With the calendar officially turned and the seal broken on 2026, the Clayton Rugby Football Club is charging into the second half of the playing cycle with momentum, ambition, and a packed schedule that reflects the continued growth of the club both on and off the pitch.
The second half of the season kicks off on this coming Saturday January 10th with a Back to Rugby Day, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting and inclusive year ahead. The day will feature open touch rugby for anyone looking to shake off the rust, the first interest meeting for Clayton RFC’s new women’s program, and a club social that afternoon at Raleigh Brewing JoCo. Whether you’re a returning player, curious about trying rugby, or simply looking to connect with a welcoming local sports community, Back to Rugby Day is designed to make everyone feel at home.
That sense of openness and community extends beyond match days. Clayton RFC prides itself on being a year round and community oriented club. New members are always welcome. From playing members to social memberships to volunteer opportunities and family-friendly events, there are plenty of ways to be part of the Clayton RFC community.
February also marks the return of Clayton RFC’s youth flag rugby program, running from February through April. Open to children ages 4–10, the Wombats program is a fun, safe, and engaging introduction to the sport, emphasizing teamwork, FUNamentals, and building confidence. Youth rugby continues to be a cornerstone of the club’s long-term growth and commitment to developing the next generation of players and supporters.
The club has also teamed up with Clayton Youth Rugby to host a Level 1 Referee Course on February 22, 2026. This course represents another important step in the club’s ongoing commitment to growing the sport of rugby in Johnston County and throughout the region. As rugby continues to expand at both the youth and senior levels, the need for knowledgeable, confident match officials grows alongside it.
Clayton RFC has set an internal goal of certifying more referees from within its own membership in the coming years. Which allows the club to support sustainable growth, improve match quality, and ensure the game is played safely and fairly at all levels.
On the senior side, the men’s squad returns to training on January 13th, gearing up for a critical final push in their XVs campaign. The Bootleggers waste no time testing themselves, opening the second half of the season with two challenging road matches at the end of January. Highlighting that stretch is a trip to face Triad, who are currently tied with Clayton atop the CGRU Division 4 standings. That clash could very well serve as a preview of the CGRU D4 Championship match in April. The squad follows that with a trip to take on Hartsville RFC in South Carolina.
February brings a mix of competition and camaraderie with two home fixtures at the Johnston County Rugby Park. The Bootleggers are hosting a friendly against the Raleigh Redhawks before returning to league action against Gaston County.
Meanwhile, Clayton’s Old Boys will join forces with Southern Pines Old Boys to play as the NC Old Boys at the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Tournament in early March. This continues the club’s strong tradition of lifelong involvement in the game.
March rounds out the XVs regular season with two more friendly matches including a home fixture against Tobacco Road RFC and a road match against Roanoke RFC. With playoff implications looming, the path is clear for the Bootleggers. Two wins from three remaining league matches should see the Bootleggers earn a spot in the CGRU D4 Championship on April 11th.
The weekend following the championship marks the return of one of Clayton RFC’s newest traditions. The Under 30s vs Over 30s match, which debuted last year as a charity fixture. After overwhelming support, the club is bringing it back as an annual Clayton Rugby Alumni Weekend, welcoming current and former Clayton Rugby players to celebrate with multiple matches across age groups at the Johnston County Rugby Park. Adding to the excitement, the Town of Wilson’s Mills Touch-A-Truck event will take place the same day, promising a big crowd and a true community celebration.
The XVs season wraps up in unforgettable fashion with the club heading on tour to the Bahamas in early May. While there, Clayton RFC will help Freeport RFC celebrate their 60th Anniversary with an Old Boys match and hopefully a men’s fixture as well. The tour continues a growing international friendship, following Freeport RFC Old Boys’ visit to Clayton this past fall for a memorable weekend of rugby and camaraderie.
Following the XVs campaign, attention will quickly turn to the Summer 7s season, with both men’s and women’s programs preparing for a busy season of Rugby 7s under the sun. Both squads will participate in multiple tournaments from June to August. While details are still being finalized, fans can expect the return of at least one, possibly two, 7s tournaments hosted by the Clayton RFC.
From youth rugby to social events, competitive matches to international tours, the second half of the season showcases what Clayton RFC is all about: growth, fellowship, and community. Whether you’re looking to play, support, volunteer, or simply enjoy the social side of the club, there’s never a wrong time to join the Clayton Rugby Football Club.
Founded in 2013, the Clayton Rugby Football Club is a community-driven, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the sport of rugby while building connections that extend far beyond the pitch. The club fields Men’s, Old Boys, Women’s and Youth Flag Rugby programs along with social members and supporters. Clayton RFC is one of the few clubs in the Southeast with its own dedicated rugby facility and continues to invest in creating a family-friendly home for rugby in Johnston County. At its core, Clayton RFC believes in the power of sport to unite people, serve the community, and create lifelong friendships.
