Abingdon RFC

ABINGDON, OXFORDSHIRE — October 2026: Abingdon Rugby Club is moving forward with a major £400,000 changing-room development following the granting of planning permission, marking an important investment in the future of grassroots rugby in the town.

The new facilities, located at the club's Lambrick Way ground, will provide modern changing rooms for players across its senior men's, senior women's, mini and junior sections. Designed in line with the latest Rugby Football Union (RFU) guidelines, the development aims to improve the club's facilities and support its growing rugby community.

Preparations are already underway, with new playing-kit storage containers, a grounds-maintenance unit and an events and catering unit installed. The ground and utility preparations to follow for the new changing rooms.

Neil Crossley, President of Abingdon Rugby Club, said:

"The new changing rooms, on which building work is just beginning, are a great step forward for Abingdon Rugby Club."

"Every player in our Club, whether in the Senior Men’s squad, Senior women’s squad or the Minis and Juniors sides will benefit enormously from the use of the new facility."

"The buildings will be state of the art, built to the latest RFU guidelines."

Community support drives fundraising

The project has a fundraising target of £400,000, with £301,199 reported as raised in the club's funding update.

Major contributions include £105,514 in Section 106 funding, a £100,000 RFU grant, £20,315 from the South Oxfordshire District Council Capital Grants Scheme and £20,000 from Christ's Hospital of Abingdon.

Additional support has come from local businesses, community organisations, current and former players, and fundraising initiatives including the club's Buy a Brick campaign.

Neil also expressed his appreciation for those who have helped bring the project forward, particularly Pat Sweeney and Paul Nangle, alongside the RFU, Oxfordshire RFU and local authorities for their financial support.

The new changing rooms are expected to be ready for use by spring 2027, subject to confirmation of the construction timetable.

Welcoming new players

Alongside the development, Abingdon Rugby Club is continuing to welcome new players throughout the season, including minis, junior boys and girls, senior men and senior women. The club also hopes to establish a colts team.

The project will help strengthen the club's ability to provide rugby opportunities for Abingdon and the surrounding communities for years to come.

Supplier visualisation of the proposed new changing-room facilities at Abingdon Rugby Club.