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Fylde RFC
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Fylde Rugby Union Club /ˈfaɪld/ is a rugby union club based in Lytham St Annes, on the Fylde coast in Lancashire, England. The home venue is the Woodlands Memorial Ground on Blackpool Road in Ansdell and the first team play in English rugby's National League 2 North, the fourth tier of the English rugby union system, following their relegation from National League 1 at the end of the 2017–18 season. There are another two senior teams, the Hawks and the Vandals, who play in the English North West Leagues, in the NW Premiership and NW3 North. There is also a Colts team. In previous seasons the Colts have played in the Lancashire & Cheshire regional leagues.

Key Information

History

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Overview

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Fylde Rugby Club was founded on 25 July 1919, literally on the toss of a coin when a group of Huddersfield businessmen met at Ansdell Institute to discuss the formation of either a rugby union or a football club. A coin was tossed and it fell in favour of rugby union. Hence the similarity in kit between clubs. The club grew steadily and achieved a strong fixture list by the 1960s and has been in the National Leagues since the league's inception in 1987.

It takes its name from The Fylde, a roughly 13-mile (20-kilometre) square-shaped peninsula, bounded by Morecambe Bay to the north, the Ribble estuary to the south, the Irish Sea to the west, and the Bowland hills to the east, with Blackpool to the north and Preston to the east.

Formative years

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In May, 1920 the present Woodlands site was first used for rugby. The admission was 5d and the first yearly gate receipts amounted to just over £57. In 1922, Harold Brooks was elected President and through his efforts Fylde progressed. He also provided the present stand. In 1924 the club was represented in the Lancashire team by players such as "Ham" Neville, who was capped 33 times, and "Pop" Ogden. The club was strengthened by the merger with Blackpool Old Boys in the 1934–35 season.

During the World War II, Fylde, along with many other clubs, had to close as the Army took over the ground. In 1946 the President, G.W. Parkes, welcomed back members from the war and by this time the ground had been purchased and named the Woodlands Memorial Ground in recognition of those members who gave their lives during the war.

Post-war years

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In the 1950s, the dressing rooms were built and Pop Ogden was elected President of Lancashire. Arthur Bell and Rothwell Bamber were given life memberships for their work with the club. Bell served for 34 years as the Honorary Secretary.

In 1964 the second England trial was held at Fylde and Sir Laurie Edwards opened the new pavilion extension and presented the club with a rugby union shield which is still on the clubhouse wall.

1969 was Fylde's jubilee year, when they were fielding six or seven teams every Saturday. The club's two most famous players were home grown, Malcolm Phillips and Bill Beaumont. Phillips, who attended Arnold School in Blackpool, won 25 England caps at centre between 1958 and 1964. He was President of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) from 2004 to 2005 and has served on the International Rugby Board (IRB) for a number of years. Beaumont was also a one club man having joined Fylde as a 17-year-old in 1969 and stayed with the club until injury forced him to retire in 1982. His father had also played for Fylde and he wrote suggesting that his son be given a trial. His first game was in the sixth team as fullback. With his size and his 6'3" height, he was very quickly made into a forward to play for the first team. He earned 34 England caps between 1975 and 1982, 21 of them as captain. This included leading the side to the Grand Slam in 1980, as well as skippering the 1980 British Lions tour to South Africa. In retirement he has remained in the public eye as a broadcaster and columnist. He is still a regular face at Fylde. He has also made major contribution to rugby administration in the United Kingdom and internationally as an IRB Member, with the RFU and he was manager of the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

In the same era, a young Roger Uttley, subsequently to skipper and then manage England, and Brian Ashton, England's Head Coach, also played for Fylde. Other more recent internationals associated with Fylde include England wingers Tony Swift and Simon Smith, who were capped in the 1980s after leaving the club and locks Steve Bainbridge and Wade Dooley, established internationals who won further caps whilst with Fylde.

England 'A' winger Mark Preston had a record of scoring 98 tries in 131 appearances. He subsequently made a similar impact in rugby league with Wigan and Halifax.

Present day

[edit]

As with many former top-flight clubs outside the Guinness Premiership, attendances at home matches have fallen in recent years. In the early 1990s, 2,000 spectators would watch local derbies with Preston Grasshoppers and as many as 5,000 attended in 1982 to see Bill Beaumont's XV play Lancashire, staged when he retired through injury. But the club still stages representative games such as the England v Scotland Under 19 international in January 2004 which attracted 2,500 spectators. There were 1,500 people at the Fylde v Preston Grasshoppers league match in December 2006.

Today, the teams still go onto the field wearing the colours of claret, gold and white, which were originally the colours of the Huddersfield Old Boys following the origins of Fylde’s formation by Huddersfield businessmen. The colours have not changed, although the design is now modernised.

