Our Story

The Clayton Rugby Football Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to increase the participation, awareness, appreciation, and enjoyment of the sport of Rugby Union in Johnston County, North Carolina, and the United States. 

Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the region, but field space is limited in Johnston County and not one rugby specific field exists. We have been working for years to develop a rugby facility in our area to help with the growth of the sport. Our goal is to provide rugby friendly fields that are appropriately sized, accessible, and safe for players of all ages. 

The Johnston County Rugby Park

Over the past two years, our club has been working closely with the Town of Wilson's Mills, NC on a joint community park project. The town is installing a playground and bathroom/pavilion facility as well as providing land for the rugby facility, which we are developing. When not in use for rugby, the fields are being made available to the Town to fulfill the recreational needs of their growing community. 

The park is poised to become a hub of activity for both rugby and community in Johnston County. Joining the Town of Wilson's Mills in support of the project are the Johnston County Visitor's Bureau, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, and Johnston County Department of Economic Development. 

"As Johnston County continues to grow with the Triangle Region, we see the efforts of the Clayton Rugby Football Club as an opportunity to become the "go-to" destination for rugby teams and players from the Triangle, the Southeast United States and beyond. Locally, the facility will provide much needed additional recreational space for our citizens." - Chris Johnson, Director, Johnston County Economic Development

The Project

The Johnston County Rugby Park officially broke ground in June and we are in the home stretch on Phase 1 of our project. We have one field almost completed and two more in progress. The record amounts of rainfall in the last year has put our project behind schedule and significantly increased our budget. We aim to have Phase 1 completed by the end of 2019 with the other fields to follow in the next couple of years. 

Phase 1 includes:

• Installation of one full regulation size multi-purpose field
• Driveway and parking areas for 150 vehicles

Phase 2 of the project includes:

• Addition of another multi-purpose playing field
• Construction of an Championship grade rugby pitch that includes permanent professional grade rugby goal posts

Future phases include:

• Perimeter fencing on the Championship Field
• Construction of a clubhouse/community building
• Grandstand seating on the Championship Field
• Expanded parking
• Scoreboard and other support structures

Help Needed

Through internal donations, discounted/donated labor and items, sponsors, and traditional fundraising efforts we have brought in roughly $350,000 towards the project. As with any major project, there have been unexpected costs that have pushed past our budget estimates. 

We've done the hard part, laid down the foundation, and we need your help to finish it off. We have set a goal of raising another $25,000 before the end of the summer. This push will help us complete our fundraising efforts on Phase 1 of our project and potentially give us a head start on Phase 2 of the project. 

We sincerely hope that you consider donating to the cause as it has a direct impact on the future of rugby, for all ages, in Johnston County and North Carolina. Not many clubs in the USA have an opportunity like this, so please help us take advantage of it. Any size donation is welcome. Even the smallest donation makes a difference. 

Offline Contributions and Payment Plans

If you aren't comfortable using this format and prefer to make an offline contribution to the project, please contact us at info@claytonrfc.com for details. We are more than happy to accept any form of donation. We are also capable of setting up a monthly automatic payment plan for the larger amounts. 

Give the Gift of Rugby

Your donation to the Johnston County Rugby Park project not only helps us develop the facility, but it also provides the platform to grow rugby throughout the region. The facility will be a source of pride in the community and a place for players and fans to call home for many generations to come. 

The journey starts here with Phase 1 of our project. 

We need your help. The hardest work has already been done. Help us make this dream a reality by pushing us past our goal.