Nottingham R.F.C.
Nottingham Rugby Football Club (NRFC), commonly referred to as Nottingham Rugby, is a professional rugby union club based in Nottingham, England, that competes in the RFU Championship, the second tier of the English rugby union system. Founded in 1877, it is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country and plays its home matches at The Bay in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, a venue with a capacity of 3,500 spectators. The club, nicknamed The Archers since 2022, emphasizes its rich heritage, community engagement, and development of professional talent through partnerships such as with Nottingham Trent University.[1][2][3] Established by Alexander Birkin as Notts Rugby Football Club, NRFC has undergone several name changes, including Notts Rugby Union Football Club from 1895 to 1903, Notts Rugby Football Club from 1903 to 1974, and Nottingham Rugby Football Club since 1974. The club has relocated multiple times, from early grounds to Ireland Avenue (1904–2006), Meadow Lane (2006–2015), and finally to The Bay since 2015, where it shares facilities with other sports organizations in Nottingham's sporting hub. Historically, NRFC achieved early success by winning the Midland Counties Senior Cup in 1906 and reached the second round of the RFU Club Competition in 1972. It pioneered innovations in the sport, becoming the first club to appoint an official coach—Dai Roberts—in 1966 and using a white ball in a match against Bradford in 1951. The club has produced notable international players, including England's Dusty Hare and Rob Andrew, contributing to its reputation for nurturing talent during its time in the top tier before professionalism in 1996.[2][3] In the modern era, NRFC rejoined the Championship (then National League 1) in 2004 after a period of challenges post-professionalism and has maintained competitive status in the second division. A highlight came in the 2012–13 season, when the team finished second in the Championship—its highest league position in over 20 years—qualifying for the promotion play-offs under player-coach Tim Streather, who won the league's top individual award that year. Under head coach Craig Hammond since 2021, with his contract extended to 2027, the club focuses on squad development, youth pathways, and community programs, including touch rugby initiatives and event hosting at The Bay, while aiming to return to the Premiership.[2][4]Club overview
Formation and early years
Nottingham R.F.C., originally known as Notts Rugby Football Club, was founded in 1877 by Alexander "Alick" Birkin, a 16-year-old who had recently returned to Nottingham from Rugby School, where he had been introduced to the sport. Birkin assembled a group of local friends to form the team, marking the establishment of organized rugby in the city. The club played early fixtures against regional opponents, initiating its competitive history.[5] In its formative years, the club experienced rapid growth, affiliating with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) shortly after formation, which provided formal recognition and structure to its operations. The club established enduring regional rivalries, including with Leicester and Northampton, in the early 1880s. These encounters helped solidify the club's presence in the Midlands rugby scene and fostered competitive traditions that persist today.[5][6] The Birkin family played a pivotal role in the club's early development, with various members serving as presidents, players, and influential figures from 1877 until 1956. Alexander Birkin's leadership set a foundation of commitment, while siblings and relatives like Leslie Birkin contributed through involvement in governance and facilities, such as the donation of the Ireland Avenue ground in 1904. This familial dedication underscored the club's identity during its nascent decades, supporting steady expansion amid the growing popularity of rugby union in England. The Birkin family's involvement continued until 1956.[7]Name, colours, and identity
Nottingham Rugby Football Club, often abbreviated as Nottingham RFC, traces its naming origins to its founding in 1877 as Notts Rugby Football Club, reflecting the historical shorthand for Nottinghamshire. The club's name evolved through variations, including Notts Rugby Union Football Club from 1895 to 1903 and Notts Rugby Football Club from 1903 to 1974, before adopting its current form, Nottingham Rugby Football Club, in 1974 to emphasize its direct ties to the city. The Birkin family, prominent local figures, played a pivotal role in the club's early identity formation from its inception through the mid-20th century.[3] The club's primary colours have been green and white hoops since its establishment in 1877, a design that quickly became emblematic of the team. This distinctive kit pattern led to the adoption of the nickname "Green & Whites" in the late 1880s, which endured as the primary moniker until 2022. In 2022, the club transitioned to the nickname "The Archers," aligning with Nottingham's legendary association with Robin Hood and archery heritage. As of 2025, the club's kit is supplied by PlayerLayer, maintaining the traditional green and white hoop motif for home matches while incorporating modern performance fabrics. As of 2025, the "Archers" nickname remains in use.[3][8][9] Supporter culture emphasizes community engagement and a vibrant atmosphere at home games at The Bay.[10][3]History
