About us
Born from
the game
A lodge for Hertfordshire's rugby community: players past and present, coaches, referees, volunteers, parents and supporters, united by the game and by the Craft.
Rugby has always been more than a sport. Its values, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship, travel with you long after you walk away from the game.
An idea between friends
The Hertfordshire Rugby Lodge began not in a committee room but in a conversation between friends who saw how closely rugby's values mirror the principles of Freemasonry: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. Hertfordshire has a proud Masonic heritage, yet it had never had a lodge that spoke directly to its rugby community.
Five founders began meeting in Datchworth in October 2025. They argued over ideas, challenged each other and worked through the questions every new lodge faces: membership, purpose, structure and identity. Out of those meetings came not a compromise but a consensus.
A new foundation
This is a brand new lodge, not a renamed one: its own warrant, its own number and its own founding members. Among the founders are past and serving rugby club, county and divisional officials, including a past President of Hertfordshire Rugby, so the lodge begins with roots already deep in the soil.
The proposal was agreed by the Hertfordshire Executive and endorsed by the Provincial Grand Master, R.W.Bro. Neil Connolly. The lodge is sponsored by Old Albanians Lodge No. 4999 and will be consecrated in 2027.
Part of a movement
Rugby lodges are thriving in London, West Kent, Surrey, Gloucestershire and Wales, and UGLE has championed them as a model for welcoming new members. When candidates arrive already united by a shared passion, the lodge has a head start. We are proud to be part of the Province of Hertfordshire.
Giving back
We go to
where rugby lives
A peripatetic lodge that takes Freemasonry out to the clubs, and demonstrates its values not through words but through action at the grassroots, where it is needed most.
At the clubs
Attending Captains' Days, Presidents' Day lunches and end-of-season dinners across the county, on the clubs' terms.
Kit for juniors
At each engagement, a gift for the host club's youth or junior section: tackle pads, training equipment, whatever they need most.
Club bursaries
An annual grant programme clubs can apply to for kit, facilities, coaching qualifications or youth tournament travel.
Inclusive rugby
Sponsoring junior and youth sections, with particular support for girls' and women's rugby, disability rugby and community programmes.
A flagship day
An annual Hertfordshire Masonic Rugby white table event at a rugby club, with rugby lodges from other Provinces invited and proceeds to charity.
Part of a movement
Links with established rugby lodges in London, Surrey, West Kent, Gloucestershire and Wales, sharing ideas and fellowship.
Our traditions
Wearing
your journey
Customs that reflect the rugby ethos, always in harmony with the Book of Constitutions. Earned distinctions give every member something to aspire to.
The Lodge Tie
Worn by every member from initiation: your first colours.
The Cap
Presented to every brother on becoming a Master Mason, with a gold tassel for Masters and Past Masters.
The Waistcoat
Worn by brethren in the progressive offices during their year: leadership, like taking a key position on the field.
The Blazer
Reserved for those who have served as Worshipful Master, bearing the lodge crest.
The Rugby Ball Gavel
The Master opens and closes the lodge with a gavel carved in the shape of a rugby ball.
The Kick-Off Toast
Every Festive Board opens with a toast unique to the lodge, celebrating both rugby and Freemasonry.
The Sin Bin
Light-hearted fines for late arrivals or poor singing, with every penny going to charity.
The Referee's Whistle
Used at the Festive Board to call the brethren to order.
Meetings
When and where
Three regular meetings a year: January, May (Installation) and October.
A peripatetic lodge: we take Freemasonry to where rugby lives, meeting at clubs and venues across the county.
Administrative home
Mayflower Place
Hertingfordbury, Hertford, SG14 2LH
Visiting?
After consecration, brethren from other lodges will be very welcome. Contact the Secretary in the meantime.