Teams 
New players welcome for next season
Looking to play rugby in Bideford? Whether you are brand new, coming back after time away, moving to the area, or looking for a new club, there is 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.
Please contact the relevant lead before attending so we can confirm the right session, availability and next steps.
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 are 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
About
The 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.
The Chiefs, our 1st team, achieved a second-place finish in the league last season. With the squad strengthened for the coming season by members of our 25/26 Devon Plate winning Colts side, we are aiming one higher in 26/27.
The Quins provide competitive rugby in a friendly, social squad environment. This is ideal for players returning to rugby, players developing their game, and anyone looking to be part of senior rugby at Bideford RFC.
Colts rugby is part of the senior men’s pathway, helping older junior players continue developing their rugby and move towards senior rugby. Colts age group: 17 and 18
Vets rugby 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.
Contacts
- Chiefs and Quins: Andrew Mackenzie-Shapland | 07971 829532 | WhatsApp
- Colts: Rob Parish | 07487 230213 | WhatsApp
- Vets: Tim Cramp | 07717 155806 | WhatsApp
Training
- Chiefs and Quins: Wednesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm, 1st July to April
- Colts: Thursdays, 7pm to 8.30pm, September to April
Matches
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- Chiefs and Quins: Normally Saturdays
- Colts: Normally Saturdays
Ladies / Vixens
About
New players are welcome in our Ladies’ section, whether you have 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.
Contacts
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- Ladies: Harriet Jeffery | 07772 132519 | WhatsApp
- Vixens: Sarah-Jane Palmer | 07972 728000 | WhatsApp
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Training
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- Ladies: Wednesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm, mid July to April
- Vixens: Tuesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm, September to April
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Matches
Normally Sundays.
Junior Boys
For all players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
About
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.
Contacts
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- 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
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Training
September to April unless specified
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- Under 16s / Year 11: Thursdays, 7pm to 8.30pm – pre season training from 9th July 2026
- Under 15s / Year 10: Wednesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm
- Under 14s / Year 9: Thursdays, 7pm to 8.30pm – pre season training from 16th July 2026
- Under 13s / Year 8: Thursdays, 7pm to 8.30pm
- Under 12s / Year 7: Wednesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm
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Matches
Games are normally played on Sundays.
Junior Girls
For all players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
About
We are 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.
Contact
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- Junior Girls: Sarah-Jane Palmer | 07972 728000 | WhatsApp
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Training
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- Under 12s: Tuesdays, 6pm to 7pm, September to April
- Under 14s and Under 16s: Tuesdays, 7pm to 8.30pm, September to April
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Matches
Games are normally played on Sundays.
Minis
For all players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
About
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.
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.
Contacts
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- 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: Lucy Flood | biddyjnrfixsec@gmail.com
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Training
All Minis age groups train on Wednesdays, 6pm to 7pm September to April.
Matches
Games are normally played on Sundays.
Not sure who to contact?
If you are unsure which team or age group is right, email info@bidefordrugby.co.uk and we will direct your enquiry to the right person.
Please include:
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- Player name
- Section or team you are interested in, for example 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
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For players under 18, enquiries should come from a parent or guardian.