Pre-professional era (1877–1995)
During the inter-war period, Nottingham R.F.C. experienced notable expansion, including the construction of dedicated changing rooms at their Ireland Avenue ground in 1929, funded through club efforts and local support. This development reflected growing membership and competitive ambitions within the amateur framework, amid ongoing challenges like frequent flooding from the nearby River Trent. The club achieved multiple successes in regional competitions, including victories in county cups such as the Notts, Lincs & Derbys Senior Cup and strong performances in sevens tournaments during the 1930s and 1950s, which bolstered their reputation in the Midlands rugby scene.[7][11][12] Post-World War II rebuilding efforts centered on restoring stability and competitiveness, with the club settling firmly at Ireland Avenue and gradually overcoming wartime disruptions to player availability and facilities. By the 1950s and 1960s, Nottingham established dominance in regional leagues and cups, consistently finishing at the top of the Midlands Merit Table and contributing players to representative sides. This era saw the emergence of key talents, setting the stage for national recognition, while the amateur ethos emphasized community involvement and local rivalries rooted in the club's early founding influences.[3][13] The 1980s marked the peak of Nottingham's amateur success, with Nottingham placed in the inaugural National Division 1, where they finished 8th in the 1987–88 season. The club attracted high-caliber players, including England hooker Brian Moore, who featured prominently from 1987 to 1990 and earned 25 caps while at the club, and full-back Simon Hodgkinson, whose club debut came in September 1987 and who debuted internationally for England in 1989. These stars helped drive consistent top-tier performances, with the team reaching multiple national knockout quarter-finals and semi-finals between 1984 and 1991.[13][7][14][15][16][17] As the 1990s progressed under lingering amateur restrictions, Nottingham encountered mounting challenges, including financial strains from limited revenue streams and the difficulty of retaining talent against emerging professional opportunities elsewhere. These pressures contributed to near-misses in the national leagues, such as close calls for promotion and eventual relegation from National Division 1 in 1992, amid broader economic difficulties facing elite English clubs in the pre-professional transition.[18][14][13]Professional development and challenges (1996–present)
The transition to professionalism in English rugby union began in earnest in 1995, with Nottingham R.F.C. introducing professional contracts in 1996 as part of the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) new league structure. This shift allowed the club to compete at higher levels with salaried players, building on the strong amateur foundations laid in the 1980s. Nottingham remained in Division 2 from their 1992 relegation until 1997, when they suffered further relegation to National League 1 under coach Mike Harrison.[19][20] The early 2000s marked a period of instability for the club, characterized by financial pressures and on-field struggles in the lower tiers. After stabilizing in National League 1 following relegation, Nottingham faced a critical relegation battle in the 2002–03 season, entering their final match in the drop zone after a poor run of form with only three wins in their last 15 games. They ultimately finished 11th and were relegated to National League 2, prompting significant squad and coaching changes. The club responded swiftly, achieving promotion back to National League 1 (now the Championship's predecessor) by finishing second in National League 2 during the 2003–04 season, just one point behind champions Sedgley Park. This yo-yo status reflected broader challenges in sustaining professional operations amid limited RFU funding and regional competition. Following relegation from Division 2 in 1996–97, Nottingham competed in lower national leagues until promotion from National League 2 in 2003–04. They have remained in the RFU Championship since its inception in 2009.[21][22][23][13] By the 2010s, Nottingham had established a consistent presence in the RFU Championship, the second tier of English rugby, avoiding major relegation threats while occasionally challenging for promotion playoffs. The club finished as runners-up in the 2012–13 season, reaching the semi-finals but falling short of Premiership promotion. Survival in the league intensified in 2023 amid RFU negotiations over promotion and relegation structures, with Nottingham securing their Championship status through mid-table finishes and adherence to new financial regulations. In the 2024–25 season, the club finished 7th in the RFU Championship, demonstrating improvement through strategic recruitment and enhanced training facilities.