Rugby in London: Complete Guide to Clubs, Pitches & Training for All Ages
The Ultimate Resource for Rugby in London and Surrounding Areas
London offers a thriving rugby scene with clubs, training facilities, and shops catering to players of all ages and abilities across the capital. Whether you’re looking for junior rugby teams, women’s rugby clubs, or professional coaching, London’s rugby community has something for everyone.
Premier Rugby Clubs in London
London boasts several top-tier rugby clubs with excellent facilities and programs:
Harlequins – Based at the iconic Twickenham Stoop in southwest London, offering academy programs and community sessions for all ages.
Saracens – Located in North London at the StoneX Stadium in Hendon, with extensive youth development pathways.
London Irish – Recently returned to London with home games at the Brentford Community Stadium, providing training programs across west London.
Ealing Trailfinders – An ambitious club in West London with outstanding facilities and community engagement.
Rugby for Children and Juniors
Finding age-appropriate rugby coaching for children is easy across London:
Rugby Tots – Sessions for 2-7 year olds available in numerous London locations including Wimbledon, Richmond, and Hampstead, introducing rugby fundamentals through play.
Mini Rugby – Most London clubs offer mini rugby for 6-11 year olds, including Blackheath RFC, Rosslyn Park, and Richmond RFC.
Junior Rugby Clubs – Dedicated junior sections at clubs like Wasps FC, Old Alleynians, and Battersea Ironsides provide structured development for 12-18 year olds.
Tag Rugby – Non-contact introduction to the sport available at Hackney RFC, Hampstead RFC, and through Try Tag Rugby across the capital.
Women’s and Girls’ Rugby in London
Female rugby is flourishing across London with dedicated teams and beginner sessions:
Women’s Rugby Clubs – Established teams at Wasps Ladies, Richmond Women, and Hackney Women offer competitive rugby for experienced players.
Beginner Women’s Rugby – Clubs like Hammersmith & Fulham, Hampstead, and London Welsh provide introductory sessions for adult beginners.
Girls’ Rugby Teams – Youth pathways at Blackheath, Old Alleynians, and Saracens offer dedicated training for girls from age 6 upwards.
Rugby Pitches and Training Facilities
London features excellent rugby facilities across the city:
Richmond Athletic Ground – Historic rugby venue hosting London Scottish and Richmond RFC with multiple pitches.
Rosslyn Park RFC – Extensive facilities in Roehampton with both grass and artificial surfaces.
Hurlingham Park – Fulham’s premier rugby location, home to Hammersmith & Fulham RFC.
Hackney Marshes – East London’s largest playing fields with dedicated rugby pitches.
Honor Oak Park – South London facility hosting Southwark Tigers and community rugby sessions.
Specialist Rugby Training
For those seeking personalized development:
Private Rugby Coaching – One-to-one sessions available through the RFU-accredited coaches network across London.
Rugby Academies – Specialized training at London Irish Academy, Harlequins Academy, and independent providers like Ultimate Rugby Coaching.
Rugby Camps – School holiday programs at Twickenham Stadium, Saracens StoneX Stadium, and local clubs throughout London boroughs.
Rugby Shops in London
Find specialist equipment and merchandise at:
Pro Direct Rugby – Comprehensive range of boots, training gear, and match equipment in Clapham.
Rugby Store Twickenham – Official England Rugby merchandise at Twickenham Stadium.
Lovell Rugby London – Specialist retailer with boots, protection, and team wear.
Rugby Across London Boroughs
South West London – Richmond, Twickenham, and Wimbledon offer the highest concentration of clubs including Barnes RFC, London Welsh, and Teddington RFC.
North London – Clubs like Hampstead, Finchley, and Haringey provide rugby in boroughs including Barnet, Camden, and Enfield.
East London – Growing rugby scene with East London RFC, Millwall RFC, and Hackney RFC serving Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Hackney.
South East London – Strong rugby tradition with Blackheath (the world’s oldest rugby club), Old Alleynians, and Charlton Park in Greenwich, Lewisham, and Bromley.
West London – Ealing, Hammersmith, and Chiswick host clubs including Ealing Trailfinders, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Chiswick RFC.
London’s rugby landscape benefits from its proximity to the home of English rugby at Twickenham Stadium, inspiring players from tots to veterans. The capital’s diverse rugby offering reflects the sport’s inclusive values, with touch rugby, walking rugby, and wheelchair rugby ensuring there are opportunities for everyone to experience this quintessentially British sport across London’s vibrant communities.