Who we are
Bridport Rugby Club is a small local club, whose primary purpose is the promotion of rugby football union throughout our local community. We currently provide our facilities and services to around 250 players from 6 years of age up to 50.
In 1968 a then 26-year-old David Williams saw an advert in the local paper by John Osborne who was looking to set up a local men’s rugby team. The two arranged to meet in the Seven Stars pub on Barrack Street where they thrashed out a plan to create a brand new rugby club for the people of Bridport.
Shortly afterwards they formed a squad to play their first season at Colfox school, using the school gym for training. The first 'clubhouse' was the Marquis of Lorne public house in Nettlecombe.
With the first season completed the club moved to a new home - The Brewery Ground. The club shared the old cricket pavilion with Bridport Cricket Club which had one cold shower. The rugby club built an extension, installed a plunge bath and built a bar (obviously).
Colts 1981/82
Decades passed and the club grew from strength to strength and soon had both a second team and a Colts section. Still, however, they all shared the cold and damp cricket pavilion that they called a clubhouse. In 1989, former first-team player Malcolm Heaver stepped up to the position of Club Chairman. Malcolm held the position for 11 years and is largely responsible for how the club looks and runs today.
Old clubhouse and New clubhouse being built.
Malcolm was passionate about providing somewhere for the club to be proud to watch their club as the old clubhouse was ‘a real dive’. The chairman and his printer went to all ends to raise the funds needed to get the project underway for the club to have a clubhouse they could call their own. With enough money raised, construction commenced in 1992 in conjunction with the building of the swimming pool. A year later, on the 24th October 1993, the clubhouse was opened
First Team 1993/94 outside the New clubhouse
In 1991 the club formed its junior section. Some of the first juniors that joined the club included a young Haydn Thomas who would later go on to play for the Exeter Chiefs, make one uncapped appearance for England and is the current attack and kick strategy coach for Exeter Chiefs. He recently took on the role of Defence Coach for England A. Later on current Bath and England U20 back row Ethan Staddon also started his rugby journey in the Bridport minis. In 2022 history was made again when the first girls team was formed.
Ethan Staddon (L) at a London Irish event
The first girls team in 2022 then U14.
In 2018 the club celebrated its 50th-anniversary.
Bridport RFC currently runs
First XV who play in the Counties 2 Tribute Dorset & Wilts South.
First Team trains on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with games on a Saturday.
Mini and Juniors (U7 - U18)
With over 250 mini and junior boys and girls Sunday is a very busy day at Bridport RFC.
U16's girls with their new kit supplied in 2024
U12's at the 2025 Defender Premiership Rugby Cup
A muddy away day - but still smiling
Why we are Crowdfunding
In 2025 the club is looking to raise money to build a terrace on the side of the clubhouse. This is to extend the space the club can offer to enhance the supporter experience on matchday as well as for private and club events.
- Our new terrace and enhanced clubhouse will be offered for use to everyone within our local community, although on match days it will be used by our players and supporters. Indeed, our existing facilities are already used by other sports & hobby clubs, although the new development will provide a much better environment for everyone.
- With your help we want to provide a valuable asset for the club, the town and the local community.
- We want to make the matchday experience better for everyone who wants to come and support Bridport RFC either at first team level, Junior or Mini.
How will we spend the money raised
- The money raised will go towards building the terrace and enhancing the clubhouse, making it a community centre available to all.
- It will also be used to modernise existing facilities such as the kitchen, changing rooms, and current communal areas.
- Work on the new terrace is expected to start in Spring/Summer 2026 with a view to be available for use by October 2026.
Along with the crowdfunding we have kindly be gifted a generous donation by Trevor & Diane Matthews.
Trevor and Diane Matthews, fondly known as Trev and Di throughout Bridport Rugby Club were stalwarts during the 1970/ 80s. Trevor played for both first and second teams and Diane worked hard in the kitchen preparing meals for the teams. During the week Di helped others in cleaning and tidying up the old clubhouse.
Trev was a self-employed metal fabricator and welder who worked hard and played even harder. He had two nicknames, off the rugby field he was ‘Clever Trevor‘ as he could turn his hand to almost anything ,from repairing tractors , shinning fish/game and many other skills relating to country matters. On the field however he was 'GBH' as he took no prisoners, yellow carded more than most he was determined to win at almost any cost. He was a hard player but Trevor always played a clean game and the first to shake hands after the match with his opposite number.
When Trev hung up his rugby playing boots, he coached the club colts and took up one of his ambitions to become an amateur referee.
In his playing days he often questioned the refs decisions but when he started his refereeing career he received another accolade “Poacher becomes Gamekeeper“ as he resented criticism from players!
One rather amusing situation occurred in 1985 when Bridport RFC hosted a touring side from the USA. Trev was quietly appointed referee and the players were sworn to secrecy. Club President Peter Brook played in this game and can remember that Bridport never gained the lead. With very little time on the clock, we were 3 points down and needed a try to win. The second half went on forever and then against the run of play Bridport capitalised on a loose ball and scored a try. Trev immediately blew his whistle for full time therefore awarding the match to the home side by 2 points. A smile from ear to ear, well done Referee!
Bridport RFC has lost two wonderful friends in Trev and Di Matthews but their memory will remain with us forever and this terrace will be part of that legacy.
Thank you to club President Peter Brook for the basis of this write up.
Buy a brick for Bridport RFC
****** Buy a brick link ******
Bridport 1st XV in action in their away kit
How to play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Buy a Brick. You have the opportunity to leave a permanent mark within our new facilities.
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
1st XV at home - The Brewery Ground
Inside the Clubhouse during a 6 Nations match