Rebuild of rugby clubhouse gutted by arson attack ‘back on track’

Northwich Rugby Union Football Club was rocked by a fire last year which gutted the historic clubhouse at Moss Farm Leisure Complex.

The club has now provided an update, confirming that work to rebuild the clubhouse is going to plan.

A spokesperson for Northwich RUFC said: “The work is going great.

“After inspection and finding a few faults, it’s now back on track.

“As the contractors continue to rebuild our clubhouse, following the arson attack in October 2022, we are excited to see key developments are finally taking place at Northwich Rugby Union Football Club.

“We are not going to share the finer details, as we want this to be a surprise when we re-open our doors."

Firefighters at the scene of the blaze in October (Image: Supplied)

A pair of 12-year-old boys were arrested two days after the fire, which broke out on the afternoon of October 26 and measured around 20 metres by five metres.

In January, the boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were handed conditional cautions and made to undertake work in the community and complete educational courses.

Sergeant Leanne Brundrett said at the time: “I understand the anger and resentment that this incident caused.

“Both of the boys have admitted their guilt and are extremely remorseful for their actions.

“Following close consultation with the Youth Offending Service, it was agreed issuing the boys with conditional cautions was the most appropriate course of action.”

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service believe the fire was started deliberately (Image: Supplied)

Within weeks of the blaze, local residents, supporters and fellow rugby clubs including Sale Sharks donated more than £13,000 towards a Go Fund Me Page set up to help Northwich rebuild.

READ MORE: Club 'blown away' as £13k raised to help repair clubhouse after fire

Following council approval, work on the rebuild of the clubhouse began in June and is expected to be completed by mid August, ready for the first game of the season.

It is not the only development taking place at Moss Lane, with work also underway on a new pitch alongside plans for a new large seated stand for spectators.

Damage inside the clubhouse (Image: Supplied)