Founded in 1876, Chard Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest established clubs in Somerset. For nearly a century and a half, our colours — red, black, and yellow — have represented not just a team, but the pride and spirit of the town.
The earliest known team photograph dates back to 1898, taken outside the old library in Boden Street, which at the time served as the social club for the mill.
Like many clubs, Chard RFC was deeply affected by the World Wars. The club closed during the First World War and was re-formed after the Second in 1946. That same year, Chard made local history when D.R. Gent’s XV faced the touring New Zealand All Blacks — a match played at the Chard cricket ground just days after they had beaten England at Twickenham. A programme from that iconic day still takes pride of place in our clubhouse and at Chard Museum, and it’s the reason a Kiwi proudly appears on our club badge.
Over the following decades, Chard RFC continued to grow. In 1964, to promote rugby across the region, a Chard side took on an England fly-half Richard Sharp’s XV at Taunton RFC.
The club’s home at Essex Close developed steadily through the 1960s and 70s — from ex-army huts and makeshift changing rooms to the construction of new facilities. As playing numbers grew, Chard began running three senior sides and a Colts XV, and in the late 1970s the club purchased the Crewkerne Road ground (now home to junior and Colts fixtures).
The Mini and Junior Section was formed in 1983 by Phil Mead, Mark Saunders, and Ray Lees — and has since grown into one of the most active youth rugby programmes in the South West. Many of today’s senior players began their rugby journeys right there.
By the late 1980s and early 90s, the club had developed rapidly: new changing rooms were opened in 1988 by local MP Paddy Ashdown, followed by the new clubhouse in 1993, officially opened by the Somerset President, Fred Ellison. The club celebrated with a full day of rugby, refereed by future World Cup Final referee Ed Morrison.
In 1995, major redevelopment saw the club’s infamous sloping pitch levelled and floodlights installed. The new surface was officially opened with a Chard Invitation XV taking on an England Classicals side — a proud moment in the club’s history.
Tours abroad have been a feature of Chard’s rugby story too, with the U13s touring Hong Kong in 1995 and the U16s heading to South Africa in 2005.
The 125th Anniversary in 2001 was marked in style, with legendary Welsh and Lions fly-half Cliff Morgan as guest of honour at a dinner organised by Tony Cole.
Chard’s league history has been equally eventful — from humble beginnings in Somerset Division 3, to league titles in 1991/92, 1995/96, and 2002/03, right up to promotion to South West One and eventually National League 3 (South West) in 2014 — the highest playing level in the club’s history.
Today, Chard RFC fields three senior men’s teams, a thriving women’s side, and a full mini and junior section that continues to flourish. The Chard Ravens (Ladies) have grown rapidly since reforming, competing strongly in the South West Women’s Leagues, with several players — including Kirsty Carlos (England Deaf Rugby) and others — representing their teams at national level.
Now approaching our 150th anniversary in 2026, Chard RFC remains a true community club — one that welcomes players, families, and supporters of all ages. Whether you’re pulling on the shirt, cheering from the touchline, or volunteering behind the scenes, Chard RFC is a place to belong.