Burnage rugby club fields four senior teams in competitive leagues, offering the right standard of rugby to a broad spectrum of players. The first XV play in North 1 West, a high standard of amateur rugby. Several players have played professional rugby in the past, most have played some form of representative rugby with a few boasting international honours. The second XV, considered by all to be part of the same playing squad as the firsts, have enjoyed a rapid rise through the Miller Homes league structure (now University of Salford Leagues), and last season won promotion yet again: in 2010-11 they will compete in Division 1. The third XV is a step down from second team rugby for some of the veteran players and a step towards second team rugby for developing youngsters cutting their teeth in Miller Homes Division 3 East. The fourth XV, playing in Miller 5 East, offers organised rugby to newcomers to the game, more occasional players and those admirable fellows who are determined to play on despite their seniority!
The first and second team squad train together on Monday and Thursday nights from 7:30-9PM on the club's brand new artificial rugby pitch. This is an IRB match standard floodlit pitch, the biggest in the North West of England, and provides an unrivalled training facility for our teams.Third and fourth team training takes place at on the same pitch on Wednesday nights starting at 7:30PM. Moulded studs are preferred; blades are not allowed.
That everyone enjoys their rugby and has an opportunity to test themselves and improve, whatever their ability, is our desire, and we make every effort to help our players achieve that goal. Top quality coaching allows all players the chance to improve and push for first team rugby. The club has good on-site facilities in addition to the full size 3G pitch: 2 large playing pitches, one floodlit grass training pitch, one floodlit 5 a side 3G football pitch. We also use off-site facilities: all paid up members get free use of the excellent weights gym at Vernon Mill. Additional incentives 3 free beers if you train twice and then win at the weekend. Top quality diagnosis and treatment from our team of physios headed up by Mark Leathley is available on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, ensuring you take the field in the best possible condition.
Director of rugby Martin Birkett epitomises the blend of serious ambition and strong club spirit at the club. Martin joined the club ten years ago as he finished his professional career which included spells at Harlequins, Salford Reds and Swinton rugby league. He became immediately popular with a promotion as player-coach in his first year followed by many seasons bossing his teammates around from the number 10 berth. Over recent seasons Martin has lent his considerable experience in the second and third team as well as the firsts, showing his commitment to rugby across all levels at the club. Martin was the obvious choice for Director of Rugby once the firsts, seconds and thirds were all promoted into new leagues in the 2008-09 season and now enters his second season in the role.
Martin’s first achievement was the appointment of two outstanding coaches. Wayne Morris has a strong background in professional rugby both as a player and administrator and an excellent reputation amongst his peers. Wayne works with Oli Hewitt, forwards coach and regular first team back row/second row player who joined us from Macclesfield.
Find out full contact details, fixtures, results, match reports and more on the individual team pages.