Club History

Ellesmere Port Rugby Football Club

Whitby Sports & Social Club,
Chester Road,
Whitby,
Ellesmere Port,
CH65 6QF
Telephone: 0151 200 7050

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Ellesmere Port RUFC began originally as Shell (Stanlow) RUFC in 1948 as the combined rugby club for the employees of both the Shell Refinery and Shell Research at Thornton. The original club ground was at the old Shell Club in Ince, which subsequently relocated to what is now the Whitby Sports and Leisure Club, Ellesmere Port.

Until the formation of the present league system all games were played as ‘friendlies’ which in reality developed a wonderful spirit of camaraderie amongst men old and young. Truly the spirit in which the game was and should be intended. Added to this were the inter – Shell matches which ensured regular tours and fixtures against the likes of Shell Carrington and the Lensbury. .

Prior to the advent of the league system the club also produced several outstanding players who progressed to more senior clubs within the area. Vernon Woods, Bob Hooks, Richard Haslehurst and Norman Coleclough all represented Cheshire with the latter playing for the North West Counties against the New Zealand All Blacks and also gaining an England trial.

With the introduction of the league system, which Ellesmere Port RUFC joined on its formation, the club was initially placed in Division 4 of the South Lancashire and Cheshire League. Since then the club have been promoted twice and relegated once to arrive at our present position in Division 3. Club membership is open to all comers and the club still regularly fields three adult teams on a weekly basis.

The future of the club depends on the development of our junior section, commercial activities of fundraising and sponsorship and the ability to attract new players.

In recent years the Junior Section was developed under the stewardship of Phil Burns and we now have thriving sections between the ages of 6 and 11. At the upper end of the section the Under 13’s and Under 16’s continue to grow and thrive. The club is committed to providing a full range of junior teams within the next 3 – 4 years.

With the present new structure in place this club will hopefully continue to be part of the greatest game in the World.