Rugby

Sport brings people together - whether watching, supporting or playing. So why not enjoy your sporting passion on the beautiful English Riviera?

Exeter Chiefs

For rugby fans, the English Riviera is only 30 minutes away from the home ground of one of the top rugby union teams in England - Exeter Chiefs. Playing in the Premiership Rugby Union League, Exeter Chiefs was founded in 1871 and since 2006 have played all their home matches at Sandy Park, a purpose-built facility just off the M5 junction 30.

Since being promoted to the Premiership in 2010, the Chiefs have become one of the leading clubs in the Premiership, winning the championship title twice in 2016/7 and 2019/20 and reaching a further four finals. They even won the Champions Cup in October 2020 – the top prize in European cup rugby union.

With a capacity of 13,500 in their Sandy Park stadium, cheering on Exeter Chiefs is a perfect way to spend a day for Rugby fans. 

For easy access (and no need for a designated driver!) hop on the train from Torquay station near the seafront and enjoy the wonderful sea views on the way to Exeter. Choose your perfect stay with a hotel, B&B or self-catering property near to the train station. Try Grosvenor House, The Glendower or Court Prior Boutique B&B and Apartment for a relaxing break that’s just a stone’s throw away!

Local Rugby Clubs

There are also vibrant local rugby clubs across the whole of Torbay so you can always pop over and watch these local games during your stay.

Established in 1876, Torquay Athletic RFC has four senior men’s teams as well as youth and mini teams. On Sunday mornings, there are usually over 200 children and parents training and playing rugby at their grounds opposite the Grand Hotel in Torquay.

Or if you fancy watching Men’s, Women’s and Youth teams in Paignton, go along to their ground on Queens Park and join in the rugby and social events.

Brixham also has a booming and successful rugby club, in Astley Park on Rea Barn Road.   Founded in 1874, nicknamed the ‘Fishermen’, play their South West Premier games at Astley Park with a capacity of 1800 people, there are currently 3 senior teams and a full range of junior teams.   

Celebrate the victories!

There are some great sports bars where you can watch the televised rugby matches including Grand Central in Paignton, Yates in Torquay and the Bullers Arms in Brixham.

And be sure to pop in to Brixham’s Pepper Shack, a Jamaican restaurant which is run by Verna and John Armitage – parents of the Armitage brothers, both of whom have played for the English national rugby team. The quirky restaurant, overlooking Brixham Harbour, has rugby memorabilia on the walls and is a great place to dine and chat about rugby for those keen fans.