Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Eastern Counties Rugby Union To govern, promote & develop the quality of Rugby in Eastern Counties whilst maintaining the game’ Eastern Counties was formed in on 28th October 1890.

The governing body for all forms of rugby union played in the East of England. EASTERN COUNTIES is comprised of three separate regions based on the geographical areas of Cambridgeshire Norfolk and Suffolk. Eastern Counties derives its authority from the Rugby Football Union and all three Sub Regions or Sub-Counties have their own separate administrations by which they organise local rugby in compl

iance with the governing body’s requirements. Eastern Counties Rugby Union is responsible for managing rugby on behalf of the Rugby Football Union in the Counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Originally it consisted of Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Cambridgeshire joined in1952 and more recently Essex, about half the total both in area and number of clubs left to seek fortune on their own. The Counties was formed originally as a means of producing a team capable of winning the County Championship a national competition between teams produced by other regions or constituent bodies as they are called. Sadly it never quite achieved that ambition. Eastern Counties have however reached at least one Twickenham final. Now Eastern Counties are concerned with providing the best for their 55 clubs in terms of competition, coaching, facilities, advice and guidance and when available funding, all of which has benefited rugby in the region. Four hundred Patrons, Ten full-time staff and over one hundred volunteers. It operates a school of rugby with a view to developing the elite player. It polices the game through a disciplinary structure and a child welfare officer. It manages the regions funds. It caters for beach rugby, touch rugby, mini rugby, girls’ rugby youth rugby, rugby sevens, rugby tens whilst still focusing on the senior fifteen a side game played hard fast and competitive but in the true spirit of rugby football ECRU operates in partnership with many organisations including Local Authorities Education and Sport Development offices, Eastern Region Sports Development Association, Sport England, professional clubs, private businesses and many more.

Volunteer Opportunity – ECRU Coaching ChairHelp Shape the Future of Rugby Coaching Across Eastern CountiesEastern Counti...
02/06/2026

Volunteer Opportunity – ECRU Coaching Chair

Help Shape the Future of Rugby Coaching Across Eastern Counties

Eastern Counties Rugby Union (ECRU) is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced individual to take on the role of Coaching Chair.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in the development of rugby coaching across our Constituent Body, supporting coaches at all levels of the game and helping to create positive player experiences throughout our clubs, schools and representative programmes.

About the Role:
The Coaching Chair will lead the strategic development and delivery of coaching across Eastern Counties Rugby Union, working closely with clubs, counties, RFU staff and volunteer leaders to ensure coaches have access to the support, training and development opportunities they need.

Reporting to the ECRU Chair of Playing, the successful candidate will oversee the annual Coaching Development Plan and champion coaching excellence throughout the region.

Closing date 19th June 2026

Please Email an expression of interest and covering letter to: [email protected]

🏉 COUNTY CAPS PRESENTED 🏉Congratulations to Imiee Smith and Morgan Mooney, who were presented with their Eastern Countie...
31/05/2026

🏉 COUNTY CAPS PRESENTED 🏉

Congratulations to Imiee Smith and Morgan Mooney, who were presented with their Eastern Counties Caps by EC President Pamela Clarke in recognition of making 12 County Championship appearances for Eastern Counties ❤️🤍

Representing your county is a special achievement, and reaching 12 Championship appearances is a testament to the dedication, commitment and performances both players have consistently shown in an Eastern Counties shirt.

Everyone at Eastern Counties Rugby congratulates Imiee and Morgan on reaching this significant milestone, and we look forward to seeing them add many more appearances in the seasons ahead.

👏👏 Well deserved!

🏉 FULL TIMEYorkshire 46 - 12 Eastern CountiesThe Gill Burns Division 1 County Championship journey comes to an end for E...
31/05/2026

🏉 FULL TIME

Yorkshire 46 - 12 Eastern Counties

The Gill Burns Division 1 County Championship journey comes to an end for EC Women at the semi-final stage against a strong Yorkshire side.

Despite spending large periods of the game under pressure, the squad never stopped battling and were rewarded with tries from Isabelle Burr and Hollie Walsh, with Lizelle Heather adding the conversion.