[8][24] The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted operations in 2020, leading to the cancellation of the 2019–20 season and substantial revenue losses across the Championship. Compounding this, the RFU halved funding to approximately £288,000 per club for 2020–21, forcing Nottingham to slash their budget by 40% and transition to a part-time professional model, with many players balancing rugby commitments with external employment. Recovery efforts by 2025 emphasized community engagement, with programs like the Roadgas Female Community Rugby initiative and inclusive coaching sessions fostering grassroots participation and rebuilding local ties post-pandemic. These initiatives not only aided financial stabilization but also enhanced the club's role in regional development, aligning with RFU priorities for sustainable growth.[25][26][27]Facilities and operations
Current ground and facilities
Nottingham R.F.C.'s current home is Lady Bay Sports Ground, affectionately known as "The Bay," located at 1 Holme Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5AA. The club has utilized the site as its training base since 2006, with home matches relocating there full-time from Meadow Lane starting in January 2015 to better align with operational needs and foster a stronger community presence.[21][28] The ground has a capacity of 3,500 spectators and features floodlights that enable evening fixtures, including the popular "Friday night lights" matchday experience. A covered stand was constructed in 2015 to accommodate fans, enhancing viewing options alongside grass banking areas. The venue is shared with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, which uses it for second-team and representative matches, Nottingham Corsairs RFC, Boots PLC, and associated sports clubs such as Boots Hockey, promoting multi-sport usage in the area.[29][1][30] Facilities include multiple grass pitches, an astroturf surface for all-weather training, and an on-site gym transformed into a high-performance center equipped for strength and conditioning. Matchday amenities emphasize accessibility and engagement, with VIP hospitality packages offering premium seating, dining, and exclusive access for up to 500 guests, alongside fan zones for casual viewing and community events. Situated approximately 2 miles from Nottingham city center, The Bay provides convenient access via the A52 and public transport, with on-site parking available for £10 per vehicle on matchdays.[31][32][33][34]Previous grounds and relocations
Nottingham R.F.C. was established in 1877 and initially played matches at various temporary venues across Nottingham, including the White Hart Ground in Lenton during the 1882/83 and 1884/85 to 1885/86 seasons, Muskham Street in 1883/84, the Navigation Inn Ground in Meadow Lane in 1886/87, the East End of the Railway Station in Beeston from 1888/89 to 1891/92, the Castle Ground from 1892/93 to 1893/94, and the Amateurs Ground on Loughborough Road in West Bridgford from 1897/98 to 1903/04.[3] In 1904, the club secured a permanent home at Ireland Avenue in Beeston, initially leased for £25 per year from the Birkin family before being gifted to the club around 1934, providing stability amid the need for a dedicated rugby facility as the sport grew in the region.[17][35] A covered stand was constructed there in 1909 for approximately £800, accommodating a few hundred spectators, with further developments including improved drainage in the 1980s following chronic flooding issues.[35][17] Ireland Avenue hosted key fixtures, including international youth matches and cup games, and served as the base during the club's successful late 1980s period, fostering strong community ties through thriving minis, juniors, and ladies sections.[35][36] Facing financial pressures from the shift to professionalism in the mid-1990s, the club sold Ireland Avenue to housing developers in 2004, leading to an initial temporary ground-sharing arrangement at Meadow Lane, home of Notts County F.C., for the 2004–2006 seasons while finalizing the relocation.[21][7] This move was driven by the need for revenue to support professional operations and modernize facilities, though it marked the end of over a century at the historic site. From the 2006/07 season through 2014/15, Nottingham fully relocated to Meadow Lane as a ground-share, benefiting from its larger infrastructure but facing challenges in drawing consistent crowds compared to the intimate atmosphere of Ireland Avenue.[3][37] The relocations preserved operational continuity but shifted community engagement, with the 1980s-era bonds at Ireland Avenue evoking nostalgia during the transitions.[35]Achievements
League and promotion history
