Widnes Rugby Union Club
Welcome to the profile of Widnes Rugby Union Club.
We are a proud, ambitious rugby club based in Widnes, Cheshire. We’ve partnered with sponsor seeker to open up new opportunities for businesses to engage with our growing club, showcase their brands, and support our next stage of development.
Our History
Origins & Early Years
Founded in 1924 as Widnes Secondary School Old Boys RFC, the club quickly evolved: just a year later it adopted the name Old Widnesians RFC.
In 1959, the club “went open” and became Widnes Rugby Union Football Club (Widnes RUFC). At that time, the first clubhouse—a simple wooden Nissen hut—was built on Heath Road.
Growth & Development in the 1960s–70s
The club expanded dramatically by the late 1960s and 1970s, running seven senior sides (including 1st, 2nd, Saracens, Wasps, Nomads, Victors) plus Schools XV and Colts XV.
Their Colts thrived: producing multiple Lancashire reps and three England players (Jimmy O’Neill, Dave Balmer, Ronnie Clark).
Success brought talent scouts from senior and rugby league clubs—losing 50–60 players in a decade to higher-level teams.
Silverware & Facilities Improvements
In 1976, Widnes won the Lancashire Cup, defeating West Park at Waterloo, with Peter Barrow as captain.
Facility upgrades followed in 1978–79: a new lounge overlooking the pitch, squash courts, changing rooms, and a gym were added.
The Push to Senior Status & Professional Era
The club competed in the Giro Bank North West League during the mid-1980s—precursor to national competition—and finished runners-up in both seasons it existed.
They made history by winning both the Lancashire Trophy (1987–88) and Lancashire Cup (1990–91), asserting themselves as elite county-level competitors.
Youth rugby re-emerged in 1991, bolstering the club’s pipeline.
Challenges & Junior Revival
Although professionalisation in the 1990s hit many clubs hard, Widnes RUFC endured severe financial difficulties in 1998 and underwent a major restructuring, with senior numbers dwindling to a lone 1st XV.
The thriving junior section, however, became the club’s lifeline. From 1997–2003, they won the Junior Lancashire Cup seven years in a row, the first club to accomplish this feat.
Many junior stars progressed to senior-level play, anchoring the club’s resurgence.
Recent History
After a tough season in Level 6, Widnes dropped to Level 7 to compete in the newly restructured Counties 1 Lancashire & Cheshire league and began a rebuild.
They bounced back with success—winning the league twice and securing county cups. With promotion reintroduced, a third league title saw Widnes return to Level 6, where they’ve since maintained their status.
Widnes also made national headlines by winning a national cup and finishing runners-up in another—playing at the iconic Twickenham Stadium.
The Club Today & Legacy
Widnes RUFC now boasts some of the best rugby facilities in the North West, including its clubhouse, pitches, and community hub. Our senior setup consist of 1st XV competing in Level 6, a league winning 2nd XV and a social 3 XV and we continue to develop our youth, minis, and junior sections—ensuring a thriving rugby environment for all ages and abilities.
The dedication and success of past generations are now being passed down to junior players, who are growing up with a strong sense of club pride and ambition. Widnes RUFC continues to be a cornerstone of community sport in the region.
Community Engagement & Digital Growth
As part of our vision for the future, Widnes RUFC is actively working to build partnerships with local colleges. We aim to offer students real-world experience through building projects, media production, and marketing initiatives.
This effort will:
1. Boost local engagement and youth involvement
2. Give our digital platforms a full refresh
3. Grow our social media presence and brand exposure across the North West
This growth directly supports our sponsors by increasing visibility and aligning your brand with innovative, community-driven initiatives.
Our Aspirations
Widnes RUFC has already made major strides in developing the clubhouse and social side of the club. Our next step is to refocus on the rugby. Our current goals include:
1. Increasing the size of our gym and installing modern equipment for all our members to use
2. Refurbishing our changing rooms and repainting key facilities
3. Investing in new training equipment, matchday gear, and player leisurewear
We are committed to matching our off-field facilities with our on-field ambition. Sponsorship income is essential in turning these goals into reality.
