithills School Sports Centre, and Bolton Arena in Horwich (near the iconic Winter Hill transmitter), offering structured activities for children aged 6-14.
Women’s and Girls’ Rugby in Bolton
Women’s rugby continues to grow across Bolton:
Bolton RUFC Women provides competitive women’s rugby with training sessions at Avenue Street. Their dedicated coaching staff welcome players of all experience levels, including complete beginners.
For girls looking to start playing rugby, several clubs including Bolton RUFC run girls-only sessions, with training specifically designed for female players aged 11-18.
The RFU Women and Girls Program operates across Bolton, with taster sessions and development opportunities offered throughout the year, creating supportive environments for those taking their first steps in rugby.
Rugby Training and Coaching in Bolton
Beyond club training, additional coaching options exist across Bolton:
Private one-to-one rugby coaching is available through several qualified coaches based in the region, many with connections to professional clubs in the North West.
Walking Rugby sessions take place at Leverhulme Park Community Centre and Westhoughton Community Centre, providing a less physically demanding version of the game ideal for older players or those returning from injury.
Touch rugby leagues operate during summer months at venues including Queens Park in Bolton town center and Moss Bank Park, offering non-contact rugby opportunities for all abilities.
Rugby Equipment and Shops in Bolton
For rugby gear and equipment in Bolton:
Sports Direct at Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich stocks a range of rugby boots, protective gear, and training equipment from leading brands.
DW Sports at Bolton Gate Retail Park offers a selection of rugby training wear and boots.
Bolton RUFC Club Shop at their Avenue Street ground provides essential training gear and official club merchandise.
For specialized rugby equipment, Elite Rugby in neighboring Wigan provides expert advice and premium rugby merchandise within easy reach of Bolton.
Rugby Pitches and Facilities in Bolton
Bolton boasts several quality rugby facilities:
Bolton RUFC’s Avenue Street ground features a well-maintained main pitch and training areas, hosting matches and training sessions throughout the season.
Greenhalgh’s Pavilion Playing Fields in Horwich provides the home for Bolton Mets RLFC with good quality surfaces for rugby league.
Bolton University Playing Fields at Deane Campus include rugby pitches occasionally available for community use alongside university fixtures.
Leverhulme Park sports fields provide additional spaces for rugby training and matches, particularly popular with youth teams.
Getting to Rugby in Bolton
Access to rugby venues is straightforward with reliable public transport and taxi services:
Local taxi companies including Metro Taxis Bolton and Royal Taxis provide reliable transport to all major rugby facilities in the Bolton area.
Most rugby venues are well-served by First Bus and Stagecoach services connecting Bolton town center with suburbs like Horwich, Farnworth, and Little Lever.
For those traveling by train, Horwich Parkway station provides easy access to facilities at Middlebrook, while Bolton station serves venues closer to the town center.
Rugby Events and Culture in Bolton
Rugby enjoys a growing presence in Bolton alongside the town’s strong football tradition:
The annual Bolton Rugby Festival attracts teams from across Greater Manchester, offering competitive rugby in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Many local rugby clubs maintain close relationships with Sale Sharks, the region’s Premiership Rugby team, with group trips to the AJ Bell Stadium and occasional player appearances at Bolton clubs.
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, Bolton’s diverse rugby landscape offers something for everyone. From the historic Avenue Street home of Bolton RUFC to the community fields across the borough, rugby continues to thrive throughout this proud Lancashire town.