Recent seasons have seen Fylde move between National Division One, National Division Two and more recently National Division Three North (from which the club gained promotion during the 2010–11 season). The club ran up significant debts in trying to compete in National One from 1997 to 1999 and had to sell a small portion of the Woodlands' grounds in order to re-establish financial health. With the receipts of the sale, a period of redevelopment of various facilities at Woodlands began in January 2005. The new clubhouse opened in October 2005 and can house more than 600 people.

The club finished in sixth place in National Division Three North in the 2003–04 season, fourth in 2004–05 and seventh in 2005–06. The club's then rugby management, including coaches Stuart Connell, who used to play for Fylde and Cumbria, Martin Scott, who played for Orrell, Fylde and Scotland, as well as Alistair Atkinson who played for Orrell and Sedgley Park. They planned a promotion bid back to National Division Two. Leading scorers in the 2005–06 season included skipper and fly-half Mike Scott with 300 points, and one of the top goal kickers in national rugby, winger Nick Royle with 16 tries and flanker Andy Atkinson with 11 tries. The Players' Player of the Season was Paul Newton who was appointed skipper for the 2006–07 season.

Like so many clubs, Fylde has struggled in the professional era to maintain a balance between a members' club, based on traditional local community values and structures, and a professional outfit able to compete for players, regionally and nationally. The club, following this era, reasserted itself as a community-oriented members' club, basically amateur, bringing together experienced players in the area, together with nurturing considerable local talent and a sprinkling of overseas players. Since this period of reorganisation the club has promoted and excelled promoting young local and regional players, along with the promotion of former mini junior players to drive the club forward providing an exciting attacking form of rugby and hence the more recent moniker of #runitfylde.

The club fields eleven mini/junior sides, a Junior Colts squad and three other senior teams, the Hawks, the Saracens and the Vandals. In more recent seasons the club has also promoted more community rugby teams to promote rugby across all ages and abilities such as walking rugby. It further has a flourishing community rugby set up to promote, encourage and develop rugby in the surrounding community especially in the more disadvantaged areas at both junior and senior level.

Apart from a new clubhouse completed in September 2005, the club has developed an all-weather pitch, upgraded facilities and non-rugby items and activities forming a core to the local and regional community.

Midway through the 2007–08 season the coaches Stuart Connell and Martin Scott were replaced with Mark Nelson the Lancashire coach who has previous experience of coaching at the club along with a successful spell as backs coach at Sale. Nelson recruited a number of high calibre players including England Counties' Steve Nutt, Craig Aikman and David Wilks. He has also rekindled the club's relationship with Sale which has allowed him to call on some of the Premiership club's young players whilst Sale have also given game time to Fylde's Nick Royle.

In June 2010, it was announced that former England manager Brian Ashton would be a coaching consultant for his former club.[3] On the 26 July 2010, it was announced that former England international Jason Robinson would be making his comeback at the club.[4]

In June 2012, Sam Beaumont stepped down from his role as the skipper of Fylde.[5]

Current standings

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2025–26 National League 2 North table
Pos Team
 Pld W D L PF PA PD TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Sheffield 17 17 0 0 644 273 +371 16 0 84 Promotion place
2 Macclesfield 19 16 0 3 773 491 +282 15 1 80 Promotion Play-off
3 Tynedale 19 15 0 4 664 355 +309 13 3 76
4 Hull Ionians 19 12 1 6 602 384 +218 14 3 67
5 Darlington Mowden Park 19 12 1 6 648 561 +87 15 2 67
6 Fylde 19 9 3 7 556 465 +91 10 5 57
7 Wharfedale 19 9 0 10 519 533 −14 10 6 52
8 Sheffield Tigers 18 8 0 10 430 413 +17 9 4 45
9 Billingham 19 8 0 11 452 638 −186 12 1 45
10 Preston Grasshoppers 18 5 1 12 484 574 −90 10 3 35
11 Otley 19 5 0 14 492 601 −109 8 7 35
12 Hull 19 4 0 15 386 657 −271 6 4 26 Relegation Play-off
13 Scunthorpe 16 3 0 13 327 650 −323 7 4 23 Relegation place
14 Rossendale 18 3 0 15 360 742 −382 7 1 20
Updated to match(es) played on 14 February 2026. Source: National League Rugby [6]
Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
  1. Number of matches won
  2. Number of matches drawn
  3. Difference between points for and against
  4. Total number of points for
  5. Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
  6. Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled

Honours

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1st team:

Fylde Saracens (2nd tam):

Fylde Vandals (4th team):

