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Why Join Dorking Rugby?

Comunity Club | Ambitious Playing Prospects | Player Testimonials | Employment Network | Gym & Coaching | London Nearby

An Ambitious Community Club with a Family Feel

We believe proper people make a proper rugby club. This may sound cliché but we believe in old school values, all the way from the core of our youth teams all the way to our 1st XV. Whilst we are an ambitious club across all grades we deeply believe in the core values of the game and hold ourselves accountable to them.

We believe in our youth and average 70% of home-grown players across our 3 senior mens’ teams which provides us with an authentic culture for every person pulling on the red and white shirt, whether that be the first of the fiftiest time. Across all our teams enjoyment is paramount and we look to build a community of people, here to support one another across the club.

Ambitious Playing Prospects

Our 1st XV are currently in their third season back in National 2 East, competing near the top of the table. Our Womens' XV is going from strength to strength with squad depth growing continuously year on year. and sitting at the Top of NC3 league Our 2nd XV moved up a league this season to provide our upcoming players with a better standard to develop at. Finally, our Colts are in the top 4 teams of their age grade in the country, having reached the semi final of the National Colts Cup.

With continued investment from sponsors and local charities we have been able to develop our facilities and equipment to give us infrastructures to make any other National League club jealous and doing it with fun and enjoyment in mind. 

Player Testimonials

See what some of our current players have to say about our club.

Tom Bristow

Mens Player - Former Professional Rugby Player, now playing and coaching at Dorking RFC whilst working for a club sponsor.

"The extensive network provided me with an invaluable career opportunity within the property industry, where I was able to gain further qualifications and experience.

Dorking RFC not only provides advice and direction away from the rugby field but also has superb facilities to support players on it. As players we are given the best foundation to play competitive rugby with a state of the art gym, a great physio department and fantastic social scene. A great culture of work hard play hard, that encourages everyone to get involved. It’s a great testament to the incredible success seen on the pitch!

As I’ve found throughout my rugby career, we are the product of our environment and being surrounded by genuine people who triumph development is perfect for any motivated rugby player. Having come full circle, as a rugby mad 19 year old to a now weathered 30 something year old, I can confidently say that Dorking RFC has been a spring board in both the start and end of my professional rugby journey. There’s nothing like running out at the big field infront of the amazing Dorking faithful!"

Cam Cowell

Mens Player - Former Professional & International 7s Rugby Player, now playing and coaching at Dorking RFC whilst also working for club sponsor.

"Since retiring from Professional Rugby in Covid, Dorking Rugby has supported me through the biggest decision of my life. They supported me in my job hunt by allowing me experience in different companies to then tailor and secure a job in the industry of my choice. Secondly, the rugby. The culture and standard of rugby is like nothing I've seen or experienced before. Playing a small part in my career back when I was 18/19 years for there was nowhere else I would want to be affiliated with. Everyone at Dorking Rugby Club are amazing people and there is nothing better than getting a W with the Dorking lads and fans."

Tom Howe

Mens Player - Former Professional Rugby Player, now playing and coaching at Dorking RFC.

"Having spent all of my career in the professional game, I thought it was always going to be tough to step away from it. Living locally, I soon got in touch with Armand and the team at Dorking. After a couple of conversations, I soon realised the vision than the club has and it’s core values which drew me in…and ultimately being able to play rugby at the weekends again was first and foremost the best part. Having played and coached for over half the season now and loving every minute, it’s the enjoyment the weekends bring and the players drive and willingness to get better that has made this club so special.

For those unsure whether they want to continue their rugby journey after the professional game at a national league club, I’d recommend giving this new challenge a go and throwing everything at it. As what you give to the club in experience, you will more than get back in abundance with love and support. It’s a family, and a club that is run and supported by people who want the best for you, as a thank you for being part of their clubs journey."

Zak Stephenson

Mens Player - Ex-Premiership rugby academy player in his first season of senior mens rugby.

"Before joining the club, I was falling out of love for the game but that could not be more different since I joined Dorking. I am loving being with a great group of guys whilst being giving a chance to play senior rugby at a National League level and having plenty of support to develop as a player from a great coaching team and the experience of former professional players.”

Lucia Schifano

Womens player.

"I started playing for Dorking RFC when I was in under 15s and I have continued my journey through the club, now playing for the women’s team.

