Melksham Rugby Club is launching a new rugby league section this summer, with both men’s and women’s teams for those aged 17 and over.
The launch marks a significant expansion for the club, offering members and the local community a new opportunity to engage with the sport.
The men’s team, named the Melksham Tyremen, draws on the town’s history of tyre making with Cooper Avon Tyres, which closed in December 2023.
The team has already scheduled its first fixture, taking on the Somerset Vikings on Saturday 14th June, with kick-off at 2.30pm.
Lead coach, player and team manager Tom Culshaw said, “Somerset Vikings are a rugby league club from the West of England who haven’t played for a couple of seasons.
“We hope our club starting up will stimulate more interest from union clubs wanting to play league in the summer, as well as from traditional rugby league clubs in the area looking to return to the sport.”
As part of the rugby league section, there will also be a Masters team, offering opportunities for men aged 35 and over to continue playing rugby. Tom explained, “The level of contact depends on the colour of shorts you wear – ranging from touch, to grab, to full contact – depending on what level the individual wants to play at.
“The Masters team will be named the Melksham Harts, as Melksham was once a royal hunting ground and other sections of the rugby club have also taken deer-related names. A hart is a male red deer.”
The women’s section does not yet have a name, but this will be decided in consultation with the players.
Tom added, “The club welcomes any suggestions – please message our new social media channels with your ideas.”
The new rugby league section will feature regular training sessions, friendly matches – with the ambition to enter leagues by 2026 – and community events designed to promote the sport and engage residents.
“Rugby league is renowned for its fast pace and vibrant community spirit,” said Tom. “This initiative reflects our commitment to growing our club and providing members with more opportunities to enjoy different forms of rugby. We believe Rugby League will bring a new dimension to our club and attract a broader audience.”
Melksham Rugby Club also hopes to launch youth and junior rugby league teams once volunteer coaches can be recruited.
For more information about the rugby league section and how to get involved, please contact Tom directly on 07553 858977 or email thomasculshaw@hotmail.co.uk. You can also visit the club’s new social media channels.
Pictured: Thomas Culshaw, lead coach, player and team manager