Nottingham Rugby Football Club entered the national league system in the 1987–88 season following promotion from the regional Merit Tables to the Courage League National Division One, marking the start of their competitive trajectory in structured English rugby union competitions.[21] The club competed in Division One from 1987 to 1991, achieving finishes of 8th and 4th in their first two seasons before relegation to Division Two at the end of 1990–91. They remained in Division Two from 1991–92 to 1996–97, with consistent mid-table finishes, before earning promotion to the top-tier Courage League Division 1 for the 1997–98 season; however, they finished last and were immediately relegated back to the second tier, then known as the Jewson National League 1.[20] The early professional era brought challenges, including a near-relegation scare in the 2002–03 National Division 2 season, where Nottingham narrowly avoided dropping to the regional leagues after a poor run of form with only three wins in their final 15 matches.[21] Recovery followed with promotion from National Division 2 to National Division 1 (now the RFU Championship) at the end of the 2004–05 season, securing their place in the second tier for 2005–06, where they finished seventh in a competitive field.[38] The club's position stabilized in the second tier, though they remained in the Championship through the 2013–14 season, finishing 10th and avoiding any relegation threat. The 2009 RFU league restructuring reduced the Championship from 16 to 12 teams, impacting Nottingham by intensifying competition and requiring adaptation to a more compact format without direct relegation threats in the immediate term.[39] Their trajectory has featured multiple strong performances, including a best-ever second-place regular-season finish in the 2012–13 Championship—their highest league position in over 20 years—which qualified them for the promotion play-offs, and an 8th-place finish in the 2017–18 season.[40] In recent years, Nottingham has focused on survival and consolidation in the Championship, finishing 9th in 2022–23 with 43 points, safely mid-table. In 2023–24, they finished 10th. As of November 2025, in the 2024–25 season, Nottingham sit mid-table in the ongoing Championship (soon to be rebranded Champ Rugby for 2025–26), with no further promotions to the Premiership since their brief 1997–98 stint, amid evolving RFU structures that emphasize financial and performance criteria for upward mobility.[41]Cup and sevens honours
Nottingham R.F.C. has built a respected legacy in regional knockout competitions and sevens tournaments, particularly within the Midlands and invitational events, despite lacking major national cup triumphs. These achievements reflect the club's enduring strength in shorter-format play and local rivalries, often showcasing skillful, high-tempo rugby that has bolstered community ties and player development over decades. The club's sole recorded victory in a senior regional cup is the Midland Counties Senior Cup in the 1905–06 season, an early highlight that established Nottingham as a competitive force in divisional challenges during the pre-professional era.[11] In sevens rugby, Nottingham has excelled most prominently in the Noel Syson Cup, the annual Notts, Lincs & Derby Sevens tournament hosted at the club's grounds, amassing 14 titles that underscore a period of dominance in regional seven-a-side play. Wins occurred in 1935, 1936, 1943–45 (a consecutive run during wartime interruptions), 1949–52, 1955, 1959, 1965–67, 1970–76 (a remarkable seven-year streak), 1980–81, and 1983, with the 1970s successes particularly emblematic of the team's speed and tactical acumen. The 1943–45 victories were celebrated at a club victory dinner, highlighting their significance amid post-war recovery. The 1967 title featured contributions from players like M. Hare. These triumphs, often against local rivals like Lincoln and Derby sides, cemented Nottingham's status as a sevens powerhouse in the East Midlands.[12] Beyond regional events, Nottingham secured the Middlesex Sevens in 1944–45, a prestigious invitational tournament at Twickenham that drew elite English clubs and marked one of the club's standout invitational performances during World War II. This win contributed to a sequence of sevens successes that year, including the Noel Syson Cup.[42][43] The club also triumphed in the Selkirk Sevens during the 1990–91 season, an influential Scottish tournament known for its border rugby heritage and competitive fields from across the UK. This victory extended Nottingham's sevens reach internationally and highlighted their adaptability in invitational settings.[44]| Competition | Years Won |
|---|---|
| Midland Counties Senior Cup | 1905–06 |
| Noel Syson Cup (Notts, Lincs & Derby Sevens) | 1935, 1936, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1959, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1983 |
| Middlesex Sevens | 1944–45 |
| Selkirk Sevens | 1990–91 |
Current season
League standings
As of November 17, 2025, Nottingham R.F.C. sits in 5th place in the 2025–26 Champ Rugby, the professional second tier of English rugby union, after 6 matches played, recording 4 wins, 2 losses, a points difference of +28, and 23 total points.[45] The club's home record stands at 3 wins and 1 loss from 4 matches at Lady Bay Sports Ground, while away they have 1 win and 1 loss from 2 outings; notable contributions include top try-scorers driving the attack and points from conversions, where the fly-half has led the team.[46] Nottingham trails league leaders Ealing Trailfinders by 7 points (who have 30 points) but remains safely positioned above the relegation zone, with 14th-placed Cambridge on 4 points.[45] The season follows a 14-team format featuring a 26-match home-and-away round-robin, after which the top 6 teams advance to playoffs to determine the champions and promotion contenders.[41]Key matches and performance highlights
