Skipton Rugby Football Club

Skipton has one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country, having been founded in 1874 before even rugby league was created. At the time of rugby league being created the Skipton Club decided to continue playing rugby union, and rugby union has now been played in the town for 130 years, with the Skipton Club being the 21st oldest club in the UK from more than 1,000 clubs.

For many years the Skipton Club has played at Sandylands in the area now known as the Coulthurst Memorial Sports Ground, and the rugby club is adjacent to Skipton's Sports Centre and close to the railway station.

Skipton Rugby Club is said to have one of the best grounds in Yorkshire and the 1st Team pitch boasts covered stands on both sides for spectators. The Club also has two further pitches, one of which is flood-lit, which enables training for the adult teams to take place each Monday and Thurday evening.

Adult fixtures take place on a Saturday afternoon when three teams are fielded, with the 1st Team playing highly competitive rugby in Yorkshire League 2 and the other two teams playing friendly fixtures. The Club also has a very active junior/mini section who meet on a Sunday morning, where rugby is played by 6 year olds upwards.

The Club is totally amateur in its rugby activities and new players at all levels are always welcome. The management of the Club is carried out on a voluntary basis although the Club has a full-time Clubhouse Manager who looks after the extensive facilities which are used for outside functions in addition to being a focal point of Club life.

For more details about the Club telephone 01756 793148 on Mondays and Thurdays 7pm - 10pm or Saturdays 12 noon - 7pm, or on the website: www.skiptonrfc.co.uk

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