From Linton to Aylesford — Where It All Began
The story of Aylesford Bulls RFC begins in 1977, when Linton Rugby Club was founded by Jack Williams, the landlord of The Bull in Linton. What started as a spirited Sunday afternoon pub rugby side quickly became a team defined by camaraderie, humour, and a deep love of the game.
The club’s first official match was played on 6th September 1977 against Sittingbourne — the moment Linton RFC stepped from pub talk into real rugby history.
Those early years were raw, muddy, and full of character. As former Linton captain Nick Gilbert recalls:
“I was dragged to Linton by Jeremy Jones after training at Maidstone… moved to Linton and never looked back. Linton was a very friendly, welcoming pub club.”
That warmth and inclusivity became the club’s identity.
The club’s first official match was played on 6th September 1977 against Sittingbourne — the moment Linton RFC stepped from pub talk into real rugby history.
Those early years were raw, muddy, and full of character. As former Linton captain Nick Gilbert recalls:
“I was dragged to Linton by Jeremy Jones after training at Maidstone… moved to Linton and never looked back. Linton was a very friendly, welcoming pub club.”
That warmth and inclusivity became the club’s identity.
Memories That Built a Club
The stories from the Linton years are legendary.
Former captain Graham (1989–91) remembers one of the club’s most iconic moments:
“My most memorable thing was beating Brocklains. The first match was a draw and they offered to decide it on a toss of a coin — but Linton said no. We wanted a return match. We won it in the final moments.”
It was classic Linton rugby — stubborn, spirited, and full of heart.
The club’s first tour was to Plymouth, travelling on a tour bus packed with characters, chaos, and the beginnings of traditions that still live on today.
Former captain Graham (1989–91) remembers one of the club’s most iconic moments:
“My most memorable thing was beating Brocklains. The first match was a draw and they offered to decide it on a toss of a coin — but Linton said no. We wanted a return match. We won it in the final moments.”
It was classic Linton rugby — stubborn, spirited, and full of heart.
The club’s first tour was to Plymouth, travelling on a tour bus packed with characters, chaos, and the beginnings of traditions that still live on today.
The Move to Aylesford — A New Era Begins
By the early 1990s, the club had outgrown its Linton roots.
In 1995, with the support of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Aylesford Parish Council, the club relocated — and Aylesford Bulls RFC was born.
The move gave the club space to grow, a new identity, and a permanent home. But the heart of Linton — the humour, the camaraderie, the pub‑rugby spirit — came with it.
In 1995, with the support of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Aylesford Parish Council, the club relocated — and Aylesford Bulls RFC was born.
The move gave the club space to grow, a new identity, and a permanent home. But the heart of Linton — the humour, the camaraderie, the pub‑rugby spirit — came with it.
Leadership, Legacy, and Loss
One of the club’s proudest honours, the President’s Award, was won by Andy Smith, during that first tour later became Club President himself in 2007. He stepped into the role following the club’s greatest loss — the passing of founder Jack William.
In May 2025, Andy passed the President’s jacket to Neil Wiltshire, another former Linton player, symbolising the unbroken line of heritage from pub rugby to modern club rugby.
And through it all, the club has remained blessed to have Jan, Jack’s wife, still very much part of the Bulls family — supporting club lunches, Minis awards days, and keeping the spirit of Linton alive.
Her memories are priceless:
“It wasn’t until I retired from the pub that I knew rugby had two halves — I’d always go back early to prepare the team meals.”
“I remember the lads coming back to the pub after matches and me having to dry the cushions out after the celebrations.”
These are the stories that shaped the Bulls.
In May 2025, Andy passed the President’s jacket to Neil Wiltshire, another former Linton player, symbolising the unbroken line of heritage from pub rugby to modern club rugby.
And through it all, the club has remained blessed to have Jan, Jack’s wife, still very much part of the Bulls family — supporting club lunches, Minis awards days, and keeping the spirit of Linton alive.
Her memories are priceless:
“It wasn’t until I retired from the pub that I knew rugby had two halves — I’d always go back early to prepare the team meals.”
“I remember the lads coming back to the pub after matches and me having to dry the cushions out after the celebrations.”
These are the stories that shaped the Bulls.
A Club Built on People
From those pub‑rugby beginnings, Aylesford Bulls grew into a thriving community club offering rugby for all:
- Minis & Youth
- Senior Men’s
- Women’s & Girls’ rugby
- Social rugby
- A full development pathway
The club became known for its family atmosphere, welcoming culture, and commitment to enjoyment as much as performance.
- Minis & Youth
- Senior Men’s
- Women’s & Girls’ rugby
- Social rugby
- A full development pathway
The club became known for its family atmosphere, welcoming culture, and commitment to enjoyment as much as performance.
The Spirit Lives On
Today, Aylesford Bulls RFC stands as:
- A non‑profit, community‑driven club
- A home to hundreds of players
- A proud representative of Kent rugby
- A club where the Linton spirit still beats strongly
From Minis taking their first steps onto the pitch to Seniors chasing one more season, the Bulls continue to offer rugby for all — just as Jack intended.
Born in a pub. Built by people. Driven by passion.
Still charging forward.
- A non‑profit, community‑driven club
- A home to hundreds of players
- A proud representative of Kent rugby
- A club where the Linton spirit still beats strongly
From Minis taking their first steps onto the pitch to Seniors chasing one more season, the Bulls continue to offer rugby for all — just as Jack intended.
Born in a pub. Built by people. Driven by passion.
Still charging forward.
