Full name Nottingham Rugby Club Coach(es) Ian Costello Arena/Stadium Meadow Lane Founded 1877 | Emblem(s) Archer 2015–16 7th League RFU Championship | |
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Ground(s) Lady Bay (Capacity:3,000) Profiles | ||
Nottingham Rugby Club are a rugby union club based in Nottingham, England. The club's first team currently play in the Championship, the second tier of English Rugby.
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Nicknamed the Green & Whites, in reference to the club's kit, the first XV play at Lady Bay, The club has recently made a move from Meadow Lane, the home ground of Notts County to Lady Bay in West Bridgford, outside of Nottingham. They previously played at Ireland Avenue in Beeston until the end of the 2005–06 season.
History
The club was established circa 1877 by Alexander Birkin after returning from Rugby School, where he was introduced to the sport. The Birkin family later purchased the land at Ireland Avenue that would be the home of the club until 2006.
The club's heyday was in the late 1980s with a number of top international players representing the first XV. These included Simon Hodgkinson, Rob Andrew, Dusty Hare and Brian Moore (also a Lion) representing England and Chris Gray representing Scotland.
The advent of professionalism saw the Green & Whites fall on hard times and the first XV narrowly avoided relegation into the regional divisions in 2002–03. The club has bounced back since then and was promoted into National League One in 2003–04. The club finished a creditable 7th in 2005–06 before leaving Ireland Avenue after 102 years.
Martin Haag appointed Dan Montagu captain on 21 July 2015. He replaced Brent Wilson who retired at the end of 2014–15 season. Since then Ian Costello has been appointed as Head Coach, with Neil Fowkes and Alex O'Dowd making up the current coaching team.
The club currently play at Lady Bay, previously at Meadow Lane. On 30 July 2010 the club signed an agreement to become part of Notts County PLC. In early July 2012 it was announced that Martin Haag had become the new director of rugby at the club.
Club honours
Current standings
Current squad
2016-17 Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.