Berry Hill Rugby Football Club (Berry Hill RFC) is one of Gloucestershire’s most historic and respected community rugby clubs, proudly representing the Forest of Dean for well over a century. While local records and folklore tell of teams from Berry Hill and the surrounding villages playing rugby as early as 1883, the club officially traces its formation to 1892, celebrating its centenary during the 1992/93 season.
The club’s early years saw rugby played at Wynols Hill before a move in 1899 to The Globe Inn under the presidency of J.S. Gwilliam. Known at the time as “The Crescents,” the team played at Crow Ash before relocating in 1905 to its current home at Lakers Road, where its opening fixture was contested against local rivals Drybrook. In 1910, the club officially adopted the name Berry Hill RFC and would go on to achieve a distinction unmatched by any other English village club, becoming the only village side to compete in the National Leagues.
Throughout its history, Berry Hill RFC has demonstrated remarkable resilience and ambition. Like many clubs, rugby activity was interrupted by both World Wars, but each time the club returned stronger. Success quickly followed after the First World War with Forest of Dean Combination Cup victories in 1921 and 1923, while the interwar years brought further dominance, including four consecutive Forest of Dean Cup triumphs between 1932 and 1935.
Following a challenging post-war period and a decline during the 1950s, the club’s future was secured by a thriving junior section. The foundations laid during this time sparked a revival throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with Berry Hill regularly fielding five or six senior teams and adding further silverware to an already impressive record. This period of growth strengthened both the club’s competitive standing and its place at the heart of village life.
Berry Hill’s rich playing heritage has seen the club enjoy success at local, county, regional, and national levels. Promotion to the National Leagues in the early 1990s cemented its reputation as one of England’s leading village rugby clubs, while fixtures against prestigious opponents such as Harlequins, Bath, and London Scottish further enhanced its standing within the game.
Today, known proudly as “The Deers,” Berry Hill RFC continues to field senior men’s teams alongside a flourishing junior and youth section that provides opportunities for players of all ages from across the Forest of Dean. The club remains committed to promoting teamwork, respect, discipline, and enjoyment while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for players, members, volunteers, and supporters.
With more than 130 years of history, a proud green and black tradition, and strong foundations for the future, Berry Hill RFC continues to uphold its legacy as a community-focused rugby club, inspiring new generations to represent the village with pride both on and off the field.