About Farnborough Rugby Union Football Club (FRUFC)

The History of Farnborough Rugby Club

Farnborough Rugby Union Football Club was formed in 1914 and was originally known as the Royal Aircraft Factory (RAF) Rugby Union Football Club.

The RAF became the Royal Aeronautical Establishment (RAE) in 1918 and the Club changed its name to the RAE RFC. During its early history Club members were drawn from people working at the RAE. During the 1939/45 war the RAE played a key role in supporting the armed forces. As a result, there were always plenty of RAE workers in the area and the Rugby Club continued to flourish. During this period the Club even supplied players to wartime England teams in the absence of the many players who served in the armed forces.

Later the establishment became the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE). The association with what is now the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (a government agency under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defence created from the remainder of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency when that body was part-privatised to form Qinetiq) continues.

With Aldershot and Odiham being close by the Club has also benefited over the years from players and coaches drawn from the ranks of the Army and the RAF.

The seventies saw Farnborough as a town become part of Rushmoor Borough Council. An increasing number of players did not work for the RAE and the decision was made to move to Tile Barn Close and eventually become Farnborough Rugby Club with a proper town identity.

Following a major clubhouse extension in 1999 and complete replacement of the kitchen with floodlights installed over the 1st playing pitch and modern facilities in 2010, a major refurbishment took place in April/May 2015.

The transformation of the Club’s social spaces has improved the quality of the rugby and social experience for everyone using the Club, providing more playing opportunities - especially for local people in the 14-24 age group but more importantly providing a resource to be used by the local community. The end product is a 21st Century and snug community environment for all, male and female young and old. This has helped the Club raise its profile and encourage more players, volunteers and spectators to share the special values that distinguish the sport.

The Club now has some of the best facilities in the area that local people from Farnborough and other towns and villages in the surrounding area can use.

In 2025, Farnborough Rugby Club is proud to field a strong and united community, with a dedicated senior team, a competitive Colts squad, an inspiring ladies touch team, and a thriving mini and juniors section. This year also marks a historic milestone for the club, as we welcome our first-ever female Chairperson, reflecting the inclusive and forward-thinking spirit at the heart of Farnborough RFC.