While there will naturally be disappointment at falling one step short of the final, the achievement of reaching the Division 1 semi-finals at the first attempt should not be underestimated. This campaign has been a tremendous success and is a testament to the commitment, hard work and talent shown by every player, coach and member of the management team throughout the season.

The future is bright for this group, and everyone connected with Eastern Counties should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

Well played Yorkshire, and congratulations on reaching the final.

❤️🤍

⏱️ HALF TIMEYorkshire 24 - 0 Eastern CountiesThe hosts lead at the break after a tough first half for EC Women.Much of t...
31/05/2026

⏱️ HALF TIME

Yorkshire 24 - 0 Eastern Counties

The hosts lead at the break after a tough first half for EC Women.

Much of the opening 40 minutes has been spent defending against a strong Yorkshire side, with Eastern Counties showing plenty of resilience and determination to keep battling throughout the half.

There is still plenty to play for, and the squad will be looking to regroup, retain more possession and make their opportunities count in the second period.

Come on ❤️🤍🏉

🏉 MATCH DAY 🏉The day has arrived!EC Women are in Gill Burns Division 1 County Championship Semi-Final action this aftern...
31/05/2026

🏉 MATCH DAY 🏉

The day has arrived!

EC Women are in Gill Burns Division 1 County Championship Semi-Final action this afternoon as they take on Yorkshire for a place in Gill Burns County Championship Division 1 Final ❤️🤍

After impressive victories over Staffordshire and Warwickshire, the squad now face their toughest challenge yet against defending champions Yorkshire.

📍 Huddersfield Laund Hill RFC
📍 New Hey Road, Salendine Nook, HD3 3XF
⏰ Kick Off: 2PM

Wherever you’re following from, get behind the team as they look to take one more step towards national glory.

Good luck to all the players, coaches, management and support staff 👏

❗️Please note for any travelling spectators, there will be a £5 charge for entry.

🏉 EC WOMEN SEMI-FINAL SQUAD 🏉Here is your Eastern Counties Women’s squad selected for Sunday’s Gill Burns Division 1 Cou...
28/05/2026

🏉 EC WOMEN SEMI-FINAL SQUAD 🏉

Here is your Eastern Counties Women’s squad selected for Sunday’s Gill Burns Division 1 County Championship Semi-Final away to Yorkshire ❤️🤍

After an impressive campaign and superb victories over Staffordshire and Warwickshire, the team now travel north looking to secure their place in the National Final.

Standing in their way is a formidable Yorkshire side who have also won both of their pool games, so we know this will be a huge test for the squad. However, we also know every player will give absolutely everything for the shirt on Sunday afternoon.

📍 Huddersfield Laund Hill RFC
📅 Sunday 31st May
⏰ Kick Off: 2PM

We wish the entire squad and management team the very best of luck for this huge occasion 👏

John Winders - Lifetime Achievement AwardAlso presented at the Eastern Counties Volunteer Recognition Awards was the pre...
25/05/2026

John Winders - Lifetime Achievement Award

Also presented at the Eastern Counties Volunteer Recognition Awards was the prestigious John Winders Award for Lifetime Achievement in Rugby, awarded this year to Ian Forton.

Ian is known to many throughout the rugby community for his decades of outstanding service to the game at both local and regional level. His contribution to rugby has spanned playing, administration and volunteering, beginning as a founding member of Lakenham RFC now Lakenham Union RFC

Over the years, Ian has also given tremendous service to Norfolk RFU, spent many years on the Eastern Counties committee, EC Men's team manager and remains the only person to have been elected Eastern Counties President on two separate occasions. Alongside this, he has undertaken long-standing work as Secretary of the London Divisional Competitions Committee.

Presenting the award, Eastern Counties President Pamela Clarke described Ian as “perhaps the easiest choice imaginable” for the honour, recognising his unwavering commitment and dedication to the game over many decades.

Everyone at Eastern Counties offers their congratulations to Ian on this thoroughly deserved recognition 👏🏻

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