Luton Rugby

🏉 LUTON RFC ANNOUNCEMENT 🏉

Luton Rugby Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Dwayne “Duff” Duffy as our new Director of Rugby. 💚💛

A true stalwart of Luton RFC, Duff has been part of our club for over 30 years, giving his time, energy and passion both on and off the field.

Throughout that time, Duff has served the club as a player, 1XV Forwards Coach, 1XV Head Coach and dedicated volunteer, making a significant contribution to the growth and success of Luton RFC.

Duff takes over the role from Matt “Yangy” Yang, whose commitment, leadership and hard work have helped shape the club both on and off the field.

On behalf of everyone at Luton RFC, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Yangy for everything he has given during his time as Director of Rugby and for the lasting impact he has made on the club. We are delighted that his experience, knowledge and passion for Luton RFC will continue to benefit the club moving forward. 💚

🔰 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Duff’s appointment reflects our ambition to build a strong, sustainable and successful future for rugby at Luton RFC.

As Director of Rugby, Duff will lead the development of our rugby strategy, working across our senior and youth sections to:

🏉 Strengthen player pathways
🏉 Support and develop our coaches
🏉 Enhance player development
🏉 Develop home-grown talent
🏉 Attract and retain players
🏉 Build a strong and positive rugby culture

With his deep understanding of the club’s history, culture and community, Duff is uniquely placed to guide Luton RFC through the next phase of our journey.

His vision is focused on creating a thriving rugby environment, where players and coaches can develop, talent can flourish and the club can continue to grow both on and off the pitch.

Please join us in congratulating Duff on his appointment and wishing him, our coaches and all our players every success for the future.

Welcome to the role, Duff! 💚💛

LUTON RFC. 🏉

Come and join us for a Spooktacular evening! Scan the QR code to book! 🎃👻💀

Brilliant 1st session

🏉THIS SUNDAY🏉
Youth & Mini training is back with a bang this Sunday 6th September at Luton RFC 💥
Everyone is welcome, from experienced players to beginners 🏃‍♂️
Dont forget to pop into the clubhouse where we will have hot and cold drinks, breakfast rolls & snacks available all morning 🥓
Tea & coffee will be free all day😍☕️

On Saturday 26th September, Luton RFC invites all former players, members, and supporters to our Former Players Lunch.
This lunch holds a special significance as we gather to celebrate the life and memory of Chris Bater, a beloved former player who recently passed away.
We look forward to welcoming all that knew Chris to the club to share stories, raise a glass, and celebrate everything he brought to our rugby family.
Following the lunch, the action moves out to the pitch as our 1st XV host Letchworth in their first home league game of the season. Let’s pack the clubhouse and the touchline to honour Chris’s legacy and give the boys our full support. 💚

🏉 In Memory of Chris Bater 🏉
It is with great sadness that Luton RFC announces the passing of our friend and former player, Christopher John Bater, who proudly represented both Luton RFC and Vauxhall Motors RFC.
Chris joined Vauxhall Motors RFC in 1974 and quickly established himself as an outstanding back-row forward. Alongside current Luton RFC 1st XV coach Mick “Coogs” Coogan, he formed a formidable partnership, renowned for their understanding, commitment, and love of running rugby.
After his time with Motors, Chris joined Luton RFC’s famous “Fishermen”, where he remained until the end of his playing career. He continued to support and tour with both clubs throughout his life, with his final tour being Vauxhall Motors RFC’s trip to Galway in 2025.
Chris sadly passed away on 23 July 2026 following a sudden heart attack. He will be remembered not only as a talented player, but as a loyal teammate, touring companion, and great friend.
💚 Reflecting on their friendship, Coogs said:
“We were known as the ‘Grimm Twins’. We loved taking rugby to the opposition, keeping the ball alive, and playing with a smile on our faces. Despite his Welsh heritage, Jean-Pierre Rives was our hero and we even talked about dyeing our hair blonde to copy him, but settled for turning our collars up instead.
Chris was always happy and smiling, and I can hear his crackly laugh right now. Goodbye, Grimm Twin. You can play openside until I join you, then it’s back to our usual right and left flanker roles. Jean-Pierre will just have to play Number 8.”

Rest easy, Chris. You’ll always be part of the Luton RFC family. 💚❤️

🚨🗣️📣Please help spread the word! 🗣️📣🚨

If you or anyone you know have children between the age of 5-15 that would enjoy some FREE non contact rugby based classes every Thursday, come down to Newlands Road throughout July & August between 18:30 - 19:30. No previous experience required

Please share far and wide! 👍

See below message from Rosie Galligan get involved!

Hello hope you are good! We have done a big clear out (end of an era) and wondered if you’d be happy sharing with your rugby community! Happy to sign bits if people want them signing and also happy to do cheaper bundles if people want to request the lowest price on Vinted. England kit coming over the next couple of weeks so tell people to follow and get dibs on first bits!! Thank you!! # # #

https://www.vinted.co.uk/member/144450903-rosiegalligan

🏆 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! 🏆

A huge congratulations to .hunt8 and , two of Luton RFC’s own, who helped East Midlands U20s secure a fantastic 44-29 victory over Hertfordshire in the Jason Leonard National Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday.

Both players started their rugby journeys at Luton RFC Minis, progressing through our Youth and Academy sections before reaching the national stage.

👏 Toby Hunt captained East Midlands and led from the front with a dominant performance in the forwards, before having the honour of lifting the trophy at Twickenham.

👏 Callum Lodder was outstanding in the backs, making a number of powerful line breaks and playing a key role in the victory.

To see two home-grown players who have come through every stage of the Luton RFC pathway helping East Midlands become National Champions is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for everyone at the club.

Congratulations Toby and Callum – your Luton RFC family couldn’t be prouder! ❤️💚🏉