Facilities

Our home ground is the Southbridge Domain on St James Street. We are proud to have two full‑sized fields and one junior field, supported by excellent facilities that serve our players, supporters, and wider community.

Our two‑storey clubrooms include five changing rooms with gas‑heated showers, a referees’ room, a licensed bar, modernised kitchen facilities, a well‑stocked trophy cabinet, extensive rugby memorabilia, and a dedicated Merchandise Shop.

In the recent years, the club has undertaken significant improvements to ensure our facilities continue to meet the needs of our growing rugby community.

Acknowledgement of Volunteer Effort – With Values & Community Emphasis

The club owes an immense amount of gratitude to Shane Taylor, Luke Palmer, and the many club members who worked tirelessly for months to complete these projects. Their dedication went far beyond completing a renovation — it embodied the values that define Southbridge Rugby Football Club: community, commitment, pride, and looking after our own.

These projects are a true reflection of what makes SRFC special. Volunteers showed up after work, on weekends, and in any spare moment they could find. People brought their skills, their tools, their problem‑solving, and most importantly, their heart. Every hour given, every wall painted, every piece of timber lifted was driven by a shared belief in the future of the club and the generations who will follow.

Their collective effort ensured these major improvements were completed in time for everyone to enjoy over the Jubilee weekend — a milestone that celebrated not only 150 years of rugby, but also the strength of a community that continues to stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder. The work they carried out will benefit players, families, supporters, and visitors for decades to come, leaving a legacy built on generosity, teamwork, and the deep sense of belonging that sits at the core of SRFC.

Clubrooms & Kitchen Renovation – (2026)

In 2026, Southbridge Rugby Football Club completed a major upgrade of its nearly 50‑year‑old clubrooms, made possible through generous support from the New Zealand Rugby Legacy Fund. The project modernised an ageing kitchen, refreshed worn carpet and paintwork, and revitalised key interior spaces to better serve our growing rugby community.

A huge thank you goes to Rachel Rolton, whose leadership and dedication were central to securing the funding that enabled this renovation.

The project was driven by outstanding community effort. Club members, volunteers, local tradespeople, and supportive businesses contributed time, skills, and materials, reflecting the pride our community has in Southbridge Rugby Football Club.

Key improvements included the demolition of the old kitchen, installation of modern catering facilities, fresh paint and carpet, and the completion of all works in time for the club’s 150th Jubilee celebrations. The upgraded spaces were unveiled over Easter 2026 and immediately enjoyed by members, families, and visitors.

The renovation has delivered lasting benefits: a functional kitchen for large events, refreshed and welcoming interiors, improved safety and accessibility, and enhanced viewing areas for spectators. These upgrades strengthen the club’s role as a community hub and preserve an important local asset for future generations.

Viewing Deck – A Community‑Led Project -  (2026)

The new viewing deck is the result of an extraordinary community effort. What began as a simple calf‑rearing fundraiser grew into a shared vision to create something meaningful for the club and wider community, especially with the 150th Jubilee approaching.

A small group — Liam Kelly, Chris McMillan, Adam Stone, Scott Carnochan, Jack Symes, and Will Millar — worked quietly behind the scenes to raise funds, driven not by recognition but by a desire to contribute positively to the club.

Shane Taylor kindly took on the role of Project Manager, supported strongly by Luke Palmer and Wayne Palmer. Shane worked closely with the architect, council, and suppliers, dedicating countless hours to navigate the build process and bring the project to life.

In 2025, SRFC was selected as one of just ten clubs nationwide to receive a Bunnings Rugby Assist grant, contributing $30,000 toward the build — a result made possible through the leadership and commitment of Rachel Rolton.

The project also benefited from exceptional generosity from suppliers who donated materials, alongside the many farmers who raised calves and lambs, donors who contributed financially, and volunteers and tradespeople who offered their time and expertise. Special thanks go to Simon Johnston (Figure & Ground) for his concept design and council support.

The viewing deck stands today as a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose. It is a true community project, built through hard work, generosity, and pride in our club — and will be enjoyed by members, families, and visitors for many years to come.

Electronic Scoreboard & Trailer – (2024)

Investment from local farmers, businesses, and the Ellesmere Lions has enabled the club to purchase a new electronic scoreboard and trailer — a fantastic asset that enhances the match‑day experience for players and supporters a like.

Lighting Towers Upgrade – A Game Changer for SRFC (2026)

Southbridge Rugby Football Club has significantly enhanced its training and playing environment with the installation of four new lighting towers, generously funded by the Selwyn District Council. This project was made possible thanks to a funding submission prepared and driven by Chris McMillan, whose persistence over five years ensured the upgrade was finally approved.

The new towers have transformed evening rugby at SRFC. They provide excellent visibility across all fields, enabling safe and efficient night trainings and night games for every grade, especially during the winter months when daylight is limited.

This upgrade also replaces the club’s old lighting system, which required the towers to be manually taken down at the end of each season — a time‑consuming process that carried a risk of damage. The new permanent towers eliminate this burden entirely, improving safety for volunteers and ensuring reliable lighting year‑round.

With more than 200 playing members, coaches, and volunteers, the improved lighting has strengthened the club’s ability to deliver high‑quality training sessions, host evening fixtures, and support the growing needs of our rugby community. It represents a long‑term investment in the future of rugby in Southbridge and will benefit players and supporters for many years to come.