Why Sponsor Us?
1. Boost Brand Visibility Across the Region – Widnes RUFC competes in the RFU’s Level 6 league, hosting and travelling to fixtures across Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. Sponsoring us offers your brand exposure to a wide and regional audience.
2. Multiple Sponsorship Opportunities to Suit Your Business – We offer a variety of flexible sponsorship routes including:
– Player sponsorship, with your branding featured on team sheets and matchday updates each week.
– Pitchside advertising, via display boards at our well-attended home ground.
– Leisurewear sponsorship, ensuring your logo is seen around the club and community year-round.
3. Digital Growth to Drive Your Brand Reach – As part of our digital transformation, we’re increasing the volume and quality of content we share—from match previews to behind-the-scenes media. This means more frequent and engaging posts across social platforms, giving your brand extra visibility and reach across the North West.
4. Make a Real Community Impact – By sponsoring Widnes RUFC, your business becomes part of a club that’s deeply rooted in its community—supporting grassroots rugby, youth development, and positive social impact.
Thank you for taking the time to read through our profile and we hope you get an idea of the type of club and community we have inherited and continue to build. I would be greatly appreciated if you could support our journey and help support grassroots rugby.
Target Audience
Age Band:
All Working Age Adults
Under 18
5 – 11
12 – 18
Social demographics:
A – Upper middle class
B – Middle class
C1 – Lower middle class
C2 – Skilled working class
D – Working class
E – Those at lowest level of subsistence
Key Dates and Timings
Our season runs from 1st July to 31st May. This accounts for preseason, league games and national cup games.
Specific Opportunity Details
Multiple Sponsorship Opportunities to Suit Your Business – We offer a variety of flexible sponsorship routes including:
1. Player sponsorship, with your branding featured on team sheets and matchday updates each week.
2. Pitchside advertising, via display boards at our well-attended home ground.
3. Leisurewear sponsorship, ensuring your logo is seen around the club and community year-round.
4. Custom packages to suit your business needs.
Features and Benefits
1. Boost Brand Visibility Across the Region – Widnes RUFC competes in the RFU’s Level 6 league, hosting and travelling to fixtures across Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. Sponsoring us offers your brand exposure to a wide and regional audience.
2. Digital Growth to Drive Your Brand Reach – As part of our digital transformation, we’re increasing the volume and quality of content we share—from match previews to behind-the-scenes media. This means more frequent and engaging posts across social platforms, giving your brand extra visibility and reach across the North West.
3. Pitch side signage to show off your business
4. Pre-match lunch tickets before home game
5. Make a Real Community Impact – By sponsoring Widnes RUFC, your business becomes part of a club that’s deeply rooted in its community—supporting grassroots rugby, youth development, and positive social impact.
Other Partners
Landscape world
North West Contracts Widnes Ltd
NWH Landscapes Ltd
C & C Monumental Masons
Morbaine Development & Investment
John Geddes Cycles
Law4All Ltd
Investment
Widnes Rugby Club welcomes a range of investment opportunities to support our teams, facilities, and community engagement efforts.
Investment Options
We are seeking sponsorship in the following forms:
✅ Cash Investment: Direct financial support to fund equipment, venue costs, and club development initiatives.
✅ Contra Sponsorship: Exchange of services or products that align with the club’s needs, such as training gear, facility improvements, or digital marketing support.
✅ Product & Promotional Support: Branding collaborations, product sampling at events, and promotional campaigns benefiting both the sponsor and our club.
Funding Amounts & Flexibility
We offer customisable sponsorship packages based on different levels of involvement, allowing potential partners to choose the best investment option for their business goals. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a season-long partnership, we aim to ensure sponsors gain maximum value from their support.
If you’d like to discuss tailored sponsorship opportunities, we’d love to explore how we can create a lasting and mutually beneficial partnership