“As Johnston County continues to grow with the Triangle Region, we see the efforts of the Clayton Rugby Football Club as an opportunity to become the “go-to” destination for rugby teams and players from the Triangle, the Southeast United States and beyond. Locally, the facility will provide much needed additional recreational space for our citizens.”
The Johnston County Rugby Park is a joint venture between the Town of Wilson’s Mills and the Clayton Rugby Football Club. The facility is located at the back of Phillip R. Wright Community Park in Wilson’s Mills, NC. Ground was broken on the facility in the summer of 2018 and all major grading work was completed in the spring of 2022. Time has since been spent developing the turf on the three playing fields. The club moved all practices to the facility in the summer of 2023 and match play began at the facility early in 2024.
The Johnston County Rugby Park has three playing fields in total. Two of which are being developed as multi-purpose fields, sized for rugby, and with ground sleeves in place for removable goal posts.
The focal point of the facility is the Championship Pitch which is full international size and has permanent professional grade goal posts installed. The Championship Pitch is going to also see further additions in the coming years including lighting, covered bleachers, and eventually a full service clubhouse/community building.
The park has become a hub of activity for both rugby and community in Wilson’s Mills and Johnston County.
One international sized championship rugby pitch with permanent professional grade goal posts
Two multi-purpose fields of international size with ground sleeves for goal posts
Driveway and parking areas
Pavilion area with bathrooms
Playground
Equipment storage
Donor Memorial
Bleacher/Grandstand seating on championship pitch
Expanded parking areas
Scoreboard
Field lights
Concession stand
Clubhouse/Equipment Storage
The Johnston County Rugby Park expects to play host to a number of rugby and non-rugby events after completion. Those events include:
Youth, collegiate, and adult rugby games
Rugby camps and clinics
Rugby tournaments
Regional rugby tournaments and events
Community events
