It doesn't matter if you have played high-level rugby for years or have never even picked up a ball before. At East London, we pride ourselves on player development, hard work on the pitch, and a fantastic social atmosphere off it.

- Tony Knowles, Men's Head Coach

New Players Invited to Join the East London RFC Men's Rugby Section

East London Rugby Football Club (ELRFC) is actively recruiting new, returning, and experienced players for the upcoming men's rugby season. As a highly respected community club with a rich history dating back to 1952, ELRFC fields three senior men's squads competing across Counties 1 Essex and the Essex Merit Leagues.

The club accommodates all playing standards, from competitive athletes aiming for first-team selection to social players and complete beginners looking to develop their skills, improve fitness, and enjoy the unique camaraderie of grass-roots rugby.

Weekly Training & Event Schedule

Regular senior men's training sessions and key social landmarks are outlined in the schedule below. Players are advised to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the session start time to prepare.

Date / Frequency	Event Type	Time	Location
Thursday, 2 July	Preseason Training Session II	19:00	Memorial Ground, West Ham
Every Tuesday & Thursday	Regular Weekly Training	18:45	Memorial Ground, West Ham
Saturday, 18 July	Nations Championship Social	14:00	ELRFC Clubhouse
Saturday, 29 August	Lions v Rest of the World	12:00	ELRFC Clubhouse
Saturday, 29 August	Start of Season Social	18:00	ELRFC Clubhouse

Note: The regular Tuesday and Thursday training schedule remains consistent at 18:45 from Tuesday, 14 July through to Thursday, 31 December. Any cancellations will be communicated apporpriately.

How to Get Involved

Joining the club is straightforward, with no pre-registration or trial process required to attend training. Prospective players can choose from the following onboarding options:

Direct Attendance: Turn up at the Memorial Recreation Ground before 18:45 on any scheduled Tuesday or Thursday evening with training kit and boots.
Social Media Inquiry: Send a direct message to the club's official social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram.
Direct Contact: Message or Whatsapp Men's Head Coach Tony Knowles directly at +44 7392 567569.

Location & Transport Information

The club's facilities are highly accessible from Central London, Docklands, and Essex:

Clubhouse Address: Memorial Recreation Ground, 71 Holland Road, West Ham, London, E15 3BP.
Public Transport: Located 500 yards (a 5-minute walk) from West Ham Station, providing direct connections via the District Line, Jubilee Line, DLR, and c2c Rail Network.
Parking & Access: Free on-site parking is available. Drivers are requested to avoid parking outside the main gates to comply with local residents-only parking restrictions.