History


The Club was formed in 1920, playing its first matches at Dunmow Road before moving to the present location at Silver Leys in 1928. The current Clubhouse was re-opened in 1985 when an international select XV took on the First XV - and lost, although the score is lost in the folklore of the Club, where individual "wins" over current internationals never fade into the dark! Bishop's Stortford adjusted quickly to the establishment of League rugby for 1st XVs in 1987, winning promotion into London Two North in the very first season. It was decided that a period of consolidation was then called for and, after 15 years of this(!), always in the top half of the table and with very many near misses, promotion to London One (level 5) was finally won in 2003.

In 2012 London One was renamed National 3 London & the South East and the change of name was obviously to our liking because in 2013 after 10 years of gradual progress we finally achieved promotion again as champions after overtaking long time leaders Dorking RFC in the penultimate game of the season and sealing the title on a never to be forgotten Sunny April day at Home in front of a crowd of approx 1500 against Old Elthamians RFC.

We spent four seasons at level Four National 2 South 2013 -2017 never finishing outside the top three before finally sealing promotion to National One by defeating Exmouth away to be crowned Champions in the 2016/17 season

The Blues or 2nd XV compete in the Zoo Shield Divison 1 league & also participate on our behalf in the Hertfordshire County Cup (which since 2012/13 has been restricted to teams at level 6 and below)The club won the former competition last in 2008 and our Blues repeated that success in 2013, 2016 & 2017

Our Thirds also particiapte in the Zoo leagues (Division 3) whilst our, Fourths & fifths participate in the Herts Middlesex Merit Tables This means that every team plays competitive, yet social rugby most Saturdays, with some (so-called!)friendlies thrown in to complete the season.

The Colts team, who usually play on a Sunday, have been regular winners of the Hertfordshire County Colts Cup, most recently this season 2013/14)and County Colts Sevens Cup. They also compete in the National Colts Competition, which they won last season 2012/13

The Mini and Youth Sections continue to thrive, thanks to the commitment of many parent coaches and the determination of the Club to provide all possible support, particularly in the training of coaches. we currently have in the region of 600 children enjoying their rugby education at Stortford.

To paraphrase the most famous son of the club England and British lions Hero Ben Clarke, we have games at all levels for any age, size, ability and fitness - join us now, be part of the Club and prove it!