The History of Newmarket RUFC
Newmarket Rugby Union Football Club was formed in 1956, drawing its players from a wide cross section of the community in Newmarket. For the first twelve seasons the Club led a nomadic existence, using hired pitches in nearby villages and changing in local clubs and pubs. In 1969 The Club moved to the Scaltback Recreation Ground - owned by Suffolk County Council since the early 1970s - and which was the site of the former Scaltback Middle School.
The pavilion was built in 1974 and was shared with other sporting and recreational clubs. Since then, there have been two major extensions to the building to provide extra changing rooms and a larger clubroom. Newmarket RUFC has largely funded these extensions, both financially and from voluntary labour (click here), with support from local authorities. We have two playing pitches, slightly smaller than full size, and thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of our recent membership have made the much-needed upgrade to our floodlights, allowing for much better evening training areas and even the occasional Friday evening match.
For the first seven seasons, the Club ran only one team and grew to two sides in 1964 after recruiting a number of young players from the local secondary school. A third fifteen was started in 1977 and a veteran’s team followed shortly afterwards. Unfortunately, membership numbers dropped off dramatically in the years before the 2018-19 season and the new Club committee and coaches worked hard to improve the numbers. The subsequent Covid pandemic affected engagement numbers nation wide but again the Club worked hard to keep player engagement. The past two seasons have seen the senior side promoted in the county division in consecutive seasons and currently compete in County 1, Eastern Counties. The core of the side is made up of young players who have progressed through from the Age Grade teams: the future, therefore, looks very promising.
Youth and mini rugby (now known as Age Grade rugby) was launched in 1978 and has grown successfully to a point where the Club can offer rugby to all age groups from 4 to 18 years. Again, membership numbers dropped off dramatically in the years before the 2018-19 season and the new Club committee and coaches worked hard to improve the numbers by engaging with local primary and secondary schools. The subsequent Covid pandemic affected engagement numbers nation wide but, again, the Club worked hard to keep player engagement both during and post-pandemic. For the 2024-25 season, the Age Grade Section boasts more than 200 registered players and continues to grow thanks to the hard work of our Club volunteers.
Following a kick-start in early 2019, the girls' rugby section has also grown in numbers. Player numbers nationally are not at the level of the mixed age groups in the u4 to u11 sections nor as numerous as the all-male sections, but this has not thwarted the tenacious girl players. Clubs within the county come together to form teams to allow for meaningful matches to be played with each team continuing to train at their home Club grounds. We look forward to the continued expansion of the girls' teams in the coming years.
