About Us

On 21 August 1883, Irwell played its first competition game against Southbridge and won by "a goal and a try to nil". The club enjoyed many successes, winning the Ellesmere competition five times between 1910 and 1920. Over the years Irwell developed a proud history playing in their traditional black jerseys. Despite its small catchment area, the club has made a big contribution to rugby in Ellesmere — on the paddock and off. Home ground: Sudeley Park.

Rugby has been played at Dunsandel Domain since 1887, but it was 1888 when the club was officially formed. In 1906, Dunsandel joined with Leeston, Lincoln, Southbridge, Irwell, Milltown and Lincoln College to form the Ellesmere Rugby Sub-Union. In 2013, the club celebrated its 125th year — a great achievement for a rural club.

Dunsandel and Irwell joined forces to become the Dunsandel/Irwell Rugby Football Club (DIRFC). Both clubs come from similar farming communities and share similar values. The DIRFC has always had a strong JAB as part of the club — this tradition of focusing on young people playing rugby and their families becoming part of a community club continues today. In 2012, DIRFC returned to hosting Senior teams at Dunsandel, including a women's team.

DIRFC joined with Burnham Rugby Football Club to become BDI. This allows us to field teams in all senior grades, giving players choice in where they play. Both clubs have retained their individual identities whilst sharing resources and facilities for the betterment of players, sponsors and supporters.