KELLS AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB
A Proud History Since 1931
The Early Years (1931-1945)
The Kells Amateur Rugby League Club traces its origins to 1931. Club legend recalls humble
beginnings, with post-match washing facilities consisting of little more than buckets of
water situated in the back yards of East Row, overlooking the playing field. These basic
arrangements were improved when the club gained access to the Haig Pit baths,
establishing a close relationship between the club and Haig Colliery that would endure until
the mine's eventual closure.
Success proved elusive during the club's formative years, and Kells enjoyed little notable
achievement throughout the 1930s. Like many sporting organizations across the country,
the club ceased operations during the Second World War, only to emerge stronger when
peace returned.
Post-War Revival and Challenge Cup Adventures (1946-1969)
Following the end of hostilities, Kells Centre Amateur Rugby League Club was reformed and
quickly established itself as a respected force within the amateur game.
One of the club's earliest landmark occasions came on 3 February 1946, when Kells were
drawn against Warrington in the First Round of the Rugby League Challenge Cup. In front of
a home crowd at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground, Kells narrowly lost 3-0 before a 27-0
defeat in the return fixture at Wilderspool.
With the establishment of professional rugby league in Whitehaven, many talented Kells
players progressed into the paid ranks. During the late 1950s, Kells once again reached the
First Round of the Challenge Cup, facing Hunslet Parkside. In 1965, qualification for the
Challenge Cup was earned again, but an administrative error meant the club was omitted
from the draw.
Building Foundations for Success (1970-1989)
The late 1970s proved to be a defining period in the club's development, with the
establishment of a structured youth system and construction of the club's own clubhouse
and changing facilities, opened in 1980.
Throughout the 1980s, Kells' youth teams flourished, reaching consecutive BARLA National
Cup Finals at Under-19 level. The Open Age team also reached a BARLA National Cup Final,
highlighting the growing strength of the club.
The decade also saw Kells dominate the BARLA Cumbria Cup while making further
appearances in the Challenge Cup against Hunslet, Fulham and Leeds.
Producing Talent and Sustained Success (1990-2012)
While the 1990s did not bring the level of Open Age success the club desired, Kells
continued to excel at youth and junior level. Numerous players progressed into the
professional game, including David Seeds, Craig Chambers, Lee Kiddie, and Graham Morton.
The new millennium saw continued growth, with players representing BARLA Under-18s
on tours to New Zealand and Australia. Success on the field followed, including multiple
Cumberland Division One titles, four consecutive BARLA Cumbria Cup victories and a
remarkable 2012 season in which the two Open Age teams won six of nine available
trophies.
National Conference League Era (2013)
The 2013 season marked the beginning of a new chapter in the club's history as Kells
entered the National Conference League. The First Team was crowned Division Three
Champions and secured promotion at the first attempt, while the Second Team won two of
the three trophies available in the Cumberland League.
Unprecedented Success and Continued Growth (2014-Present)
The success of 2013 proved to be far more than a one-off achievement. In 2014 and 2015,
Kells secured back-to-back championships in Division Two and Division One to earn
promotion to the National Conference League Premier Division, an accomplishment that
remains unmatched.
The Second Team also enjoyed sustained success, collecting numerous league and cup
honours. From 2015 onwards, the club became one of the region's leading player
development pathways, producing community internationals, semi-professional players,
and Super League academy graduates.
Among the highlights was a famous Challenge Cup victory over Hemel Stags and hosting
Toronto Wolfpack in front of a near-capacity crowd at Whitehaven's Recreation Ground.
Developing the Future
Today, Kells continues to thrive both on and off the field. The club currently fields teams
across the National Community Conference League, Cumberland League Premier Division,
Northwest Counties League Premier Division, West Cumbria Youth Leagues and Cumbria
Youth and Junior Leagues.
In 2026, the club launched its inaugural Raptors and Masters teams, further expanding
opportunities across all age groups and formats of the game.
A Club at the Heart of its Community
Beyond its achievements on the pitch, Kells remains deeply rooted in the community it
proudly represents. Guided by a strong community-first ethos, the club continues to invest
in its facilities and infrastructure.
As Kells Amateur Rugby League Club looks to the future, it does so with the same values
that have underpinned its success since 1931: pride, commitment, community spirit, and a
relentless drive to develop both people and players.