  • NOWIRUL Plate winners 2017

Current squad

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2016–17 Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Tom Burtonwood Hooker England England
Ben Gregory Hooker England England
Alex Loney Hooker England England
Danny Maher Hooker England England
Simon Griffiths Prop England England
Adam Lewis Prop England England
Jake Pope (D/R) Prop England England
Sam Simpson Prop England England
Oli Trippier Prop England England
Jonny Wild Prop England England
Paul Arnold Lock England England
Matt Garrod Lock England England
Nick Gray Lock England England
George Nott (D/R) Lock England England
Jack Turley Lock New Zealand New Zealand
George Blackwell Flanker England England
Jamie Brookes Flanker England England
David Fairbrother Flanker England England
Matt Lamprey Flanker England England
Evan Stewart Flanker England England
Ben Vernon Flanker England England
Mark Goodman Number 8 England England
Andy Hughes Number 8 England England
Matt Rogerson (D/R) Number 8 England England
Player Position Union
Connor Dever Scrum-half England England
Greg Nicholls Scrum-half England England
Jack Harrison Fly-half England England
Greg Smith Fly-half England England
Scott Armstrong Centre England England
Sam Bedlow (D/R) Centre England England
Chris Briers Centre England England
Ralph Dowds Centre England England
Scott Rawlings Centre England England
Connor Wilkinson Centre England England
James Bailey Wing England England
Anthony Bingham Wing England England
Oli Brennand Wing England England
Jordan Dorrington Wing England England
Warren Spragg Fullback Italy Italy

Notable former players

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Lions Tourists

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The following Fylde players have been selected for the Lions tours while at the club:

Bill Beaumont (1977 & 1980), tour captain in 1980

Rugby World Cup

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The following are players which have represented their countries at the Rugby World Cup whilst playing for Fylde:

Tournament Players selected England players Other national team players
1987 2 Steve Bainbridge, Wade Dooley

Other notable former players

[edit]

Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fylde RFC

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from Grokipedia
Fylde Rugby Football Club (Fylde RFC) is an English club based at the Woodlands Memorial Ground in , , founded in July 1919 following a toss that favored rugby over football among a group of businessmen at the Ansdell Institute. As a semi-professional outfit, the club fields a first XV in the fourth tier of English rugby, , alongside development, ladies', and junior teams that emphasize community engagement and talent nurturing across all ages. The club's early years were marked by steady growth on the Fylde Coast, evolving from modest beginnings into a respected institution that bridges generations through rugby. Fylde has long been a cornerstone of local sports, offering programs from mini-juniors to senior levels, including the Fylde Hawks second XV in regional leagues and a ladies' team promoting women's rugby. The Woodlands Memorial Ground serves as a hub for matches, hospitality, and community events, underscoring the club's commitment to and inclusivity. Fylde RFC's legacy is particularly distinguished by its contributions to international rugby, having produced several notable players who represented and the . Among them is Bill Beaumont, who joined as a teenager in 1969, captained , led the Lions on their 1980 South Africa tour, and later served as chairman of . Roger Uttley starred as a forward for and featured in the Lions' unbeaten 1974 tour of , while Brian Ashton coached to the after his playing days at the club. Other alumni include Malcolm Phillips, an and Barbarians international from the late 1950s to 1960s. In recent seasons, Fylde has maintained competitive form in , with initiatives like the Fylde Legacy Project using interactive QR codes to preserve and share the club's archives for future generations.

Club overview

Founding and location

Fylde Rugby Football Club was founded on 25 July 1919 in , , when a group of businessmen gathered at the Ansdell Institute and decided the club's sport by flipping a coin, opting for over . This chance decision established the club as a rugby union entity from its inception, aligning it with the growing local rugby scene rather than the more popular football code at the time. Initially, the club operated from temporary grounds in the area while seeking a permanent home, reflecting the modest resources available in the post- era. In May 1920, Fylde made its first use of the site that would become its longstanding base, known then simply as The Woodlands. The ground was acquired by the club in the years following and officially renamed the Woodlands Memorial Ground in 1946 to honor local members who lost their lives in the conflict. From its early days, Fylde affiliated with the Lancashire Rugby Football Union, integrating into the regional rugby structure that governed amateur and emerging semi-professional play in the county. Geographically, the club is situated on the Fylde coast, a coastal region in Lancashire that includes communities in Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, and surrounding towns, where it has served as a key rugby hub for over a century. Today, as a semi-professional outfit competing in National League 2 North, Fylde continues to draw support from this area.

