History
Driffield Rugby Union Club was formed in 1926, playing matches on a field just off St Johns Road, Driffield until the 1950's. In the early years the club was based at the Keys Hotel where the player's baths were beer barrels sawn in half!
Following WWII the club played at four different grounds before finally coming to an agreement with the Show Society to use their newly acquired Showground, with changing facilities at the aerodrome.
As the changing accommodation on the aerodrome would not be available for the season 1958/59 various alternatives were suggested: The Brewery was approached to see if showers could be installed behind the Blue Bell and the possibility of building a clubhouse on the show field was examined. However, before either of these ideas could be explored further the old RAF Cinema and RC Chapel came up for sale. In September 1958 it was bought by the club for 1,000. Baths were soon installed by Jack Woodmansey and the hard work of local tradesmen Gordon Leason and T.A. Naylor, under Alan Bradshaw's supervision, ensured that the club was soon useable. The clubhouse was officially opened on 21st April 1960 by Jack Warrington, the then Yorkshire President.
In 1964 the Club held its first Annual Dinner, a tradition which is continued till today, proving a popular event in the club calendar.
The Club thrived over the next 30 years; producing many fine players and teams. The clubhouse at Driffield, complete with roaring open fire and busy bar, became a focal point for the local community and renowned in rugby circles for its welcoming, convivial atmosphere.
The New Clubhouse
In the autumn of 1996 an application was made to Sport England for lottery funding to help build a new clubhouse. After several attempts, numerous applications and a great deal of hard work by John Harrison and others the club was granted a conditional award in March 2000. Work commenced on the new club house in the summer of 2001. Having cost over 1 million (including fixtures and fittings) the new clubhouse was ready for use in January 2002, and was officially opened in May 2002 by Tosh Askew, club member and England U19 Coach.
The New Clubhouse from the 1st XV pitch
Driffield RUFCS playing successes
1971 Driffield Win the Yorkshire Shield
On the 20th February 1971 Driffield played York in the Yorkshire Shield Final at Selby. Driffield triumphed 8-0 under the captaincy of David Hall.
Driffield Placed in Yorkshire League 1
In the 1987/88 season after years of controversy and debate in clubs of all shapes and sizes, leagues finally started. Driffield were placed in Yorkshire League 1.
1991 Driffield Win the Yorkshire Shield for the Second Time
Driffield won the Yorkshire Shield under the captaincy of Stuart Cooper beating Bradford Salem 9-0.
Promotion from Yorkshire League 1
In the 1991/92 season, again under the captaincy of Stuart Cooper and with Ross Weekes as the Club President, the Woldsmen did finally and in no uncertain terms, gain promotion to North East 2 after 5 years in Yorkshire League 1, having won all 10 games.
Promotion from North East 2
Still under the captaincy of Stuart Cooper the club gained promotion again in the 1992/93 season from North East 2 to North East 1
Promotion from North East 1
Having missed out narrowly two seasons earlier Driffield gained promotion at the end of the 1995/96 season. Simon Craggs captained the team throughout and promotion was sealed with a dramatic 6-6 draw with Old Brods at Kelleythorpe.
North Two
Under the captaincy of Richard Mitchell Williams in 1998/99 the Woldsman claimed promotion in the most dramatic fashion. Needing to score 60+ points in their final game of the season to secure second place and with it promotion Driffield performed memorably to beat Chester 64-7 at home.
North One
Driffield have now been in North One for four seasons; highest finish being third place in 1999/2000. Driffield are now a well established North One Club, completely amateur, unlike many of our rivals, but with ambitions to gain promotion into the National Leagues.
Player Achievements
Driffield have produced many fine players throughout their history; with many gaining representative honours. Most notable among these are Ces Sellar, now a club coach, who represented Yorkshire in the heyday of the County Championship and Chris Hughes who became Driffield's first ever international at any level when he was selected for England U16 in 2003. In addition to these named few, countless juniors, colts and U21's a have gained county honours underlining the club's ability to produce gifted rugby players.