Teams 
New players welcome for next season
Looking to play rugby in Bideford? Whether you’re brand new, coming back after time away, moving to the area, or looking for a new club, there’s a place for you at Bideford RFC.
We offer rugby across the club, from Men’s and Ladies’ rugby through to Colts, Juniors and Minis.
Our coaching setup includes RFU qualified coaches, and our junior coaches are DBS checked. You do not need to be a member for your first session.
Jump to a section
Senior Men & Vets |
Ladies / Vixens |
Junior Boys |
Junior Girls |
Minis |
Not sure who to contact?
Why Bideford RFC?
Bideford RFC is more than just matchdays. We’re a community club with players, parents, supporters, volunteers and social members all helping to make the club what it is.
- Friendly, welcoming club environment
- RFU qualified coaching setup
- DBS checked junior coaches
- Fitness, training and gym options
- Physio support for senior rugby
- Free drinks for Chiefs, Quins and Ladies after home matches
- Great social scene, including live music and club events
Senior Men & Vets
Our senior men’s section includes the Chiefs, Quins, Colts and Vets. New and returning players are welcome for the season ahead, with different options depending on age, experience and how regularly you want to play.
Chiefs
Our 1st team achieved a second place finish in the league last season and, with the squad strengthened for the coming season by members of our 25/26 Devon Plate winning Colts side, we’re aiming one higher in 26/27. We’re actively looking for new players.
Contact: Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland | 07971 829532 | WhatsApp
Matches: Normally Saturdays
Quins
Our 2nd team provides competitive rugby in a friendly, social squad environment. It is ideal for players returning to rugby, players developing their game, and anyone looking to be part of senior rugby at Bideford RFC.
Contact: Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland | 07971 829532 | WhatsApp
Matches: Normally Saturdays
Colts
Our Colts are part of the senior men’s rugby pathway at Bideford RFC, helping older players continue developing their rugby and move towards senior rugby.
Contact: Rob Parish | 07487 230213 | WhatsApp
Age group: [confirm school years / ages]
Matches: Normally Sundays
Vets
Vets rugby is part of club life at Bideford RFC. It runs on a more occasional and social basis rather than as a regular recruitment programme, but it remains an important part of the wider rugby community at the club.
Former players, returning players and anyone interested in Vets rugby can contact the club to find out what is currently happening.
Ladies / Vixens
New players are welcome in our Ladies’ section, whether you’ve played before or are completely new to rugby. Rugby is a brilliant way to build fitness, confidence, teamwork and friendship, and Bideford RFC is a welcoming place to give women’s rugby a go.
The Vixens are also part of the Ladies and girls rugby pathway at Bideford RFC. Please contact the relevant lead before attending so we can confirm the right session and next steps.
Ladies contact: Harriet Jeffery | 07772 132519 | WhatsApp
Vixens contact: Sarah-Jane Palmer | 07972 728000 | WhatsApp
Matches: Normally Sundays
Junior Boys
For all players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
Our Junior Boys teams help young players develop skills, confidence and teamwork in a friendly club environment.
Please contact the correct age group lead before attending so we can confirm the right session, availability and next steps.
Games are normally played on Sundays.
Junior Boys contacts
Under 16s / Year 11: John Crewe | 07825 020367 | WhatsApp
Under 15s / Year 10: Mark Slee | 07889 021568 | WhatsApp | FULL: Join the waiting list
Under 14s / Year 9: Bobby Dyer | 07725 992347 | WhatsApp
Under 13s / Year 8: Jamie Sanders | 07557 946796 | WhatsApp
Under 12s / Year 7: Stu Arnett-Clark | 07805 859344 | WhatsApp
Junior Girls
For all players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
We’re very proud to be the only club in North Devon to offer girls rugby across all junior age groups. Come along to develop skills, confidence and teamwork in a friendly club environment.
Girls rugby is arranged into Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s groups. Please contact the Head of Ladies and Girls Rugby before attending so we can confirm the right session, availability and next steps.
Games are normally played on Sundays.
Junior Girls contact: Sarah-Jane Palmer | 07972 728000 | WhatsApp
Junior Girls age groups
- Under 12s
- Under 14s
- Under 16s
Minis
For all players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
Mini rugby at Bideford RFC is all about fun, teamwork, confidence and learning the basics of the game.
Boys and girls train and play together from School Year 2 until Year 6.
Please contact the relevant age group lead before attending so we can confirm availability and share the right training details.
Games are normally played on Sundays.
Age in full years on 1 September, plus one, determines a child’s age group. If you are unsure which group is right, please contact the relevant age group lead.
Minis contacts
Under 11s / Year 6: Matt Pennington | 07816 854521 | WhatsApp | FULL: Join the waiting list
Under 10s / Year 5: Sam Griffin | 07927 020206 | WhatsApp
Under 9s / Year 4: John Mills | 07496 676296 | WhatsApp
Under 8s / Year 3: Sam Olde | 07824 818823 | WhatsApp
Under 7s / Year 2: Contact TBC
Not sure who to contact?
If you’re unsure which team or age group is right, email info@bidefordrugby.co.uk and we’ll direct your enquiry to the right person.
Please include:
- Player name
- Which section you are interested in: Chiefs / Quins / Colts, Ladies / Vixens, Junior Boys, Junior Girls or Minis
- Age/school year for under 18s
- Any previous rugby experience, if relevant
- Best contact number
For players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
