Cleve Rugby Football Club is an English amateur rugby union club founded in 1922 and based in Mangotsfield, Bristol. The club play in the seventh-tier of the English league system; Tribute Western Counties North. They are a member of the

Bristol and District Rugby Football Combination The Bristol and District Rugby Football Combination is an organisation for the promotion of junior rugby union in the city of Bristol, England. The Bristol and District Rugby Football Combination is one of two pillars on which the rugby union her ...

, 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

* Bristol Combination Cup winners (3): 1980, 1983, 1985, 2013 * Gloucester 1 champions: 1994–95 * Western Counties North champions: 2000–01 * South West Division 2 East champions: 2005–06 *

South West 1 West Regional 2 South West, (formerly known as South West 1 West) is an English, level six, rugby union league for clubs based in the south-west of England; i.e. Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. It is one of twelve leagues at this level ...

champions: 2014–15

Coaching staff

1st XV : Nathan Huntley Paul Vinicombe 2nd XV : Simon Clarke 3rd XV : Mark Jones Colts Coach:

Club officials

President : Howard Owen Chairman : Simon Wilstead Vice Chairman :Lee Williams Director of Rugby Adam Shepherd Hon Secretary : Steve Bracey Hon Treasurer : Tim Sperrings Hon Match Secretary : Fred Stapleton

Notable former players

Ryan Davis Ryan Davis may refer to: *Ryan Davis (defensive end) (born 1989), American football defensive end *Ryan Davis (wide receiver) (born 1997), gridiron football wide receiver *Ryan Davis (Australian footballer) (born 1989), Australian rules footballer ...

– London Wasps * James Phillips – Exeter Chiefs *

Chris Brooker Chris Brooker (born 31 May 1986) is an English rugby union player, currently playing for Bristol in the RFU Premiership. Brooker's position of choice is as a hooker. He can also operate as a prop. He has previously played for Bath Rugby. On ...

– Bristol * Redford Pennycook – Ealing Trailfinders * Chevvy Pennycook – Moseley/Bristol * Jack Tovey – Bristol

References

{{Rugby union in England English rugby union teams Rugby clubs established in 1922 Rugby union in Bristol