Welcome to Bishop's Stortford Rugby Club
🏉 Our History
A Proud Beginning (1920–1928)
Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Football Club was founded in 1920, with its earliest matches played at Dunmow Road. In 1928, the Club moved to its current home at Silver Leys, where generations of players have since worn the blue and white with pride.
A Clubhouse Reborn (1985)
The Clubhouse was re-opened in 1985 with a celebratory match between the First XV and an International Select XV. While the score has faded into legend, tales of individual triumphs over international stars remain part of Club folklore.
League Rugby and Steady Rise (1987–2003)
With the introduction of League Rugby in 1987, the Club quickly found its footing, earning promotion to London Two North in the very first season. A long period of consistency followed, with the team regularly finishing in the top half of the table. After 15 years of near misses, promotion to London One (Level 5) was finally secured in 2003.
Champions Again (2012–2013)
In 2012, the league was renamed National 3 London & South East. The change seemed to suit us—by 2013, after a decade of steady progress, we were crowned champions. The title was clinched in front of a crowd of 1,500 at Silver Leys on a sunny April afternoon, defeating Old Elthamians RFC in a match to remember.
A New Era: National 2 South (2013–2014)
Our first season at Level 4 brought early challenges, but the team rallied. Post-Christmas, we became one of the league’s form sides, finishing an incredible 3rd overall after a final-day victory over league winners Hartpury College RFC.
💪 Beyond the First XV
The Blues (2nd XV)
Competing in the Zoo Shield Division 2 North, the Blues also represent the Club in the Hertfordshire County Cup (restricted to Level 6 and below since 2012/13). They lifted the Cup in 2008 and again in 2013, finishing runners-up in 2014.
Thirds, Fourths & Fifths
Our Thirds and Fourths play in the Herts Middlesex Merit Tables, while the Fifths are currently on a temporary break due to player shortages. Across all teams, we maintain a strong tradition of competitive yet social rugby every Saturday.
🐎 Colts Rugby
Our Colts (U18s), playing mostly on Sundays, are regular winners of the Hertfordshire County Colts Cup and Sevens Cup. They also compete nationally, having won the National Colts Competition in 2012/13.
🌱 Mini & Youth Rugby
Our Mini and Youth Sections are thriving, with around 600 children learning and enjoying rugby at Stortford. This success is thanks to the dedication of parent-coaches and the Club’s commitment to training and development.
🏃🏻♀️ Women and Girls Section
The women's section has witnessed remarkable expansion in recent times. Following their triumphant promotion in the 2024–2025 season, the ambition turned toward further consolidation and growth. By the close of the 2025–2026 campaign, efforts were well underway to establish a regularly fielded Second XV, marking another significant milestone in the section’s development.
🗣️ Join the Legacy
As England and British Lions legend Ben Clarke, one of our proudest alumni, once said:
“We have games at all levels for any age, size, ability and fitness – join us now, be part of the Club and prove it!”
