Rugby
Everything you need to know about playing rugby in Manchester, including clubs, competitions, events and facilities across the city.
Rugby in Manchester
Rugby plays an important role in Manchester’s sporting landscape, with a strong mix of community participation, club competition and elite performance across the city. From local grassroots clubs and school programmes to inclusive formats such as touch and tag rugby, there are opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
Manchester is also home to high‑level rugby, with professional teams and major fixtures regularly taking place across the region. The city has hosted significant events, including matches during the Women’s Rugby World Cup, helping to strengthen Manchester’s reputation as a destination for top‑level sport. These elite opportunities sit alongside a thriving local game, connecting performance with participation in communities across the city.
Whether you’re looking to try rugby for the first time, return to the sport, or play regularly as part of a team, there are a variety of ways to get involved. Explore opportunities to play, train, watch and enjoy rugby across Manchester.
Getting started
Basketball is a great way to be active, build confidence and connect with others, whether you’re new to the sport or returning after a break. Across Manchester there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, from welcoming local clubs and casual sessions to leagues, competitions and events.
You can start by finding a club that suits your age, experience and level of commitment, or by joining beginner‑friendly sessions that focus on skills, movement and enjoyment of the game. Many leisure centres and community venues across the city host basketball sessions, while events and leagues offer chances to play regularly or take part competitively.
Explore the options on this page to find clubs, sessions, events and facilities near you, and take your first step into netball in Manchester.
Find a club or pitch
Joining a rugby club or training at a local pitch is a great way to get active, learn new skills and be part of a strong community. Whether you’re looking for a social introduction to the game or a more competitive environment, there are options across Manchester to suit different interests and experience levels.
Manchester is home to a range of rugby clubs and pitches, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. From beginner‑friendly sessions and non‑contact formats like tag and touch rugby, to full‑contact training and league play, there are opportunities to get involved at every stage. Clubs across the city include:
- Manchester Rugby Club
- Didsbury Toc H Rugby Club
- Broughton Park Rugby Union Football Club
- Aldwinians Rugby Club
Each club offers something different, from social rugby and youth development to competitive teams and structured pathways.
Use our Activity Finder to search for rugby clubs and pitches near you, and find the right opportunity based on your location, age group and level of experience.
Elite Rugby
Manchester is a leading city for elite rugby, with a strong presence across men’s, women’s and inclusive formats of the game. The city is home to Sale Sharks, competing at the highest level of professional rugby, alongside a growing women’s team, reflecting the continued expansion of the women’s game and opportunities at elite level.
Manchester also plays an important role in showcasing diverse formats of rugby, including wheelchair rugby, with opportunities to engage with high‑performance inclusive sport alongside traditional formats of the game.
The city and wider region regularly host major rugby events, including fixtures during the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Super League Grand Final, bringing top‑level competition and international audiences to Manchester. These events highlight the city’s reputation as a destination for world‑class sport.
Elite rugby in Manchester inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, whether as players, coaches, officials or supporters. These elite teams and major events sit alongside a thriving grassroots game, helping to connect high‑performance rugby with participation across the city.
Discover upcoming elite fixtures, major events and opportunities to watch top‑level rugby in Manchester.
Why play rugby?
Rugby offers more than just physical activity. It’s a team‑focused sport built on respect, discipline and community, bringing people together both on and off the pitch. Whether you take part socially or competitively, rugby provides a supportive environment where players can build confidence, develop skills and feel part of a strong team culture.
Playing rugby helps improve fitness, strength and coordination, while also supporting mental wellbeing. Regular participation can boost resilience, reduce stress and develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership that carry beyond the game.
Rugby is open to people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. From non‑contact formats like touch and tag rugby to full‑sided club competition, there are many ways to get involved that suit different interests and stages of life. Across Manchester, clubs and sessions provide welcoming spaces where everyone can get involved and enjoy the game — no previous experience needed.
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