Cleve RFC


Cleve Rugby Football Club is an English amateur rugby union club founded in 1922 and based in Mangotsfield, Bristol. The club play in the sixth-tier of the English league system; South West 1 West, following their relegation from South West Premier at the end of 2018-19. They are a member of the Bristol and District Rugby Football Combination, an organisation which promotes junior rugby union in the city of Bristol.

History

Cleve Rugby Football Club was formed in 1922 as “Cleve RFC Downend”. They played their first game in a field in Staple Hill, which is now Staple Hill Park. The club later moved to Vassells Park in Fishponds, the players changing in the back room of the Full Moon Public House. It was at this time that the club became known simply as “Cleve RFC”. The club purchased a wooden pavilion in November 1934 for £200. When Cleve were forced to move to Bromley Heath Road in Downend in 1939, because of a housing development, their wooden pavilion went with them. In 1947 further land was purchased and was farmed by club members, as a source of income. Eventually, to meet the growing local interest in rugby football, more pitches were developed. Then, between 1969 and 1971, members added more facilities, which carried the club through the next 25 years.
The club badge is based on the coat of arms of the Cave Estate, from whom the ground in Downend was purchased and the ears of wheat acknowledge the club’s farming activity after the War. The club motto ‘We sow to reap’ also records these early events but also reflects the club’s commitment to providing rugby facilities and coaching for children from the age of 6.
The next milestone in Cleve’s history was the club’s move to its new clubhouse and grounds in Mangotsfield named ‘The Hayfields’ in September 1997. The club runs three senior sides on Saturdays and all mini and junior levels, from under-7’s to colts.

Honours

1st XV : Ben Roberts David Partington Dave Hilton
2nd XV : Simon Clarke
3rd XV : Mark Jones
Colts Coach:

Club officials

President : Chris Brooker
Chairman & Director of Rugby : David Partington
Vice Chairman : Andrew O'Donnell
Club Patron : Roy Price
Hon Secretary : Steve Bracey
Hon Treasurer : Tim Sperrings
Hon Match Secretary : Fred Stapleton
Business & Facilities Manager :
Media & Communications :

Notable former players