Who are the Ironsides?

We’re proud of our traditions and one club ethos of teamwork, sportsmanship, respect and enjoyment.

We invite you to come and find out about our commitment to coaching excellence and our vibrant community. 

Ironsides is an ever growing family. We are a diverse and inclusive club - everyone is welcome here. 

A Legacy which Guides our Future

We first hit the rugby pitch in 1943. Since then our traditions and ethos have served to make us one of the largest clubs in the country with over 200 Senior Men and Women players.

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Many former players have their children and grandchildren play for the club and it’s a tradition we’re proud of.

We currently field five men’s teams, and champion our two women’s teams playing in competitive leagues across London and the South East.

Our Men’s 1XV playing level six rugby in Regional 2 South East of the London and South East Divisions, while our Women’s 1XV play in the Championship South East 2 league – the highest levels our club has ever played at. 

Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation

We’re home to over 1,000 Minis and Youth. In fact, we hold the Guinness World Record for the largest Mini and Youth Rugby Tour in 2019 with over 300 players and coaches. 

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We're proud to train the next generation, representing schools throughout Wandsworth, Lambeth and Merton. This includes players with ambition to reach elite and professional levels following in the footsteps of Battersea Ironsides alumni - England and British and Irish Lion, Kyle Sinckler and Scotland International, Darryl Marfo.

We teach young players our values, nurture their courage and ambition and encourage them to reach their potential. 

Outstanding Coaching in a Safe, Supportive and Fun Environment

Our players are at the heart of our decisions. We are committed to coaching excellence and player safety.

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Our resources enable us to provide highly qualified coaching, delivering quality training programmes encompassing core rugby skills, as well as strength and conditioning, in a safe, supportive and fun environment. 

Testament to this is the fact that our Senior Men’s section has won numerous championships in recent years and our Senior Women’s section has been promoted twice in four years. 

And we don’t stop there! We support all coaches to undertake their level 2 and 3 coaching qualifications, annual coaching refresher courses, as well as learning and development from premiership level coaches, such as those at Harlequins, Saracens and Richmond.

We’re also proud to have hosted guest coaching sessions from professional international players, including Bryony Cleall and Vicky Fleetwood. 

One Club. One Family.

We look after our own. We believe that no one should be disadvantaged or discouraged from playing rugby for any reason - which is why we have:

  • dedicated welfare and wellbeing officers

  • a diversity and inclusion committee

  • senior female leadership

  • a policy to support members who may be experiencing financial hardship

Our people are our greatest strength – we are growing stronger every season and represent the diverse community in which we live.

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We welcome all players who want to wear our jersey, pitch in and get muddy – from those who are completely new to the sport, to seasoned players alike.

Our social life is legendary. 

This is what makes Battersea Ironsides such a welcoming, thriving and vibrant community. 

We are our traditions.

We are our ethos.

We are our people.

We are Ironsides.