Founded: 1925
Ground: Hare Lane
League: 1st XV play in RFU National – National League 2 North
About the club: The heritage of the Chester Club is timeless, the club is built from over 90 years of rugby passion.
From the introduction of league rugby in 1985/6 it catalysed a new era for Chester as they were one of ten teams in the inaugural Northwest 1 League and the following season, despite a variable record, they were placed in the first official Courage League, Northwest Division 1. Since then, the club grew from strength to strength in 1998 Chester were promoted from Northwest 1 to North 2. Two years later another promotion, to North 1, along with another losing Cheshire Cup final (against New Brighton, as in the previous season) gave the Club its most successful season to date. Since the turn of the century Chester has made that final four more times, winning the Cup in 2004. 2007/8 season was one of the most successful in the Club’s history. Not only were Chester promoted as League champions from North 2 West (having been relegated from North 1 the previous season) but they also won the EDF Intermediate Cup, at Twickenham, with a 21-18 win over local rivals Birkenhead Park.
Since then, Chester RUFC have become a rugby force, reaching two play-offs at Level 5 (both lost) before promotion to National 2 North in 2012/13. Last season, having finished second in that league behind Hull Ionians, promotion to National 1 beckoned. However, a tough away game down in Kent against National 2 South runners-up Canterbury proved a step too far with the hosts running out winners 19-10.
Sharklinks: Current Shark Tom Roebuck and former Shark George Nott have honed their skills at Hare Lane through Chester’s Mini and Junior section. Chester RUFC talent is looking bright with U16’s players Dan Redhead and Isaac Capes getting their first taste of academy rugby this summer and U17’s Alex Cross and Fraser Rossiter who ran out against Leicester.
Hare Lane is always a ground where the Sharks circle whether that be Jono Ross coaching the latest crop of mini and junior talent or hosting Sale Sharks Women.
Read more: Sale Sharks star inspires budding Chester rugby players – Cheshire Live (cheshire-live.co.uk)
Club Goals: At Chester RUFC, their mini and junior sections are the core of their club as they inspire and coach the next wave of rugby talent. Chester RUFC pride themselves in offering the best coaching talent and fund all courses for Mini and Junior coaches. See below for our Minis and Juniors Coaches manual which gives a guide to coaching and managing of all age groups at Chester RUFC. Read more about Chester Chester RUFC
