Rugby in Oldham: Ultimate Guide to Local Clubs, Training & Youth Development
Discover Oldham’s thriving rugby scene, where league and union traditions blend in the shadow of the iconic Oldham Athletic ground. From the historic Watersheddings legacy to modern facilities across the borough, Oldham offers comprehensive rugby opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Professional Rugby in Oldham
Oldham RLFC (The Roughyeds)
The town’s professional rugby league club, steeped in history since 1876, offers:
- Home matches at Whitebank Stadium
- Professional pathway programs
- Community outreach initiatives
- Youth development schemes
Community Rugby Clubs
Oldham Rugby Union Club
Based at Manor Park in Waterhead, featuring:
- Two full-size pitches with floodlighting
- Modern clubhouse facilities
- Professional coaching structure
- Teams from U6 to senior level
Hollinwood ARLFC
Located at Chapel Road, providing:
- Community rugby league programs
- Junior development pathway
- All-weather training areas
Youth Rugby Development
Mini Rugby Programs
Comprehensive youth rugby across Oldham includes:
- Tots Rugby (Ages 2-4) at Manor Park
- Mini Rugby (Ages 5-11) multiple locations
- Junior Development Centers in Royton and Shaw
- School holiday rugby camps
School Partnerships
Active rugby programs at:
- Oldham Sixth Form College
- The Radclyffe School
- Newman RC College
- Crompton House School
Women’s and Girls’ Rugby
Growing female participation includes:
- Oldham St Annes Women’s Team
- Girls’ development squads (U13, U15, U18)
- Beginners’ touch rugby sessions
- Ladies fitness rugby groups
Rugby Facilities Across Oldham
Main Training Grounds
- Manor Park – Primary rugby complex
- Chapel Road Playing Fields
- Whitebank Stadium facilities
- Crompton Cricket Club (shared facility)
Indoor Training Venues
- Oldham Leisure Centre
- Royton & Crompton Sports Centre
- Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre
Rugby Equipment and Shops
Local rugby equipment retailers:
- Sports Direct – Spindles Shopping Centre
- JD Sports – Town Square Shopping Centre
- Roughyeds Club Shop – Whitebank Stadium
Rugby in Key Oldham Districts
Royton
Active rugby community utilizing Royton & Crompton facilities.
Shaw
Regular training sessions and youth development programs.
Saddleworth
Growing rugby presence with multiple training locations.
Chadderton
Community rugby initiatives at North Chadderton School.
Getting Started with Rugby in Oldham
Multiple entry points for new players include:
- Beginner sessions for all ages
- Touch rugby introductions
- Walking rugby for over 50s
- One-to-one coaching options
Special Programs
Unique rugby opportunities include:
- Half-term rugby camps
- Corporate team building
- Birthday party packages
- Rugby fitness classes
Contact individual clubs for current training schedules and membership information. Most Oldham clubs offer free taster sessions and beginner-friendly introduction packages. The borough’s strong community focus ensures a welcoming environment for players of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes.