South Shields RFC
| Full name | South Shields Rugby Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Union | Rugby Football Union | ||
| Nickname(s) | Shields / College / South Shields Massive | ||
| Founded | 1956 (60 years) | ||
| Location | South Shields, England | ||
| Ground(s) | Grosvenor Road | ||
| Chairman |  Gary McKay | ||
| Coach(es) | Stuart Robson | ||
| Captain(s) | Clayton Fox | ||
| League(s) | Durham/Northumberland 2 | ||
| |||
| Official website | |||
| www | |||
South Shields Rugby Football Club are a rugby union team in the town of South Shields, Tyne and Wear, England. They currently play in the Durham and Northumberland Two division and compete in the Durham County Junior Cup.
The side are based in the Westoe area of South Shields at the South Tyneside College main campus. The club's home ground since it was established is Grosvenor Road, South Shields.
History
South Shields Rugby Football Club (Shields Rugby) was established in 1956. The club were previously known as South Tyneside College RUFC (STC RUGBY) and before that, South Shields Marine Technical College Rugby Union Football Club (SSMTC RUFC) and at this point had the longest rugby club name in the entire country.
When the club were created they took the name from the college of further education at which it has been based ever since. As SSMTC RUFC the rugby formed part of the offer made to students of the college, predominately for extra-curricular activities and was organised by staff from the college and linked to the activities of the Students' Association.
In 2005/06, under the stewardship of David Mackenzie, the club won the Durham & Northumberland Four. In 2006/07, the club finished a disappointing 10th in its first season in Durham & Northumberland Three however went on to win the Durham County Plate two seasons running.
2010/11 saw South Shields RFC lose a close fought game to Newton Aycliffe in the Final of the Durham County Plate.
In 2012, after threat of going extinct, Shields Rugby was reformed and completely restructured under then club captain Chris Vacher, Team Manager Daniel McKay and the newly appointed Head Coach Tom Brooks. The club finished 4th in DN3 and were also beaten finalists in the Durham County Plate final losing 36 - 17 to Hartlepool BBOB. The club also regained the Bob Taylor Memorial Trophy from local rivals Jarrovians 34 - 7. The South Shields Mariners were defeated 48-0 by Blaydon Bricks, however fielded a competitive side throughout the season which led to the club being entered into a league for the first time in over a decade.
June 2013 saw Clayton Fox appointed as 1st XV club captain after Chris Vacher decided to step down and pass on the reigns. Stuart Robson was appointed as assistant coach; Tom Brooks also extended his stay as head coach.
In the summer of 2015, South Shields finally got its own rugby team as South Tyneside College RUFC became South Shields RFC with the name change being approved by the Durham County RFU and the RFU at Twickenham. The club had a new logo created by graphic designer Sam Monkhouse.
South Shields were crowned Durham/Northumberland Three Champions in May 2016 winning the title on the final day of the season. In the same season, the clubs second team won their division too.
Club Honours
- Durham/Northumberland 4 Champions: 2001/02, 2005/06
- Durham/Northumberland 3 Champions: 2013/14, 2015/16
- River Derwent League Champions: 2013/14
- River Coquet League Champions: 2015/16
Ground
South Shields have played at Grosvenor Road since being established in 1956. This is also the South Shields campus of the college.
Grosvenor Road, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE34 6ET.
The club also has a pitch at the old Brinkburn School site on Harton Lane, South Shields.
Club Colours
First Team
Club colours since the club was established have been black as primary with red and gold.
The playing kit was black top, shorts and red socks until the early 1990s when the socks were also made black. However, in 2007 the club reverted to red socks and currently play in a black top with hints of red and gold; black shorts; and red socks.
The kit manufacturers are currently Canterbury supplied through Sports World Rugby who are based in Alnwick, Northumberland.
South Shields Mariners
South Shields Mariners currently use a Cantebury black top supplied by club supplier Sports World Rugby. Black shorts with the traditional red club socks.
Change Kit
The 2016/17 change kit is green and gold manufactured by Canterbury and supplied by Sports World Rugby.
First Team Squad List
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Mariners Squad List
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Sponsors
- Hedworth Hall
- CTP Taxation Services Ltd
- Otto European Cuisine Restaurant
- The New Armstrong
- CaT Promotions
- MyBody Studios
Training
Training takes place at South Tyneside College playing fields on Grosvenor Road:
- Tuesday 18:30 - 20:00
- Thursday 18:30 - 20:00
For more information visit the official STC Rugby website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/southshieldsrfc/
Tours
- Amsterdam, Netherlands- 2015
- Benidorm, Spain- 2014
- Malaga, Spain- 2013
- Kraków, Poland- 2010
- Shepshed, England- 2008
- Prague, Czech Republic- 2007
- Malaga, Spain- 2006
- Ennis, Ireland- 2005
- Isle of Man, England- 2004
- Rome, Italy- 2002
- Reims, France- 1998
- Hull, England- 1997
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Larne, Northern Ireland- 1987
- Liverpool, England- 1979
Officials
| Mr Gary McKay | Chairman |
| Mr Kevin Lund | Secretary |
| Mrs Tina Jones | Treasurer |
| Mr Daniel McKay | Manager |
| Mr Tom Brooks | Head Coach |
| Mr Clayton Fox | 1st XV Captain |
| Mr Martin Bengston | 1st XV Vice Captain |
| Mr Graham Erickson | Mariners Captain |
| Mr Matt Bengston | Mariners Vice Captain |
| Mr David Mackenzie | Safeguarding Officer |