CREDITON Rugby Club Ltd is proud to announce the completion of the purchase of 21.27 acres (8.6 hectares) of land, designated as “land safeguarded for the relocation of Crediton Rugby Club at Creedy Bridge.”

In a statement, the Club said: “This acquisition was made possible through years of hard work by the current and previous club committee and directors and a mitigation payment from Lidl UK to Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) via Section 106 Funding.

“As a cornerstone of the Crediton community, Crediton Rugby Club takes pride in providing sporting opportunities for individuals of all ages and genders.

The land under the sign where Crediton Rugby Club pitches will be located at Libbets Grange. AQ 3403
The land under the sign where Crediton Rugby Club pitches will be located at Libbets Grange. AQ 3403 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“The club currently supports 19 teams, from U9s to U18s for boys and girls, four Senior Men’s teams, including our recently reformed Veterans, Senior Ladies and Walking Rugby.

“Over the years, numerous players have represented Devon, competed at the Premiership level, and even represented their country.

“Our existing facilities have served us so very well, playing host to decades of rugby and community gatherings.

“We have shared many great times, but they are now showing their age.

“These facilities, located on a site earmarked for housing in the MDDC local plan, have become increasingly strained.

“We honour the vision and hard work of our predecessors in establishing and maintaining these facilities.

Crediton Rugby Club. AQ 0714
Crediton Rugby Club. AQ 0714 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“The current board of directors, committee members, and former officers have dedicated over 15 years to securing a relocation site.

“We express our deepest appreciation to them and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for their invaluable support throughout this process.

“While significant work remains to ensure a successful relocation, this milestone marks a crucial step toward safeguarding the future of the club.

“This development benefits not only our Crediton community but also the wider region we serve.

“Our club thrives on the contributions of dedicated volunteers, utilising their skills, knowledge and experience to great effect managing the daily running of the club.

“We are always looking for more volunteer help and, to support the relocation in particular, will need support from professionals.

“To this end, we are assembling a skills database of our members and beyond and would love for you to be a part of it.

Crediton RFC First Team won the line out against Wadebridge. AQ 1284
Crediton RFC First Team won the line out against Wadebridge in a recent game. AQ 1284 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

“So, whether you have skills in planning, construction, hospitality (bar and catering), administration, finance or anything else that could be of use, it would be great to hear from you and match you up with a role or activity that will positively contribute to our current and future success.

“Many roles can be performed remotely, as exemplified by our current fixtures secretary, who resides in Abu Dhabi.

“Being a rugby expert is not essential but a passion and desire to make a difference in our very special community-focused club, that upholds rugby’s core values is!

“If you are interested in contributing your skills, please contact Liz Goodman at: [email protected] .”

As part of planning for the Lidl store currently being built on part of “The Rec”, Lidl was required to pay £400,000 to help Crediton Rugby Club with its purchase of land at Creedy Bridge.

The Rugby Club is proposing to move to the new site adjoining the Pedlarspool/Creedy Bridge development by Bellway for 257 homes, which is in Sandford parish at Exhibition Corner.

Crediton Rugby Club still uses pitches at The Rec, which is owned by Queen Elizabeth’s Education Foundation.