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Torquay Athletic RFC

Torquay Athletic RFC

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Welcome to the Recreation Ground, home of Torquay Athletic R.F.C. The Recreation Ground is one of the most picturesque grounds in the South West, with a clubhouse, situated in three acres of tree lined grassland. Facilities include car parking, changing and shower rooms, snack bar and a members’ bar. We are always looking for new members, both playing and social, so welcome to our community. We run four Senior Sides:1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV and a Colts (Under 18’s XV). Over the years, we have produced several international players – Bath and England Hooker Lee Mears started his rugby journey with TARFC. Mike Davis, a local Torquay lad, played and coached England in the 70’s. Forwards Coach John Widdicombe, another Torquinian, played for Newport and the Barbarians XV. We have a thriving Junior Section catering for 7 year olds upwards. On a Sunday morning there are over 200 children and parents training and playing rugby – “a playground for rugby”. We have one of the strongest Junior Sections in the South West and organise a Mini Easter Tournament which attracts teams from South Wales, the Midlands and London, who participate in the event. Torquay has a proud history of producing quality players who have represented England at Under 16 level: Rupert Seldon, Lee Mears, Andy Baker, James Manley, Jon Bourne and Chris Bell. Bell joined Plymouth Albion and captained England Under 18. Ben Cole who came through our juniors section joined the Saracens and gained Under 21 England honours. Richard Hunt also gained England Under 19 and Under 21 honours. Ben Rowntree had Welsh Under 18 honours. Certainly an impressive list of honours for any Rugby Club. Future Plans We now have a long-term lease from Torbay Council. We intend to apply for Sports and Lottery Grants. In order to completely renovate the ground, we intend to create new bars, a gymnasium, sports hall, function suite, changing rooms and hospitality suites, creating a Community accessible Centre of Excellence for sport for the people of Torbay.
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