Chichester RFC
Chichester Rugby Football Club is an English rugby union team based in Chichester in West Sussex. The club runs four senior teams, a ladies team and the full range of junior teams. The first XV will start the 2017-18 season in London 1 South (tier 6 of the English rugby union system) having been relegated from National League 3 London & SE.
| Full name | Chichester Rugby Football Club |
|---|---|
| Union | Rugby Football Union |
| Nickname(s) | Blues |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Ground(s) | Oaklands Park |
| Chairman | Paddy McAlpine |
| President | Gareth Webb |
| Coach(es) | Scott Ashley |
| Captain(s) | Charlie Wallace |
| Top scorer | Harry Seaman |
| League(s) | London 1 South |
| 2019–20 | 8th |
| Official website | |
| www | |
Oaklands Pavilion is the home of Chichester Rugby Football Club (CRFC) being located within Oaklands Park, this large tree lined park is situated to the north of the City of Chichester and is one of the most picturesque Rugby locations in the South East of England; with fine views of the City and Cathedral from its balcony. The recently modernised Clubhouse - the Oaklands Pavilion - overlooks the 1st XV pitch which is recognised as one of the finest pitches in Sussex. The club location is Wellington Road, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6BB.
Chichester is a city with many historical connections especially its Roman origins and Georgian background. The City is growing at a rapid rate, hosting many local and international businesses together with a traditional agricultural industry. CRFC has established links with local schools, and further education establishments; Chichester College of Further Education, Chichester University for example. The Club also has a long tradition of welcoming players from the Southern hemisphere. Connections with local business have enabled them to provide work and accommodation for these visiting players.
The Club returns to the highly competitive London 1 South for the 2017/18 season having spent 3 years playing in National League 3 London and SE. Tony Golds, Sam Renwick, Chris Johnson and Harry ‘Hippo’ Seaman have all signed extensions to play for the foreseeable future with monthly payments of squishies and duals sealing the deal.
The Director of Rugby for CRFC is Paul Colley with the senior coaching team comprising Scott Ashley (Head Coach), ably supported by Danny Gray, Aaron Davies, Mark Norton, John Sawday and David Outen. The 2nd XV play in the Zoo Sports Shield Division 3. The 3rd XV play in the Harvey's of Sussex 2 Reserve “Olympia Ale” League which our first team played in not so many years ago. The 4th XV play in the Harvey's of Sussex 4 West “Wild Hop” League.
Honours
1st Team:
- Sussex 1 champions (2): 1989–90, 2001–02
- London 4 South West champions: 2002–03
- London 3 South West champions: 2008–09
- London 1 (north v south) promotion playoff winners: 2013–14
2nd Team:
- Hampshire 1 champions: 2019–20
3rd Team:
- Sussex 2 champions: 2010–11