Northwich
Northwich Rugby Union Football Club (NRUFC)
formerly known as Mid-Cheshire College (MCC) had
official beginnings in 1965. The nucleus of players for
the new club came from the Northwich, students, our
former jersey being maroon before changing in the late
60’s to the now familiar “Black & Gold”.
During the early 1980’s, the club experienced
impressive growth both on and off the field to the point
where it was fielding five senior teams. The club won
its first senior silverware, the Cheshire Plate in 1987.
Looking to the future the Club started a junior section
in 1986. Within five seasons, Northwich Juniors were
consistently producing Colts players who progressed to
1st team or play senior rugby, either for us or other clubs.
In their 25th season the club changed names to
Northwich RUFC. Since the introduction of ‘organised
competitive rugby’ in the late 80’s, the club has been
highly successful. We were one of the first clubs to
embrace organised competitions for our 2s and lower
sides. All our teams have experienced league wins,
promotions, cup success and/or merit table honours.
In its 50 year history the ‘Team of the Town’ have
become one of the most successful clubs in the area with
Northwich first team playing in North 1 West.
There is an overall energetic rejuvenation happening
around the club at present with a number of first and
second team players having committed to coaching our
new Superstars programme and this is also reflecting
on ex-players. One being retired ex-club captain Steve
Cambell who ran the London marathon raising donations
for the junior section.
Since the arrival of Martin Poste as Director of Rugby
the club has experienced a renewed success on the
field, in his first season the club won promotion back
into North 1 West after a seasons absence and won the
Cheshire Vase. Three successive third spots followed
with us just missing out on further promotions and last
season again winning the Cheshire Vase for a record
fourth time in the competition’s history.
With the current season over, the club concentrates
on its community activities; we recently partnered with
Sale Sharks community trust, sending representatives
into a local special school delivering students the
opportunity to experience rugby in their wheelchairs.
And Northwich Rugby club organise, provide manpower
and logistical support in running an annual four day
Northwich Festival, which encourages local charities,
activity groups and anything “Northwich” to advertise,
exhibit and demonstrate what they provide for the local
community whilst allowing them opportunity to raise
vital funds for their respective organisations. The festival
is now celebrating its 33rd year. And then we prepare for
the coming season.
Obviously, the next hurdle is growing and
maintaining the rebuilding of our junior section. For
many years the juniors were the future of the club and
many are now its present players. Providing facilities and
improving the infrastructure is a continuing challenge,
but the objective of the club is to compete at the highest
level possible within the resources it can provide whilst
giving an opportunity for all regardless of ability to
enjoy our sport Rugby Union.
As we all recall England won in November 2003,
following my accident Clive Woodward sent me a lovely
letter and a signed rugby ball by all the squad. In February
2004 the Webb Ellis trophy did its “Sweet Chariot” tour
around England and visited Northwich Rugby Club, I
was allowed my first visit home from Southport Spinal
Unit. My first time out of bed and sat in a wheelchair,
halo and body support securely fastened I arrived to a
packed clubhouse with over 4000 people eagerly waiting
their photo with the trophy. The trophy bodyguards
donned white gloves and released the cup from its glass
cabinet and brought it over to me, instructing we will
place it on your knee for a photo but “do not try to touch
it”. For 45 seconds the holy grail of rugby was in my lap
I strained every nerve, muscle and sinew to contract my
hands, alas so near yet so far. In 2015, I was fortunate to
attend the final at Twickenham free tickets provided by
the RFUIPF ballot. Paul Grant sustained a serious neck
injury in 2017 playing for Ellesmere Port RFU, I visited
him in Southport spinal unit during his rehabilitation, I
passed the signed rugby ball to him for auction raising
funds to assist in his support and recovery.
This year I will be a spectator via TV, hopefully the
home nations will perform well, encouraging more
players to try our great sport.
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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