“Beginnings: Grassroots and Grit”
Our club was founded in November 1970 by a small group of local players who wanted to play rugby locally instead of travelling to clubs situated off the Island. Canvey played their first game with just 13 players wearing borrowed shirts. Remarkably, they won 18–0 against Mid Essex Tech at Chelmsford.
Without a ground or a clubhouse, all games were played away. But the club grew quickly—and by 1978, it had begun to field three sides.
In 1979, after much graft, the club was granted two pitches at its current home: Tewkes Creek. Just a few years later in 1983, after an enormous team effort, a clubhouse was built. That moment marked more than bricks and mortar—it sealed our roots and gave us a true home.
“From Pub Side to Fully-Fledged Club.”
In the late 1980s, a partnership between the Essex Education Authority and Cardiff College brought a wave of Welsh PE teachers to Canvey. They proudly donned the red and blue hoops and helped the club begin its climb through the league system.
That surge culminated in reaching London 3NE and appearing in our first Essex Cup Final. It was 1989, and Canvey fell just one point short against Chingford—an agonizing but spirited defeat.
These educators also sparked an appetite for rugby in the local schools—Cornelius Vermuyden, Furtherwick Park, and Castle View. From their inspiration grew a small but promising Colts side, ready to take up the reins.
They held their own in the London leagues for several seasons, even reaching another cup final—this time against Campion. Again, Canvey came heartbreakingly close.
By the late 1990s and into the early 2000s, that core side began to drift apart. A tough period followed, and the club suffered a series of relegations, settling into Essex 2. It was a humbling time — but one we weathered together. The club rebuilt and moved upwards, gained successive promotions and are current holders of the Essex Presidents Shield.
“One Club. Many Teams. Always Rooted in Our Community.”
We are a tight knit community rugby club, small in stature but big in heart. We currently run 3 senior men’s sides, a Touch rugby side, have over 200+ youth and mini players with around 25 coaches and we are very proud to have formed our first female rugby side (the Valkyries) in 2022.
We believe rugby is the greatest team sport around and there is something within it for everyone.
Our clubhouse, modest but mighty, has long been the beating heart of our community. From bacon butties on misty Sunday mornings to post-match celebrations that linger well into the evening—it’s where friendships are forged and memories made.
“The Valkyries – our first all-female rugby team”
The formation of the Valkyries - our first all-female rugby team - in 2001 marked a significant milestone in our history. As women's rugby grows in popularity and stature, our club is determined to provide the best support we can to grow the female game in this country. Within a short space of time the Valkyries have become a significant part of this great club and we're incredibly proud of everything the Valkyries have achieved so far.