Nottingham Rugby began the 2025–26 RFU Championship season with a commanding 26–8 victory over Doncaster Knights in their home opener at Lady Bay on October 3, 2025, showcasing a dominant forward performance that secured an early bonus point through four tries.[47] This win set a positive tone, highlighting the team's improved lineout execution and defensive resilience under wet conditions. In November 2025, they followed with a 36–32 triumph against Cambridge away on November 1, marked by the debut of prop Charlie West, who contributed crucially to the scrum dominance and earned player-of-the-match honors for his impactful carries.[48][49][50] The fixture against Cornish Pirates on November 7, 2025, though a 28–36 loss, reflected growing fan support and the club's community engagement efforts. Tactically, head coach Craig Hammond has shifted towards expansive play, emphasizing offloads and wide attacks, with key contributions from the backline in broken-field runs.[51][52][53]Team and personnel
Current first-team squad
The Nottingham Rugby first-team squad for the 2025–26 season comprises 29 professional players, forming a core group with a blend of experience and youth. Approximately 66% of the squad are English nationals, supplemented by international talent from countries including New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Wales, Sweden, and the Netherlands, which brings diverse playing styles to the team. The average age stands at 26 years, reflecting a balanced roster capable of competing in the RFU Championship.[54]Forwards
The forward pack emphasizes physicality and set-piece strength, with props and locks providing a solid foundation in scrums and lineouts, while the back row offers mobility and breakdown expertise.| Position | Player | Nationality | Age | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prop | Ale Loman | Sweden | 25 | Powerful scrummager at 134 kg, known for his strength in tighthead contests. |
| Prop | Aniseko Sio | Samoa | 33 | Veteran loosehead with extensive experience in professional rugby. |
| Prop | Dan Richardson | England | 29 | Versatile prop contributing to both scrummaging and loose play. |
| Prop | Mink Scharink | Netherlands | 25 | Agile tighthead supporting front-row dynamics. |
| Prop | Oscar Stott | England | 24 | Emerging talent with potential in loosehead role. |
| Hooker | Arthur Allen | New Zealand | 25 | Dynamic hooker excelling in lineout throws and carrying. |
| Hooker | Ben Brownlie | England | 31 | Experienced leader in the hooker position, strong in mauls. |
| Hooker | Finn Theobald-Thomas | England | 22 | Young hooker developing accuracy in set pieces. |
| Hooker | Jack Dickinson | England | 26 | Reliable option for throwing and tackling. |
| Lock | Jay Ecclesfield | England | 22 | Athletic lock focusing on lineout and driving mauls. |
| Lock | Kody Vereti | Fiji | 30 | Physical presence in the second row with international caps. |
| Lock | Michael Etete | England | 28 | Solid tackler and carrier in the engine room. |
| Lock | Sam Green | England | 26 | Versatile lock contributing to restarts and defense. |
| Back Row | Iestyn Rees | Wales | 26 | Flanker with strong ball-carrying and work rate at breakdowns. |
| Back Row | Jacob Wright | England | 27 | No. 8 specializing in powerful runs and lineout support. |
| Back Row | James Cherry | England | 25 | Openside flanker noted for speed and turnover steals. |
Backs
The backline features speed and creativity, with a focus on quick ball distribution from the halves and potent attacking options in the three-quarters.| Position | Player | Nationality | Age | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrum-half | Josh Goodwin | England | 25 | Nimble distributor at 76 kg, effective in quick taps and support play. |
| Scrum-half | Will Yarnell | England | 25 | Accurate passer with good vision for offloads. |
| Fly-half | Evan Mitchell | England | 23 | Developing playmaker with strong kicking game. |
| Fly-half | Gwyn Parks | Wales | 27 | Creative pivot controlling tempo and territory. |
| Centre | Charlie Davies | England | 20 | Young inside centre with defensive solidity. |
| Centre | Kegan Christian-Goss | New Zealand | 25 | International flair in decision-making and distribution. |
| Centre | Levi Roper | England | 25 | Midfield defender and offloader. |
| Centre | Michael Green | New Zealand | 31 | Experienced outside centre with leadership qualities. |
| Wing | David Williams | England | 29 | Speedy finisher with try-scoring prowess. |
| Wing | Harry Graham | England | 28 | Versatile back with strong aerial skills. |
| Wing | Luke Rokomoce | Fiji | 27 | Explosive carrier breaking lines effectively. |
| Wing | Sam Mercer | England | 23 | Agile winger excelling in counter-attacks. |
| Fullback | Jack Stapley | England | 29 | Solid under high ball with counter-attacking ability. |