Teams and structure

Fylde RFC operates a semi-professional structure, with its first team competing in , the fourth tier of English . The club fields three senior teams: the 1st XV in the national league, the 2nd XV known as the Hawks in the North West of England Rugby Union League (NOWIRUL) Premier Division, and the 4th XV, the Vandals, in regional competitions such as the North West Leagues and cup tournaments like the Primo Drinks Trophy. The club's youth and development pathway includes a Colts squad for under-18 players, transitioning juniors to senior rugby, alongside 13 mini and junior sections spanning under-6 to under-16 age groups, accommodating over 500 young participants weekly. Additionally, Fylde offers walking rugby sessions for adults aged 50 and over, promoting inclusive, low-impact participation through its community foundation. Coaching is led by joint head coaches Chris Briers and Alex Loney, supported by a team including rugby operations manager Warren Atkinson and specialist roles such as lead therapist Molly Hart-Ryan. The club has historically benefited from consultancy by Brian Ashton, the former head coach, who served in advisory capacities during the 2010s to enhance development strategies. As a member-owned club, Fylde maintains governance through various membership tiers, including social, junior, adult, family, and lifetime options, which provide benefits like season tickets, bar discounts, and event access to foster . Its semi-professional model supports competitive play while emphasizing outreach via the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation, which runs inclusive programs across Coast; facilities include an all-weather artificial grass pitch to enable year-round training and community use.

History

Formative years (1919–1945)

Rugby Football Club was established on 25 July at the Ansdell Institute in , following a coin toss by a group of businessmen that decided in favor of rugby over association football. The club's name derived from the Saxon term for the low-lying ground between the Ribble and Wyre estuaries. Among the founding members was Bertie Rothwell, a local figure who played in all club teams from to 1923, contributing to the initial organization and on-field efforts during the formative period. Early activities centered on building a playing base through local fixtures, with the first games hosted at the Woodlands ground starting in 1920, marking the club's growing presence in rugby circles. Throughout the 1920s, Fylde competed in regional Lancashire competitions, fostering rivalries with nearby clubs such as those in and Preston, though structured league play remained limited in the pre-national era of English . The club faced typical challenges of a young outfit, including fluctuating player numbers and reliance on local talent, but steadily developed its identity within the Lancashire Rugby Football Union framework. No players from this period achieved international caps, reflecting the club's status as a community-based entity focused on domestic growth rather than elite competition. To strengthen its squad amid ongoing recruitment difficulties, merged with Blackpool Old Boys in the 1934–35 season, which significantly boosted playing numbers and available resources. This integration enhanced the club's competitiveness in local fixtures and helped solidify its position on Coast. By the late , had become an integral part of the area's sporting and social fabric, with a core group of committed members driving operations. The outbreak of in 1939 led to the suspension of all organized rugby activities at Fylde, as was common across British clubs, with the Woodlands ground requisitioned by the for military purposes. Over a dozen club members enlisted, many joining the Blackpool Regiment (137th Field Regiment, ), formed in 1939; notable losses included Commanding Officer Lt Col George Holme, killed in Malaya, as well as 2Lt Robert Hartley and Bdr Peter Horsman, commemorated on the club's memorial. Survivors such as Alan Grime and Burt Briggs endured as prisoners of war, their experiences underscoring the profound wartime impact on the club's community until play resumed in 1946.

Post-war development (1946–1990)

Following the end of , Fylde RFC resumed competitive play in 1946, re-entering local leagues after a period of suspension during the conflict. That same year, the club's grounds were officially renamed the Woodlands Ground, encompassing 13 acres and honoring members who had lost their lives in the war. This renaming symbolized a commitment to remembrance and rebuilding, allowing the club to stabilize operations amid challenges in British rugby. By the mid-1960s, had established itself as a respected club, hosting the second England international trial match at the Woodlands Memorial Ground in 1964. The event underscored the venue's growing stature, coinciding with the opening of a new pavilion extension by Sir Laurie Edwards, then president of the , who also presented the club with a commemorative shield. This development enhanced facilities for players and spectators, supporting the club's competitive ambitions. Five years later, in 1969, marked its 50th anniversary—its jubilee year—with celebrations highlighting a robust program that included fielding six or seven teams every Saturday, reflecting steady organizational progress. The era also saw the emergence of notable talent nurtured within the club. Centre Malcolm Phillips debuted for Fylde in the late 1950s, going on to earn 25 caps for between 1958 and 1964, while also representing the Barbarians and being selected for the 1964 British Lions tour to and (though he declined due to university commitments). In the early 1970s, lock joined straight from school in 1969 at age 17, developing into a cornerstone forward who captained Fylde before earning 21 caps and was a member of the 1977 British Lions tour to , captaining the 1980 tour to . These homegrown stars elevated the club's profile during its amateur peak. Throughout the and , Fylde experienced financial and structural growth, expanding its team structure to include multiple senior and junior sides while deepening community ties through local youth programs and hosting regional fixtures, such as North of England matches against touring sides in 1970 and 1994. This period solidified the club's role as a community hub on the coast, with investments in facilities and player development fostering sustained amateur success and talent pipelines.

