Taunton Rugby Club appeals for help after severe flooding
Flood damage has caused major disruption to the club's facilities and income
Taunton Rugby Club has announced they are seeking community support following severe flooding that caused extensive damage to their facilities and disrupted operations.
The flooding occurred on 27th January 2026 when local streams and rivers burst their banks. According to Nicholas Mason, the club’s commercial manager and first team captain, floodwaters rose rapidly around the site, reaching up to two feet inside parts of the building. The club made efforts to secure the premises but ultimately had to evacuate as conditions became unsafe.
Several key areas, including meeting rooms, the conservatory bar, and other commercial spaces, were submerged, forcing the club to shut down these facilities. Mason shared that the damage has had a significant impact, including losses of over £10,000 during what was expected to be one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Steps towards recovery
Volunteers have already begun helping the club with clean-up efforts, but there remains a long road ahead. Repairs will include replacing flooded carpets, repainting damaged areas, and restoring essential equipment.
Since Taunton Rugby Club operates on a floodplain, Mason acknowledged the ongoing risk, stating efforts will focus on improving flood prevention measures with the funding received.
The club president, Neil Symons, has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs, marking the first time the club has made a public fundraising appeal. He explained:
“We’ve never launched a public fundraising appeal like this before — not even during Covid — and asking for help does not come easily. However, the scale of the damage and the loss of income caused by the flooding has left us with costs that we simply cannot absorb alone.”
How you can support
Taunton Rugby Club is encouraging donations of any size to aid their recovery efforts. Funds raised will go directly toward flood damage repairs, equipment replacement, and helping the club regain full functionality.
Those unable to donate are asked to share the fundraising page to further raise awareness. Symons emphasised the importance of community and the club's role as a hub for generations of local people:
“Taunton Rugby Club has always been more than just a rugby club — it’s a community hub, a place where friendships are formed and memories are made.”
To donate or find out more, visit their GoFundMe page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/taunton-rugby-club-flood-appeal