Back in 2023, residents in Ambleside came close to losing their local club before its rebrand to the Centurions and return to competitive action in 2024.
Since then, the club has steadily grown, both in terms of quality on the pitch and the number of people cheering them on every weekend at Galava Park.
The Director of Rugby at Ambleside Andrew Brown said: “At this time of year last season, Ambleside went in to the Christmas break last in the league with only four points.
“But this year, the Centurions go in to the Christmas break eighth out of the 14 teams in the league with 17 points and looking to go forward to the second half of the season and consolidate with a top half of the league position which is a strong possibility.”
The Centurions have used what was their 150th anniversary year between 2024 and 2025 as a springboard, building local support and attracting new players.
Highlights in the past year have included successive victories against local rivals Windermere RUFC, along with a final day win against Keswick Seconds to avoid finishing bottom of the Counties One Cumbria League in their first season back.
“What a great year it has been for the Centurions on and off the pitch,” Andrew added.
“The village has got behind the team with numerous volunteers like Holly Bingley, Charlie Moreland and there are far too many others to name individually helping the club survive and succeed on and off the pitch.”
The growth of the club has also been seen in the formation of the Ambleside Eagles, a new team for women looking to get involved in the sport.
Andrew finished by saying: “To all of our players, coaches and staff, the committee, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and everyone else we say a very big thank you so much.
“All the best for Christmas to you and your families and we look forward to welcoming you back to Galava Park for another year of rugby in 2026.”