Modern era (1991–present)

The modern era of Fylde RFC is marked by the club's adaptation to the professionalization of English , beginning with its entry into the national league structure established in 1992. This transition positioned Fylde among competitive teams in the lower tiers, building on its regional prominence. In the 1994–95 season, Fylde secured the Lancashire Cup, defeating 15–11 in the final and claiming the prestigious regional trophy for the first time. Following a period of consolidation in the National Division Three North during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Fylde invested in infrastructure improvements. In October 2005, the club opened a new clubhouse at the Woodlands Memorial Ground, capable of accommodating over 600 spectators and supporters, which supported growing attendance and . This development coincided with efforts to stabilize operations amid the challenges of semi-professional rugby. A significant milestone came in the 2010–11 season, when Fylde dominated , finishing 14 points clear of second-placed Loughborough Students to earn promotion to . That year also saw former international Jason Robinson return to the club as a player, making his comeback debut in a high-profile match against Preston Grasshoppers before retiring at the end of the campaign. However, fortunes fluctuated, with Fylde suffering relegation from after finishing bottom in the 2017–18 season, returning to . Leadership changes bolstered the club's resilience, as Warren Spragg, a former Fylde player with over 100 appearances, assumed the role of ahead of the 2017–18 season. Under Spragg's guidance, Fylde emphasized attacking rugby and player development, though he departed in 2021 for a kicking coach position at . Subsequent coaching by Chris Briers and Alex Loney maintained competitive form. In the 2024–25 season, Fylde achieved a strong fourth-place finish in , narrowly missing promotion playoffs and demonstrating sustained progress in the fourth tier.

Facilities and community

Woodlands Memorial Ground

The Woodlands Memorial Ground, located on Blackpool Road in Ansdell, , serves as the primary home venue for Fylde RFC and embodies the club's enduring connection to its and historical roots. The site was first acquired and utilized for rugby in May 1920, marking the beginning of its role as the club's foundational home pitch. During the Second World War, the ground was requisitioned by the for military purposes, halting rugby activities and underscoring the era's disruptions to civilian sports. Following the war's end, Fylde RFC re-established control over approximately 13 acres of the site in 1946, renaming it the to honor club members and players who perished in the conflict. The aspect was formally dedicated on 1 January 1946, attended by local and dignitaries, transforming the venue into a symbol of remembrance and resilience central to the club's identity. This reclamation not only restored the ground's sporting function but also integrated it into the community's collective memory of sacrifice. The ground accommodates around 9,000 spectators, primarily through standing areas and limited covered seating, reflecting its modest yet functional design suited to regional rugby. Facilities include multiple grass pitches for matches, supplemented by a small floodlit 3G artificial surface (60m x 40m) for training, junior sessions, and community activities. Notable events at the ground trace its significance from inception, with the inaugural matches played there in 1920 shortly after acquisition, establishing early traditions for the newly formed club. In 1969, during Fylde RFC's jubilee year celebrating 50 years since founding, the venue hosted celebratory fixtures and gatherings that highlighted the club's growth, fielding multiple teams weekly and drawing local crowds to commemorate its milestone. These occasions reinforced the ground's status as a hub for club milestones and communal rugby heritage. Ongoing maintenance and enhancements to the Woodlands Memorial Ground have been supported by financial in 2005, which funded a comprehensive including a new clubhouse opened in October of that year. These improvements, derived from strategic , have ensured the venue's for both and rugby, while promoting broader use such as events and youth sessions that align with the club's inclusive ethos.

Youth development and academy

Fylde RFC maintains a robust youth development system encompassing mini and junior sections for players aged under 6 to under 16, alongside a Colts squad for under-18s, fostering over 500 young participants weekly across 13 age groups. Training occurs primarily at the Woodlands Memorial Ground in , with sessions held on Sundays to emphasize skill-building and enjoyment in a structured environment. For the 2024–25 season, the club reintroduced a combined Junior and Senior Colts team to enhance transitional support for players moving toward senior rugby. The club's programs integrate talent identification events and pathways designed to nurture potential from grassroots levels. In , hosted elite player development camps during October half-term, rotating across local venues including Garstang RUFC, Fleetwood RUFC, and Fylde RFC itself, featuring specialist in skills, strength, conditioning, and tactics. These initiatives, supported by the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation, promote community integration by engaging local schools and clubs. emphasizes long-term athlete development, aligning with guidelines to build technical proficiency and rugby intelligence. Fylde RFC has established strong links, particularly with , facilitating player progression through dual registration and development groups. In November 2025, a significant cohort of Fylde under-15 players joined the Academy Player Development Group, marking the initial step on the pathway to professional rugby and highlighting the club's role in regional talent pipelines. This has enabled dual-registered players from Sale's academy to gain match experience at Fylde, enhancing both clubs' youth ecosystems. The youth setup has produced notable successes, with players such as and Joe Bedlow advancing from Fylde ranks to professional contracts at , contributing to Premiership-level performances. Similarly, other former Fylde juniors like Joe Carpenter, , and have progressed to senior roles within Sale's academy and first team. Historically, the program has yielded international talent, including , who joined Fylde at age 16 and developed through the club's ranks to captain and the British Lions. These outcomes underscore Fylde's contributions to higher-level rugby, prioritizing sustainable pathways over immediate results.