The club, support and facilities on offer at Dorking are exceptional, and as a player I have always felt that I have had the necessary coaching to improve my performance over the years. As a female rugby player it is often hard to find such a supportive club, however I have always felt at home at dorking and really feel part of the family.

Not only is dorking an amazing club to play for, but the social aspect is outstanding and the women’s team are great fun! I have made so many friends through my time at the club and I really encourage anyone thinking about playing women’s rugby to come down and get involved.."

Lexie Potgieter

Womens player.

"I started playing rugby at a young age and for the past year I’ve been playing for Dorking RFC. I believe my rugby skills have improved in such a short period of time due to the tremendous support from coaches as well as players.

Our club is equipped with a fantastic gym and perfect pitches. I am so grateful to be part of this huge family who will always be there to provide support both on and off the rugby pitch. If you want to play rugby for the first time or you are looking to expand your skills and ability, Dorking RFC should be at the top of your list!"

Jemma Wood

Womens player.

"Having never played rugby a year and a half ago Dorking rugby has made the transition from an individual sport (athletics) to rugby seem easy.

All the coaches have been unbelievably supportive, developing all of our new women’s players and utilising our individual skills to make an amazing team. I came into the group and was instantly made to feel at home while keeping a competitive atmosphere.

The facilities at Dorking such as the gym and physio are fantastic and having the opportunity to use these very regularly is also helping us as a team go from strength to strength.

My teammates, the coaching team, physio staff, and supporters are all incredible and I’m so proud to be part of it all."

Will Darbishire

Colts player.

"The Colts Development Programme has really pushed and improved my game over the past couple of years. One thing that stands out is the standards that the coaches push us players to maintain, they never let the standards drop which has pushed me to get better and improve every week. Additionally the coaches have introduced advanced concepts of play, particularly in defence which has massively increased my understanding of the game, making me more tactically aware and knowledgeable. I think my experience with the men’s team in the pre season has developed me most as a player.

This exposure to high level rugby has aided my development as it put al lot of pressure on my skills and fitness due to the massive increase in pace and intensity. Spending a pre season training at that level developed my game understanding, skills and fitness which had a big impact my overall game this season."

Scott Bloomfield

Colts player.

"I’ve been playing at Dorking RFC for 13 years and the CDP has really helped develop my rugby skills and fitness within the last 2 years.

I think that the depth of our coaching team allows us to perfect details of our game to the best we can, the implement of our new line out options. This has pushed our game to the next level and allowed us to reach top 4 in England and the top team in Surrey. This partnered with the amazing facilities available to us and opportunities to learn from senior coaches and players really makes the CDP as good as it is.."

Lilly Puttick

Girls Colts player.

"After trying many different sports as a young child I started rugby at Dorking RFC and since then I have been surrounded by support from coaches as well as fellow players helping me to improve to the best of my ability. From age group coaching to s&c sessions in the state of the art gym I have been given the tools to improve my skills, which has lead to me playing for Surrey U18’s and being accepted into the performance rugby academy at Worthing college. I also applaud the club for its welcoming nature and thriving social aspects helping me to make many friendships along the way.

If you are looking a club to help facilitate you rugby potential with coaches and players that want the best for you or even if you just want to try a new sport and meet new people, I would highly recommend Dorking RFC."

A Vast Employment Network

At Dorking RFC we have unquantifiable network that can offer opportunities for anyone. For those leaving the professional game behind and looking to transition back into regular life or for anyone graduating looking for a first role, we can help with your employment.

With opportunities ranging from finance, recruitment, software sales all the way to labouring, there is a route into any career thanks to our inexhaustive network of supporters.

Read more about our club sponsors & partners

Our Lead Partners:

State of the Art Facilities & Dedicated Coaching

Our newly developed, state of the art gym and resident S&C Coach provides all the tools you need to reach your maximum potential.

With coaches with international playing experience, top level qualifications and links with premiership clubs we have a player-first approach which offers varied and intuitive sessions.

London, On Your Doorstep

A number of our senior players live and commute to London, so if you fancy the bright lights or live in the city be sure that commuting to the club is not an issue.

London Bridge to Redhill is only a 25 minute train ride and we can help organise transport on training and match days.

Considering moving to the area? Having Gatwick airport less than 20 minutes away also isn’t bad should you fancy a getaway.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss joining any of the clubs sections please get in touch with us via email at dor@dorkingrfc.com.