History

Dover Community Rugby was founded in 2026 to provide a central fundraising and management organization to support the rugby teams in the New Hampshire Seacoast, and in Dover specifically. Building on 50 years of history, the organization will provide continuity, clarity, and commitment to the rugby community. 

Dover Rugby Club was founded in 1973, with the first game played in 1974. Playing on community fields and various spaces, the team never had a permanent home. Some games were played in Dover and some in the surrounding towns for years. In 1998, Seacoast Rugby Club was founded as a non-profit organization, to provide support for the teams. At that time there was a women’s team and a men’s team. A youth program followed after, with many players participating in the Seacoast Pirates in the 2000s. Games were played at Sanderson’s Field in North Hampton NH, among other locations. 

In 2015, the men’s team organized as Freedom Rugby Club, as a separate legal entity. The women’s team returned in 2019, with the non-profit Great Bay Rugby to manage their finances. The youth program restarted in 2017 under the original Seacoast Rugby Club. Currently each team is managed by a separate non-profit, allowing each team to maintain separate finances but still play as Seacoast Rugby. Rugby in the area is stronger than ever. Dover Community Rugby provides field organization and coordination between the clubs, and allows for centralized fundraising for common capital expenses.

The fields at 3 Cold Springs Road were built by Chad Kageleiry, a former Dover RFC and USA National team player, with the main upper field constructed in 2017 and the lower field added later. The upper game field is a full World Rugby sized pitch, measuring 100 meters by 68 meters plus 10 meter in goal areas. The lower practice field is approximately 80% of full size, measuring 79 meters by 50 meters with 8 meter in goal areas. Maintenance needs of both fields includes fertilizer and grub control in the spring, summer and fall fertilizer, and lime soil amendment as well as aeration in the fall. Overseeding is also carried out regularly to ensure the playing surface stays high quality. Mowing is completed by volunteers each week throughout the growing season, to ensure optimum grass health and a safe and level surface. 

Today the fields are used by 150 players each week, with tournaments and double header games drawing 100 plus participants and fans. Continuing to improve the playing surface, providing support for the teams, and ensuring the future of rugby in the seacoast is our priority.