League performance

Current season (2025–26)

The 2025–26 season marks RFC's continued campaign in , where the team has demonstrated solid early form following their 4th-place finish in the previous campaign. As of 17 November 2025, sit in 5th position after 10 matches, recording 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses for a total of 33 points. This performance positions among the promotion contenders, trailing leaders like by a margin and maintaining a positive points difference through high-scoring victories, including a 43–39 win at on 9 November 2025 and a subsequent 17–17 home draw against Mowden Park on 15 November 2025. The side's early consistency has kept them in the mix for a top-two automatic promotion spot or playoff contention, with defensive resilience offsetting occasional close defeats. Meanwhile, Fylde's 2nd XV, the Hawks, are competing in the NOWIRUL Bathtime Premier League, placed 11th after 8 games with 1 win, 0 draws, and 7 losses, securing 11 points amid a challenging start that includes heavy concessions but opportunities for development.

Historical league record

Fylde RFC entered the inaugural English national rugby union leagues in the 1987–88 season, placed in National Division 3, where they finished 6th out of 11 teams. The club competed at this level and below through the 1990s and 2000s, establishing a solid presence in the regionalized structure of National League 2 North (formerly North 2). Prior to the national leagues, during the 1970s and early 1980s, Fylde was a leading club in the Lancashire region, participating in local competitions and the Northern Merit Table, the top non-national merit-based ranking system at the time. The club's most notable promotion came in the 2010–11 season, when Fylde clinched the National League 2 North title with a dominant performance, finishing 14 points clear of second place and earning advancement to . This marked their return to the third tier after several years in the fourth. Fylde spent the next seven seasons in , achieving competitive mid-table finishes in several campaigns but ultimately facing relegation at the end of 2017–18 as one of the bottom three teams. Since returning to National League 2 North in 2018–19, Fylde has stabilized as a consistent performer in the fourth tier, regularly finishing in the top half of the table and qualifying for promotion playoffs in multiple seasons, though without securing another ascent. A highlight was their 4th-place finish in the 2024–25 season, securing a playoff spot behind champions Leeds Tykes. Overall, Fylde's national league record reflects resilience, with a history of one major promotion and one relegation from level 3, alongside steady contention in level 4. The club has appeared in promotion playoffs three times since 2018 but has not advanced to the final in those efforts. Win rates in National League 2 North have hovered around 55–65% in recent stable seasons, underscoring their competitive edge without exhaustive dominance.
SeasonDivisionPositionNotes
1987–88National Division 36thInaugural national season; no promotion/relegation
2010–111stChampions; promoted to
2017–18Relegated (bottom 3)Descended to
2024–254thPlayoff qualification; stabilized in division

Achievements

Major honours

Fylde RFC has secured several notable trophies throughout its history, primarily in regional competitions and lower-tier national leagues. The club's most prominent achievements include multiple victories in the Lancashire Cup, a key regional honour in English , as well as a national league and successes in sevens and developmental tournaments. The Lancashire Cup, contested among clubs in the county, was won by on four occasions. The first triumph came in the 1994–95 season with a 15–11 victory over in the final, marking a breakthrough after years of competitive efforts. Subsequent wins followed in 2008–09 (37–17 against Preston Grasshoppers), 2009–10 (15–7 against Preston Grasshoppers), and 2010–11 via a , establishing the club as a dominant force in this competition during the late and early . In national competitions, claimed the title in the 2010–11 season, finishing first with a significant points margin over runners-up Loughborough Students and earning promotion to National League 1. This victory highlighted the club's resurgence in structured league play. Among other honours, won the Glengarth Sevens tournament in 1976, securing the Davenport Shield as champions at this annual event hosted by Davenport Rugby Club. Additionally, the club's fourth team, , lifted the NOWIRUL Plate in the 2016–17 season, contributing to the broader success across 's squads in regional developmental leagues.

Recent successes (2010–2025)

In the 2010–11 season, Fylde RFC achieved promotion to by clinching the title, finishing 14 points ahead of runners-up Students after a remarkable turnaround from ninth place the previous year. Under the guidance of former coach Brian Ashton, the team played an attacking style of rugby that secured their elevation to level 3 of the , where they maintained competitive status for the next seven seasons. Player recognition highlighted individual contributions during the semi-professional era, with prop Corey Bowker earning the 1st XV Young Player of the Year award for the 2022–23 season, reflecting his emergence as a key forward. Similarly, back-rower David Fairbrother was named Coaches' Player of the Year in the same campaign, underscoring his consistent impact on the squad's performance. Team accolades extended to the reserves, as Fylde Hawks finished as runners-up in the NOWIRUL BATHTIME Premier League for the 2024–25 season, securing second place with 15 wins from 20 matches and a points difference of +354 behind champions Caldy 2nd XV. Further prestige came in 2025 when two Fylde props, Corey Bowker and Pete Altham, received selections for Barbarian F.C. fixtures; Bowker featured against Durham University RFC, scoring a try in a 64–33 victory, while Altham was named for the match versus Glasgow Academicals RFC. Community honors tied to the club's legacy included the recognition of , a former Fylde player and lifelong supporter, who was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the for services to rugby and charity as chairman.

