Rugby in Leeds: Complete Guide to Clubs, Pitches & Training for All Ages
Your Comprehensive Resource for Rugby Across Leeds and West Yorkshire
Leeds offers a thriving rugby scene with numerous clubs, training facilities, and pitches throughout the city and surrounding areas of West Yorkshire. From professional teams to grassroots clubs, Leeds provides rugby opportunities for all ages and abilities, whether you’re looking for youth teams, women’s rugby, or specialized coaching.
Leading Rugby Clubs in Leeds
Leeds boasts several established rugby clubs with excellent facilities and programs:
Leeds Tykes – Formerly known as Yorkshire Carnegie, based at The Sycamores in Bramhope, offering teams across multiple age groups and a respected academy system.
Headingley RUFC – Historic club in north Leeds with comprehensive junior and senior sections and excellent facilities at Headingley Sports Ground.
Roundhegians RFC – Community-focused club in Roundhay with teams from minis to veterans and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Old Modernians RFC – Based in north Leeds offering rugby for various age groups with well-maintained playing surfaces at Cookridge Lane.
Yarnbury RFC – Located in Horsforth with excellent youth development programs and strong senior teams competing in Yorkshire leagues.
Rugby for Children and Juniors in Leeds
Leeds provides excellent opportunities for young players to begin their rugby journey:
Rugby Tots Leeds – Programs for 2-7 year olds across the city including Moortown, Headingley, and Horsforth, introducing rugby basics through play-based activities.
Mini Rugby – Sessions for 6-11 year olds at clubs including West Park Leeds RUFC, Moortown RUFC, and Leeds Corinthians RUFC with age-appropriate skill development.
Junior Rugby – Structured training and matches for 12-18 year olds at Bramley Phoenix RFC, Leeds Salem RUFC, and Old Leodiensians RFC with clear pathways to senior rugby.
Tag Rugby – Non-contact introduction available at RFU-affiliated clubs throughout Leeds including Morley RFC and Wharfedale RUFC.
Women’s and Girls’ Rugby in Leeds
Female rugby participation is flourishing across Leeds with multiple opportunities:
Women’s Rugby Teams – Competitive squads at West Park Leeds Women, Yarnbury Ladies, and Leeds University Women’s RFC catering to experienced players.
Beginners Women’s Rugby – Inclusive introductory sessions at Roundhegians, Bramley Phoenix, and Otley RFC welcoming newcomers to the sport.
Girls’ Rugby Development – Dedicated programs at Headingley RUFC, West Park Leeds, and Old Brodleians RFC providing girls-only coaching from age 6 upwards.
Rugby Pitches and Facilities in Leeds
Leeds features outstanding rugby facilities throughout the city:
Headingley Stadium – Home to Leeds Rhinos Rugby League with world-class facilities occasionally used for union matches and events.
West Park Leeds – Extensive grounds at The Sycamores with multiple pitches and modern clubhouse facilities.
Roundhay Park – Leeds’ largest park with dedicated rugby pitches used by local clubs and schools.
John Charles Centre for Sport – Modern sports complex with rugby facilities and training areas in south Leeds.
University of Leeds Sports Park – Excellent playing surfaces at Weetwood Pavilion supporting university and community rugby.
Specialist Rugby Training in Leeds
For those seeking personalized development:
Private Rugby Coaching – One-to-one sessions available through Leeds Rugby Development Group and independent coaches across the city.
Rugby Academies – Elite pathway opportunities through the Leeds Tykes Academy and Leeds Rhinos AASE program at Woodhouse Grove School.
Rugby Camps – School holiday programs at clubs throughout Leeds including Morley RFC, Otley RFC, and West Park Leeds during half terms and summer breaks.
Rugby Equipment and Shops in Leeds
Find specialist rugby gear and equipment at:
Leeds Rugby Store – Located at Headingley Stadium offering high-quality boots, protection gear, and club merchandise.
Lovell Rugby Leeds – Comprehensive range of rugby equipment in north Leeds including footwear, team wear, and training accessories.
DW Sports Leeds – At the White Rose Shopping Centre with a dedicated rugby section for essential kit and boots.
Rugby Across Leeds Suburbs
Headingley and Meanwood – North Leeds areas with strong rugby tradition at Headingley RUFC and active university teams.
Horsforth and Cookridge – Northwestern suburbs served by Yarnbury RFC and Old Modernians with excellent youth sections.
Roundhay and Moortown – Northeast Leeds with Roundhegians RFC and Moortown RUFC offering inclusive rugby programs.
Morley and South Leeds – Southern areas with Morley RFC and Leeds Corinthians providing rugby for all age groups.
Otley and Wharfedale – Just outside Leeds with strong rugby clubs including Otley RUFC and Wharfedale RUFC offering comprehensive programs.
Leeds’ rugby landscape reflects the city’s sporting heritage, with Headingley Stadium hosting both rugby league and union fixtures over its illustrious history. The city’s connection to rugby runs deep, from the famous Leeds Rhinos rugby league team to the grassroots union clubs that develop talent across the region. Whether you’re looking for walking rugby sessions for older players, touch rugby for casual participation, or competitive match play, Leeds’ vibrant rugby community embraces players of all backgrounds. From the Victorian architecture of Headingley to the modern city center and leafy suburbs, Leeds offers rugby enthusiasts outstanding facilities and a passionate community that celebrates Yorkshire’s proud sporting traditions.