Dursley RFC History
Club History
The first record of rugby in Dursley was when Dursley RFC was formed in September 1888, initially playing their matches on Stinchcombe Hill.
It would appear that soon after they transferred to the cricket field, which is now better known as the Recreation Field. There is a record of a match being played there in April 1889 against Sharpness in front of crowd of 200.
In 1892 Dursley RFC amalgamated with Cotswold Rovers, the players being drawn from the surrounding area. In 1898 a "Dursley" player received a medal for winning the Mid Gloucestershire Rugby Football Cup, the team he played for is unknown.
Dursley RFC 1898-99
Dursley RFC
A meeting was held at the Star Inn in July 1903 where it was agreed to revive the Dursley team.
Dursley RFC appears to have survived into the 1930s'. About which time R.A. Lister formed a rugby club, eligible players being employees or members of Lister Social Club. For a spell both teams existed and played each other. At some time the Dursley team ceased to exist, leaving "Dursley Rugby" to Listers.
Dursley RFC was again reformed in 1953 due to the efforts of Ron Martin. Following their formation, matches were played on the Recreation Field, but the team is now based at Stinchcombe where they have several successful teams including junior sides.
This senior club has continued to run 3 teams regularly on a Saturday in recent years at a time when many clubs throughout Gloucestershire (including Gloucester city itself) have struggled to maintain 2.
Dursley RFC 2004/05
During the current season 2004/05 this section has begun to run a fourth team for the first time since the early 1990s, and this is expected to continue during season 2005/06 and beyond.
This reflects the enthusiasm for rugby in the local area, and the sound management of the club, which has worked hard to retain and recruit players.
The Dursley Ladies Rugby Club was formed in the late 1990s, and represents a highly valued and enthusiastic section, which greatly adds to the infrastructure of the club as a whole.
