'Coming together is a BEGINNING. Keeping together is PROGRESS. Working together is SUCCESS!'
Henry Ford
History
Ballincollig RFC was founded in the 1977/78 season by a group of eight local rugby enthusiasts who shared a vision: to bring rugby to their growing town. At the time, Ballincollig had a population of around 10,000, and the founders believed there was both the interest and the talent to form a strong team—and to create a lasting sporting amenity for the many children growing up in the area.
Though each of the founders played for different clubs, they were united by their passion for the game and their commitment to building something new for their community. From those early conversations, Ballincollig RFC was born—and has grown ever since into a vibrant, inclusive club at the heart of the town.
Playing members
Today, Ballincollig is home to a population of 18,621, and Ballincollig RFC proudly boasts an active playing membership of over 550 across minis, youths, and adults. We field boys’ and girls’ teams at every age grade from U7s to U18s, along with both men’s and women’s adult teams.
Notably, Ballincollig RFC is the only club in Cork currently competing in the Women’s All-Ireland League (AIL), a distinction that proudly marks us as a Senior Rugby Club. We’re also honoured to be home to the Ballincollig Trailblazers, our mixed ability team, who play competitively and recently represented the club at the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART).
Ballincollig RFC Ethos
At Ballincollig RFC, we are a proud, community-based club that champions inclusivity and opportunity for all. We provide playing pathways for girls, boys, women, and men of all abilities, and we warmly welcome individuals from every background.
Our club culture is built on the values of fun, friendship, and fulfilling your full potential—on and off the pitch.
We believe rugby should be a sport for everyone. Inclusion is at the heart of our game, and we are committed to ensuring that every player finds their place—whether it’s in a jersey, on the sideline, or as part of our wider rugby family.
As a volunteer-driven organisation, we are united by the Spirit of Rugby and deeply committed to our players, coaches, and members. While we dedicate our time outside of regular working hours, we appreciate your patience and understanding if responses are occasionally delayed.
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Diversity and Inclusion
At Ballincollig RFC, we are committed to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all. We believe that rugby should be open to everyone, and we take pride in ensuring that all individuals—regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or civil status, or pregnancy and maternity—are treated fairly and given equal opportunity to participate.
Inclusion is not just a value we uphold—it’s a core part of who we are. Whether on the pitch, in the clubhouse, or in the wider community, we strive to ensure that every person feels valued, supported, and empowered to be part of our rugby family.
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