Otley RUFC was founded in 1865[1] but broke away from rugby union in 1900 to become a rugby league club. They disbanded in 1906 and reformed as a rugby union club in 1907, the ground being at Wharfeside.[2] In 1909–10 they won the Yorkshire Challenge Cup.[2] Play was suspended during the First World War, but started again in 1919, and on 28 September 1921 they moved to a new and better ground at Cross Green, Otley.[2]
In the 2007–08 season they won the National Division Two title securing an immediate return to National Division One having been relegated the previous season, however they were immediately relegated again in the 2008–09 season along with fellow promoted side Manchester and three other teams due to the new professionalised format of National Division One (now the RFU Championship). Two seasons later the club was relegated again, this time to National League 2 North. The all-time leading try scorer is James Twomey, with 74 in 107 appearances between 2009 and 2013.[citation needed]
In 1979 the stadium was the site of a famous victory by the North of England against the New Zealand ″All Blacks″.[3] The Wallabies suffered the same fate in October, 1988. Cross Green hosted one group game of the 1991 Rugby World Cup, between the United States and Italy which was won by Italy 30–9.
Updated to match(es) played on 21 December 2024. Source: National League Rugby [5] Rules for classification: If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:
Number of matches won
Difference between points for and against
Total number of points for
Aggregate number of points scored in matches between tied teams
Number of matches won excluding the first match, then the second and so on until the tie is settled
Notes
References
^Tony Williams and Bill Mitchell, ed. (1991). Courage Clubs Championship. Official Rugby Union Club Directory 1991–92. Taunton: Tony Williams. ISBN1869833155.
^ abcBrumfitt, Elise (1986). Old Otley. Leeds: M. T. D. Rigg Publications. ISBN0950919136.