Ampthill
Ampthill are a men's rugby club founded in 1881 who play in the Champ Rugby (Championship) (Tier 2). Their home ground is Dillingham Park, which holds 3,000.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| Founded | 1881 |
|---|---|
| League | Champ Rugby (Championship) |
| Tier | Tier 2 |
| Head coach | Dave Ward |
| Home ground | Dillingham Park |
| Capacity | 3,000 |
| Nearest station | Ampthill |
| Local derby | Bedford Blues |
| Matchday pub | Clubhouse bar at Dillingham Park |
| Official website | https://www.ampthillrufc.com/ |
Club history
Founded in 1881 according to local news archives with the current club Ampthill & District Community Rugby Union Football Club Ltd reformed in 1950 and incorporated in 1959.
The club acquired the first three acres of its current Dillingham Park home in 1958 from local farmer A J Woodward for the sum of £300.
The current Dillingham Park clubhouse was built in 1980 and extended in 1993.
In 2019 Ampthill were crowned champions of National League 1 sealing promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club's history.
Recent seasons
Paul Turner stepped down as head coach at the end of the 2024-25 season after 14 years at the club.
Dave Ward was confirmed as the new head coach starting on 1 July 2025 after leaving Bristol Bears Women.
Mark Lavery continues as Director of Rugby overseeing the club's Championship campaigns.
After seven matches of the 2025-26 Champ Rugby season Ampthill sat 12th in the 14-team table.
Notable players
Club legends
- James Pritchard
- Paul Turner
- Mark Lavery
- Russell Earnshaw
Current squad
- Rhys Marshall
- Efan Jones
- Oran McNulty
- Louis Grimoldby
Turning Ampthill footage into insight
Every match Ampthill play holds a goldmine of detail. Framesports turns rugby footage into the analytics that actually matter and data that builds smarter game plans, collected by analysts and checked by humans. See how it works on the Framesports features page.
Frequently asked questions
When were Ampthill founded?
Ampthill were founded in 1881.
Where do Ampthill play?
Ampthill play at Dillingham Park, which holds 3,000. The nearest station is Ampthill.
What league do Ampthill play in?
Ampthill compete in the Champ Rugby (Championship), tier 2 of English rugby's league structure.
Who are Ampthill's local rivals?
Ampthill's local derby is against Bedford Blues.
Who is the Ampthill head coach?
Ampthill are coached by Dave Ward.
Other Champ Rugby (Championship) clubs
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