Current squad

Forwards

The forward pack of Fylde RFC for the 2025–26 National Two North season provides a blend of experience, physicality, and versatility, essential for set-piece dominance and breakdown work. With a focus on scrum stability and lineout efficiency, the group has contributed to the team's competitive start, including victories in early fixtures against rivals like Preston Grasshoppers and , and a late win over in . The props anchor the front row, offering robust scrummaging and carrying power. Pete Altham, a loosehead , has been a mainstay, leveraging his extensive club experience to mentor younger players while delivering consistent performances in tight exchanges. Matthew Ashcroft and Zac Barrow provide depth at tighthead and loosehead respectively, with Ashcroft noted for his role in recent match-day squads. Corey Bowker adds power from the bench, contributing to forward momentum in key games. At hooker, Sam Parker and Cam Railton form a dynamic pairing, excelling in throw-ins and quick tap penalties. Parker has scored multiple tries this season through forward surges, including a double against in October 2025, while Railton has provided strong depth in recent outings, such as the November win at . Their competition ensures high standards in the . The second row and back row are bolstered by Charlie Smith and Greg Morgan at lock, who provide lineout leadership and physical presence in the maul; Smith, a current squad member, pairs effectively with Morgan, who has started in recent outings at lock. Olly Trippier offers versatility across front-row and back-row roles, having transitioned positions during matches to maintain pack cohesion. Rob Williamson rounds out the back row with explosive carrying and defensive work, scoring from driving mauls in tight contests. Squad depth is enhanced by dual-registered players such as prop Jake Pope, who splits time with and adds Premiership-level technique to training and occasional appearances. Recent form highlights include standout contributions from key forwards in early-season wins, underscoring the pack's role in Fylde's attacking structure.

Backs

The Fylde RFC backline in the 2025–26 season has been characterized by its pace and tactical acumen, enabling effective transitions from defense to attack and exploiting spaces through rapid passing and offloads. This unit plays a crucial role in the team's strategy, focusing on maintaining possession at the breakdown via sharp scrum-half service and precise fly-half distribution to feed the midfield and outside backs for line breaks. Early season performances highlight their contribution to Fylde's competitive standing in , with key players demonstrating versatility in both structured phases and open play, including a late try from Alex Clayton in the November victory over . At scrum-half, Gabe Maguire has emerged as a standout recent addition, joining from U20s in June 2025 and quickly establishing himself as the primary starter. His sniping runs and quick service have been instrumental, including a man-of-the-match display against Preston Grasshoppers in September 2025 where he scored a try, and another opportunistic score against later that month. Maguire's ability to vary tempo supports the fly-half in dictating play, complementing backups like Ben Gould and Alex Gaughan, who provide depth with similar energetic styles. The fly-half position is led by , who transitioned from a loan spell at Sale FC to a full squad role ahead of the season, bringing reliability in kicking and game management. Hunt has converted crucial tries, such as the match-winning effort in a 24-19 victory over in October 2025, and scored a 60-meter try against Tynedale the following month, underscoring his strategic vision and speed. Versatile options like Alex Clayton, capable of shifting to , and Lucas Atherton add flexibility, ensuring continuity in territorial gains and points accumulation. Clayton's late try secured a win over on November 8, 2025. In the centers, Sam Stott anchors the inside channel with his physical presence and offloading ability, partnering effectively with Tom Forster or Alex Clayton to form a robust midfield that absorbs pressure and creates overlaps. Stott's line-running has been key in early fixtures, contributing to phase play that sets up wingers. The combination emphasizes defensive solidity alongside quick ball recycling to fuel counter-attacks. The wings feature speedsters Ben Turner and Adam Lanigan, whose finishing prowess has added dynamism to Fylde's attack; Turner, in particular, has exploited broken field opportunities in tight contests. At fullback, Danny Cassidy, a versatile summer signing from a rugby league background with , has excelled as both a goal-kicker and organizer. Named man of the match in the September 2025 win over , Cassidy converted multiple kicks and shifted seamlessly between fullback and , including a brace of conversions in a 21-19 victory. His durability and cross-code adaptability have bolstered the backline's resilience, with early stats showing him contributing over 30 points from kicks alone. Lucas Atherton provides cover, maintaining the unit's emphasis on high-tempo recovery and countering.

