Torquay Athletic RFC
About Us
One of the oldest and most storied rugby clubs in the South West of England. Founded in 1875 and proud of every year since.
Our Story
Over 150 Years of Rugby in Torquay
Torquay Athletic RFC is one of the oldest and most storied rugby clubs in the South West of England. Founded in 1875, the club — nicknamed the Tics — has called Torquay home for over 150 years, with the iconic black and white hooped jersey a familiar sight across Devon.
Over the decades the club has celebrated significant honours. TARFC won the Devon Senior Cup in 1907, again in 1979, and for a third time in 2007 — defeating local rivals Paignton in the final. More recently the 1st XV enjoyed an outstanding unbeaten 2024/25 season, winning the Devon RFU Intermediate Cup, one of the most successful in the club's history.
1875
Year Founded
150+
Years of Rugby
3x
Devon Senior Cup Winners
400+
Club Members
Our Ethos
One Club. One Team.
At Torquay Athletic RFC we believe rugby is for everyone. Not just the fastest, the biggest or the most experienced. Everyone. From a child pulling on a jersey for the very first time on a Sunday morning to a senior player who has given decades to the black and white hoops, every single person who walks through our gates is part of the same club.
One Club. One Team isn't just a phrase we put on a website. It's the way we train, the way we select, the way we welcome new members and the way we treat every opponent we face. The 1st XV and the Minis are equally important to us. The Women's XV and the 2nd XV are equally valued. A player who has been here thirty years and a player who joined last week stand on the same ground and wear the same colours.
Rugby in Devon has always been about community. At TARFC we intend to honour that tradition while building something that the next generation of players, supporters and families can be proud of.
Club Leadership
The People Behind The Club
club President
Colin Rylance
club Chairman
Lee Mason
VICE CHAIR, Data Officer, Director of FACILITIES and Grounds
CHRIS SIDDALL
JUNIOR CHAIR
LUCY CALLAGHAN
HON TREASURER
NEIL WILSON
Hon Secretary
Stephen Hanbury
Director of rugby
Nick Blackhurst
MEN'S Coach
Dan Williams
WOMEN'S COACH
BEN SHARPLES
WOMEN'S COACH
LLOYD PENHALAGAN
SAFEGUARDING LEAD
ABBY HALES
RugbySafe Lead
Lisa Stockwell
Referee Coordinator
Charlie Wakeham
Sports therapist Lead
NATALIE WAYNE
FIXTURE SECRETARY
LISA CROCKER
SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD
AMY BENNETT
CLUB WEBMASTER
EMMANUEL OYENEKAN
Our Home
The Recreation Ground
The Recreation Ground has been home to Torquay Athletic RFC since 1904. Situated on the seafront at Rathmore Road, Torquay, the ground is one of the most distinctive in amateur rugby — with the grandstand, the pitch and the sea all within touching distance of each other.
The Recreation Ground itself has remained relatively unchanged since it first opened in 1888 and stands as a great example of the sporting grounds of that era. It is shared with Torquay & Kingskerswell Cricket Club and has hosted Devon County Cricket Club matches over the years, making it one of the few grounds in England to stage both rugby and first class cricket.
Come and Be Part of It
Whether you're a seasoned player or have never touched a rugby ball — there's a place for you at TARFC.