History

Wadebridge Camels RFC was formed from very humble beginnings in 1955. The club became established when like minded individuals met at the Swan Hotel on the Platt in Wadebridge. Most of these original club members were at the time employed in a variety of occupations including the local banks, agriculture, education and other local business’s. Those Camel pioneers are still visible through team photographs that are displayed on the current clubhouse wall at the Molesworth Field adjacent to Egloshayle Church. These players were the likes of Bill Carling (father of Will Carling, former England captain and Lions tourist) and his two brothers who had property in the area and had been in the army. Bill played for the army and although had played rugby previous to starting the Camels club always nominated Wadebridge Camels as his club team in team sheets Another well known ex Camels player is Ollie Barklay, currently with Bath and who has played for England and the British and Irish Lions. Both Rick Stein and comedian Jethro are ex players who both retain an interest in the club and provide support.

Local farmer Nancy Phillips allowed the Camels to play on her field at Bodieve on the northern edge of Wadebridge until the new by-pass sliced through the pitch in the late 80’s. The current pitch at Egloshayle, called the Molesworth Field, sits alongside the River Camel that meanders from the heights of Bodmin Moor into the Atlantic Ocean at Padstow The Molesworth Field provided a much larger clubhouse and the facility for nearly 100 senior players who currently enjoy the sport during the season. Together with an additional 200 mini and junior players who play their rugby every Sunday during the season, Wadebridge Camels RFC are a true community based club who provide a large service to the town week in week out.

The success achieved by the first team during the 2009-2010 ranks as the best in its long history. The club was promoted from Western Counties West League to South West 1 league at the end of the season and beat St Ives, who were already in South West 1, to win the Skinners Brewery Cornwall Cup for the second time in 3 years. The clubs success has been built on the commitment of many club members, some of whom are players from the late 60’s and still have the passion to contribute to a club that has progressed up 4 leagues in the last 8 years.

The club has a vision to progress further up the leagues and compete with local clubs Redruth and Launceston All Blacks. Supporting this vision means forming more partnerships with local and national companies who wish to be part of a club that is growing in stature and is regularly supported with 250 supporters at the first team home games. The club receives extensive coverage each week in the local Cornish Guardian as well as regional newspapers such as the Sunday Independent and Western Morning News. Currently the club has over 90 individuals and organisations who support the club through advertising and as vice presidents. The clubs new web site is currently being upgraded to provide greater value to both club members and sponsors as a form of communicating to those who wish to keep abreast of the teams progress. The club also hires out the clubhouse for social occasions and has a successful marquee hire business. The community spirit is extended to those who attend services and weddings at Egloshayle Church and want to use the clubs car parking facilities. Those who wish to take walks with their family and dogs around the area are also afforded the use of the car park.

The club welcomes new sponsors who they believe fit the vision and values of a non professional rugby club and who are seeking to embrace the local community in North Cornwall by becoming part of the Wadebridge Camels family.

Further details about sponsorship can be obtained by contacting Graham Matthews on 07784 257469 To view more about the club go to www.wadebridgecamelsrfc.co.uk.