About St Francis RFC
2020s
Like many grassroots rugby clubs, St Francis faced significant challenges during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the club emerged stronger, growing both its playing numbers and its ambitions for the future.
Success soon followed on the pitch, with the club winning Sussex 4 and the Sussex Plate in 2022, before lifting the Sussex Plate again in 2024. Off the pitch, the club entered a new era of development, launching the Monks development side and investing in facilities, recruitment and community engagement.
With plans to introduce junior rugby and continue expanding opportunities for players of all abilities, St Francis RFC is building for the next generation.
Honours:
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Sussex 4 Champions (2022)
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Sussex Plate Winners (2022, 2024)
Stronger Than Ever
2010s
One Club, One Community
In 2010, Crawley and East Grinstead Ladies joined St Francis RFC to create the club's first women's side. The team enjoyed significant success and helped broaden the club's reach within the local rugby community.
The decade also brought further silverware, including the Sussex Walrus Trophy in 2013 and league success for the women's team in 2011 and 2016.
Honours:
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Sussex Ladies 3 Champions (2011)
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Sussex Walrus Trophy Winners (2013)
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Sussex Ladies NE/South 2 Champions (2016).
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2000s
Punching Above Our Weight
The 2000s delivered one of the most successful periods in club history. Despite having no youth setup, St Francis competed against larger clubs and earned promotion to Sussex 1 for the first time.
The club also secured the Sussex 3 title and added another Sussex Plate to the trophy cabinet, proving that hard work and team spirit could compete with established rugby programmes.
Honours:
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Sussex 3 Champions (2004)
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Sussex Plate Winners (2006)
1990s
Finding Our Forever Home
The biggest moment of the 1990s came at the start of the 1998/99 season when St Francis joined forces with the Crawley Irish Centre to create the Emerald Sports & Social Club at Southgate Pavilion.
For the first time, the club had a permanent home that could support both rugby and the social side of club life, laying the foundations for future success.
1980s
The First Taste of Silverware
After settling at Goffs Park Pavilion, St Francis began to establish itself as a competitive force within Sussex rugby.
The decade culminated in a historic 1989 season when the club secured its first major honours, completing a memorable double by winning both the Sussex Plate and Sussex Walrus Trophy.
Honours:
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Sussex Plate Winners (1989)
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Sussex Walrus Trophy Winners (1989)
1970s
A Club Without a Home, But Never Without a Team
The 1970s were defined by resilience. St Francis played across Crawley, including Northgate, Ifield, Langley Green, Bewbush and Broadfield, constantly adapting without a permanent home.
The club's first social base was the Jet Line Club, where friendships were formed and the strong social culture that remains central to St Francis began to take shape.
1960s
Where It All Began
St Francis RFC was founded in 1960 by former pupils of St Wilfrid's School who attended the youth club attached to the Friary Church of St Francis and St Anthony. The club took its name from the church and quickly became a home for local people looking to enjoy rugby in a welcoming environment.
Father Malachy served as the club's first President, while Jack O'Neil became the driving force behind the club, helping establish the foundations and values that still shape St Francis today.
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Find Your Place at St Francis RFC
There's a place for everyone at St Francis RFC. Let us know what interests you and we'll be in touch. 😁
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