Rotherham The Unofficial Website

Rugby

I have to admit, and I have no shame about it at all, that I have never seen a live match of rugby either league or union. I've watched a few on the telly where at least you can sit in the warmth and comfort of your own home and get yourself a good hot cup of tea and a nice fat slice of cake at half time. (I have seen one football match and believe me one football match at Millmoor was quite enough to put me off ever standing on any cold wet terrace ever again.) The difference between union (southern, rich and amateur) and league (northern, poor and professional) was explained to me during my teenage years. Then again many, many years have passed and that could have been the other way around. However it strikes me that the edges have become distinctly blurred and the more I look the more blurred they become, except of course for the number of men on the field, oh and some slight differences in the rule book.

Rugby League

Dearne Valley Bulldogs

They play at Swinton Comprehensive School.

Rotherham Giants

I have found mention of them playing at Oakwood School and Herringthorpe Stadium but despite a through search I have not found any match reports in any cache on the internet later than 2003. This was about the time they were suspended from the league for not playing some of their matches. May 2008 I have found a match report in the Advertiser describing them "newcomers" and playing in the Rugby League Conference.

Rotherham Roosters

Rotherham Roosters are an amateur Rugby League side. They play from the Pitches at Stag roundabout. Their website is still under under construction but there is a forum page www.rotherhamarlfc.co.uk.

Rotherham Rugby League Club

A Rotherham Rugby League Club was formed 27 years ago and played under the name of Rotherham Rangers. A separate junior club was formed in 1990 and played under the name of Rotherham Rams. The two clubs amalgamated in 1992 under one management team that immediately put them on the trail of success. The club plays all age groups in the Pennine League which is one of the most prestigious amateur league in the U.K. Their season is from August until May. Many of their players have gone on to play for professional teams.

Five years ago Superleague Europe sought to bridge the gap between winter playing amateur sides and the Summer Superleague sides by forming an elite Summer Conference completion. This was latterly called The Rugby League Conference. The Conference was divided into North/South/East/West divisions throughout England. Rotherham's success on the winter field was rewarded by an invitation to join the is Conference. Each of the Clubs were to be affiliated to Superleague Clubs and would have access to professional coaching and management input. Rotherham were mated with Huddersfield Giants hence they play under the banner of Rotherham Giants and play in Huddersfield colours which are Claret and Gold. The winter side play in red/white/blue. Interestingly a number of Rotherham Rugby Union members have played for Rotherham, notably John Dudley. Information from Ian 2004.