Late reprieve for rugby club facing homelessness

4 December 2025

Cash MurphySouth East

News image — Last month Elmbridge Borough Council issued a 12-month forfeiture order on the Eagles

BBC Kevin Rudd, the acting secretary of Elmbridge Eagles Rugby Club. Kevin is standing at the Oaken Lane site and is wearing training gear for the Elmbridge Eagles, including a whistle and grey undershirt. — Last month Elmbridge Borough Council issued a 12-month forfeiture order on the Eagles

A Surrey rugby club unable to use its long-term home due to 52,000 tons of soil being mistakenly dumped there has received a late offer to stay on at its temporary base.

The Elmbridge Eagles have not been able to play at their Oaken Lane facility in Claygate since 2016 after double the intended 26,000 tonnes of soil, ordered to improve drainage, was left on the site in error.

The Eagles have been pitch-sharing with the Old Cranleighans rugby club in Thames Ditton, although that deal was in jeopardy for 2026.

The Eagles' acting secretary Kevin Rudd said an extension offer from Old Cranleighans had now been received but there was "still a lot to discuss".

The Elmbridge Eagles site on Oaken Lane, Claygate. The club building is covered in graffitti and a number of pebbles can be seen in the image. The area is overgrown with weeds. — The Eagles' former home at Oaken Lane remains unusable due to the presence of 52,000 tons of soil

"I think it's great that there's an opportunity to explore that...it gives us a talking point for a longer term stay," he said.

Martin Williamson from the Old Cranleighan Society said while there was never any risk of the Eagles being asked to leave permanently, next year was up in the air.

"We're doing a lot of work at our club at the moment, and we flagged with them [the Eagles] that there may be an issue for the 2026 season," he said.

'Fresh start'

Mr Williamson also said a 10-year deal was up for discussion.

While Mr Rudd said he was happy to discuss staying on, he said the club had also been exploring other options - including looking outside the borough - as some members wanted a "fresh start".

The Eagles are also subject to a 12-month forfeiture notice on the Oaken Lane site.

This order, served last month by Elmbridge Borough Council, gives the club one year to remove the soil or its lease will be cancelled.

A spokesperson for Elmbridge Borough Council said: "Since issuing the Forfeiture Notice, we have met with both Elmbridge Eagles and Rugby League's governing body to explore other options for the club to continue delivering rugby league locally.

"We remain committed to supporting the Elmbridge Eagles Rugby Club."

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