Douglas Rugby Union Football Club

Established in 1873, the Douglas Rugby Union Football Club has a rich history. Right here at Port-e-Chee, the club has thrived for a century and a half. Douglas Rugby Club, also known as DRUFC, was the brainchild of Arthur William Moore, a Cambridge rugby blue. Moore’s friend, Peter Drinkwater, offered land at Port-e-Chee, and the rest, as they say, is history. Douglas Rugby Club quickly became the leading club on the Isle of Man. The club boasts two senior sides and various age-range teams. The men’s 1st XV currently competes in Regional 2 North West, the sixth tier of the English rugby union system. This followed a promotion from South Lancs/Cheshire 1 after a thrilling play-off victory at the end of the 2016-17 season. Did you know that two Douglas players, A. P. Penketh and A. Paul, were selected for the prestigious 1888 British Isles tour to Australia and New Zealand? This historic tour is now recognized as the first British Lions tour. Douglas Rugby Union Football Club later joined the RFU National league in 1986-87. The club has a proud tradition of success, including winning the South Lancs/Cheshire 3 championship in 2007-08. They also clinched the North Lancashire/Cumbria v South Lancs/Cheshire 1 promotion play-off in 2016-17. Douglas Rugby Union Football Club became the first Isle of Man club to build a dedicated clubhouse. The clubhouse now boasts four changing rooms, showers, a physio room, a gym, referees’ facilities, and a kitchen. The 1st XV also achieved a remarkable feat, retaining the Manx Cup for five consecutive years leading up to the 2016-17 season. Adding another feather to their cap, Douglas Rugby Union Football Club was the first to initiate mini rugby on the Isle of Man back in 1994. The Douglas Rugby Union Football Club’s emblem, a Viking, reflects the island’s Norse heritage. The club plays in maroon shorts, maroon and gold hooped socks, and a maroon shirt proudly displaying the Viking emblem. The clubhouse also hosts pre-match lunches during league fixtures, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. With impressive facilities, including two bars and a dining room, the clubhouse is a hub of activity. On match days, spectators can enjoy free entry, lining the touchline, relaxing in the grandstand, or soaking up the lively atmosphere of the clubhouse with large-screen TVs and refreshments. Douglas Rugby Union Football Club continues to thrive, fostering a love for the game and creating a sense of community.