Notable players

British & Irish Lions representatives

Fylde RFC has produced several players selected for the tours. John Willcox, a full-back, played for Fylde around 1960 and was selected for the 1962 tour to , where he became the top points-scorer with 67 points in 15 matches, including three Tests. Roger Uttley, a prominent forward, began his rugby career at Fylde RFC in the late 1960s, honing his skills as a lock and flanker before progressing to higher levels. He was selected for the 1974 Lions tour to , featuring in the unbeaten series, and later served as assistant coach in 1989. Uttley represented 23 times, captaining five, and contributed to the North of 's historic 1979 victory over the All Blacks at . Bill Beaumont is among Fylde's most distinguished Lions representatives, achieving selection twice. Joining Fylde at the age of 17 in 1969, Beaumont played his entire career there until retiring in 1982 due to injury. He was called up as a replacement for the 1977 Lions tour to , featuring in several matches, including the final three Tests. Beaumont's leadership extended to captaining the 1980 Lions tour to , making him the first Englishman to lead the side since ; he participated in 10 of the 18 matches on that tour. At , his presence as a towering lock forward and club captain was instrumental in the team's successes during the 1970s and early 1980s, including winning the Glengarth Sevens Davenport Shield in 1976 and contributing to Lancashire's 1979–80 County Championship victory, in which he represented the county 28 times. Throughout his international career with , Beaumont earned 34 caps, 21 as captain, including leading the side to the 1980 Five Nations Grand Slam—their first since 1957—before his retirement from Test rugby. Other Fylde alumni selected for Lions tours include Bainbridge (1983 to , selected while at but later joined Fylde in 1984) and (1989 to , primary club Preston Grasshoppers with brief Fylde stint in mid-1980s).

International players

Fylde RFC has produced or hosted several players who earned international caps for their countries, particularly during the club's rise in the 1980s and beyond. Malcolm Phillips, a lock, played for Fylde from 1958 to 1964, earning 10 caps for and representing the Barbarians; he was selected for the 1959 Lions tour but declined due to commitments. Among the most prominent are Steve Bainbridge and , both English locks who represented at the inaugural . Bainbridge, who joined Fylde in 1984 after his 1983 Lions tour and prior international experience at , partnered with Dooley in the second row during the tournament, contributing to 's quarter-final campaign before their 6-16 defeat to . Dooley, who spent two seasons at Fylde in the mid-1980s between stints at Preston Grasshoppers, developed his lineout expertise there prior to his 1989 Lions tour and becoming a mainstay in 's forward pack, earning 55 caps overall. Other English internationals associated with Fylde include wingers Simon Smith and Tony Swift, who honed their skills at the club in the early 1980s before earning caps for . Smith debuted internationally in 1985 against , while Swift followed in 1981 against (gained at post-Fylde), both showcasing speed and finishing ability developed during their Fylde tenures. Jason Robinson, who un-retired to play for Fylde in 2010–11, had previously earned 5 caps for and toured with the Lions in 2001 and 2005. These players exemplified the club's role in nurturing or attracting talent for the national team during periods of English rugby's evolution. Fylde has also attracted overseas talent, importing players from abroad in the pre-1990s era to bolster the squad, with Scottish No. 8 Eric Peters among the notable examples. Peters, who joined early in his career at Fylde, went on to captain and score a memorable try against in the 1995 Six Nations. More recently, Namibian scrum-half Ryan De La Harpe played for Fylde from 2013 to 2016, earning call-ups to the during his time at the club, including a 2014 European tour. Similarly, American utility back Taylor Welch debuted for Fylde in in 2009–10 before representing the at the , highlighting the club's appeal to international athletes transitioning codes or seeking competitive experience.

Other distinguished alumni

Adam Lewis emerged as a cornerstone of Fylde's front row during the 2000s and 2010s, debuting for the first XV in 2006 and accumulating over 240 appearances by his retirement in 2020. As a prop, he earned multiple caps for , including selection in squads, and captained Fylde during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, providing leadership in campaigns. His tenure exemplified club loyalty, having progressed through Fylde's before a brief stint at Tigers and a return in 2013. Will Greenwood, a promising young forward, joined Fylde in 2025 after captaining Lancashire U20s to the County Championship title at Twickenham. Developing through the Lancashire age-group system and clubs like Garstang RUFC, he brings physicality to the pack and has been highlighted for his leadership potential in regional competitions during 2023–25. Among other alumni, Jordan Dorrington stands out for his contributions in the 2010s, earning the Lancashire U20s Player of the Season award in 2014 while also securing senior county honors that year. As a versatile back, he amassed over 100 appearances for Fylde across two spells, including a notable return in 2022, and has transitioned into community involvement, supporting the club's foundation initiatives post his playing peak. These figures underscore Fylde RFC's role in nurturing talent for regional success and ongoing club legacy.

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