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

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

East Riding of Yorkshire, with its stunning coastline, rolling Wolds countryside, and historic market towns like Beverley with its magnificent Minster, offers a vibrant rugby scene across both league and union codes. From established clubs in Beverley and Bridlington to community teams in Goole and Driffield, East Riding provides excellent rugby opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. This comprehensive guide covers everything from junior rugby clubs in East Riding to women’s teams in Hessle, helping you find the perfect rugby experience across this diverse Yorkshire region.

Rugby Union Clubs in East Riding

East Riding has a strong rugby union presence with clubs competing at various levels:

Beverley RUFC – Historic club founded in 1884 with excellent facilities at Beaver Park, offering comprehensive age-grade programs
Bridlington RUFC – Established club at Dukes Park with strong community links
Driffield RUFC – Premier club in the Yorkshire Wolds with excellent Kelleythorpe facilities
Pocklington RUFC – Historic club based at Percy Road with strong mini and junior sections
Goole RUFC – Community club at Westfield Banks with growing youth programs
Hullensians RUFC – Club based in Hessle with teams across multiple age groups
Withernsea RUFC – Coastal community club with inclusive approach

Rugby League Clubs in East Riding

Rugby league also has a foothold in the East Riding area:

Beverley ARLFC – Community league club playing at the Beverley Leisure Centre
West Hull ARLFC – Established club on the Hull border with strong youth development
Cottingham Tigers ARLFC – Family-friendly club with growing junior section
Goole Vikings ARLFC – Community-focused league team in the west of the region

Rugby for Children in East Riding

East Riding offers outstanding opportunities for children to begin their rugby journey:

Rugby Tots and Mini Rugby in East Riding

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

Rugby Tots East Riding – Professional toddler rugby program running sessions in Beverley, Bridlington, and Driffield
Beverley RUFC Minis – Weekend sessions for ages 4-6 at Beaver Park
Bridlington Mini Rugby – Saturday morning sessions introducing rugby to children from age 3
Driffield Mini Rugby – Fun sessions for ages 4-7 at Kelleythorpe

Junior Rugby Clubs in East Riding

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

Beverley Braves – Comprehensive age-group teams from U7 to U16
Driffield Youth Rugby – Strong player development pathway with excellent coaching
Pocklington Pirates – Junior section focused on skills and enjoyment
Bridlington Youth Rugby – Community-focused program with inclusive approach
East Riding Schools Rugby – Competitive school rugby programs at establishments like Beverley Grammar School

Women’s Rugby in East Riding

Women’s rugby is growing across East Riding, with dedicated teams and beginners’ sessions:

Beverley Ladies RUFC – Established team with development squad
Driffield RUFC Women – Welcoming team with beginners’ programs
Bridlington Mariners Ladies – Growing women’s section with focus on player development
East Riding College Women’s Rugby – Educational pathway combined with rugby development
Bishop Burton College Women’s Rugby Academy – Elite program for developing players

Rugby Pitches and Training Facilities in East Riding

East Riding boasts excellent rugby facilities across the region:

Beaver Park – Beverley RUFC’s home ground with multiple pitches
Dukes Park – Bridlington RUFC’s ground with training areas
Kelleythorpe Sports Ground – Driffield RUFC’s excellent facility
Percy Road – Pocklington RUFC’s home with multiple pitches
Westfield Banks – Goole RUFC’s ground
East Riding Leisure Centres – Facilities in Beverley, Bridlington, and Goole with all-weather training areas
Bishop Burton College – Premier sports facilities used for rugby development

Rugby Shops and Equipment in East Riding

For equipment and merchandise, East Riding offers several options:

Club Shops – Beverley, Driffield, and Bridlington RUFCs all have shops selling basic equipment and club merchandise
Rackhams Sports – Specialist equipment in Beverley town center
Sports Direct – Store at Flemingate Shopping Centre in Beverley
Boyes Department Store – Basic rugby equipment in branches across East Riding
Hull Rugby Stores – Specialist shops just a short journey from East Riding

Rugby Academies and Coaching in East Riding

Dedicated players can access specialized coaching through:

Hull FC Community Foundation – Development programs operating in East Riding
Yorkshire Carnegie Development Centers – Union talent identification across the region
Bishop Burton College Rugby Academy – Elite educational program with excellent facilities
East Riding Active Schools Rugby – School-based programs across the district
Private Rugby Coaching – Several professional coaches offer one-to-one sessions across East Riding, particularly in Beverley and Driffield areas

Alternative Rugby Formats in East Riding

Beyond traditional rugby, East Riding offers:

Touch Rugby – Non-contact leagues run at Beaver Park and Kelleythorpe during summer
Tag Rugby – Popular in schools and summer leagues across the region
Walking Rugby – Sessions for older players at Beverley and Bridlington RUFCs
Beach Rugby – Summer events on Bridlington and Withernsea beaches

Whether you’re searching for junior rugby clubs in Beverley, women’s teams in Driffield, or walking rugby in Bridlington, East Riding’s diverse rugby landscape offers opportunities for everyone. Against the backdrop of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds, the magnificent Beverley Minster, and the picturesque coastline, rugby continues to thrive across this quintessentially English region, welcoming players from toddlers to veterans in clubs with over a century of combined heritage.