Northwich Rugby Club have had informal links with a number of international clubs for many years. However over the years with the onset of the RFU league system here in England, and the popularity of ‘gap’ years, we decided to create a more structured arrangement for overseas players wishing to play for Northwich RUFC. This has worked successfully for both the visiting players and the club and includes possible help with air fares and local accommodation, introductions to local employers as well as free gym membership. To compliment the arrangements here in Northwich, we help foster links with a number of clubs who are happy to welcome our young players when they wish to travel during their gap year or when looking for employment.

Whether you are considering playing here in England or if you wish to play overseas, these web pages try to provide the information you will need, including information about players who have visited us in the past, about the local community and of course the club itself. However if you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. colin-johnson

Colin Johnson
International Exchange co-ordinator
email cjohnson@northwichrufc.co.uk
Tel: +44 1606 891229

Other contacts
1stXV Team manager Bryan Johnson
email: bjohnson@northwichrufc.co.uk

Links with international clubs
The club has a history of contact with clubs (see below) in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, however we would welcome interest from any country. These links also give our traveling players opportunities of finding a club during “Gap Years” or simply a contact point if players consider a year away or more permanent employment. More information about each of these clubs is on the playing overseas page - click here.

Australia

New South Wales
We are in contact with the following clubs :-
Sydney University RUFC
www.sydneyunirugby.com.au
Randwick RUFC
www.randwickrugby.com.au
Eastwood RUFC
www.eastwoodrugby.com.au
All of these clubs play in Sydney. The level is such that the NSW Warratahs Super 14 (Waaratahs) players may be selected from these club sides. However the Senior Colts sides, attached to these clubs, are extremely important & fertile breeding grounds for the first grade side. Our own Sam Naylor spent 2007 playing with Eastwood’s Senior Colts and two of his playing colleagues in that team, have progressed to the first grade side this season. Bryan Johnson spent a season with Eastwood and also Manly during the 1990’s. We have started, during the first quarter of 2008, to forge links with Sydney University RUFC and Randwick RUFC.

Queensland
We are in contact with the following clubs :-
Gold Coast Breakers - www.goldcoastbreakersrugby.com/breakers_home.asp
Brisbane Brothers - www.brothersrugby.com/federation.html
Surfers Paradise Dolphins - www.surfersparadise.rugbynet.com.au

Victoria
Northwich players Jaffa and Gaz Davies played for Melbourne RUFC during one season.
Melbourne RUFC - http://www.melbournerugby.com.au/

South Africa

We have had a good exchange relationship with the Natal Sharks’ academy over recent seasons. Two Northwich players spent a season in South Africa and we have had players with us as well.

Natal Sharks - www.sharksrugby.co.za