Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC

Milton Keynes Wolves
Club information
Full nameMilton Keynes Wolves Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)MK
The Wolf Pack
Short nameMK Wolves
ColoursRed
White
Black
Founded1 March 2012 (2012-03-01)
WebsiteOfficial website
Current details
Ground
  • Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes
CompetitionEast RL Division One

MK Wolves are an amateur rugby league team based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. They compete in the East RL division of the RFL's Regional Leagues. They train at Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion which also serves as their home pitch, and is also home to Milton Keynes RUFC (MK RUFC). They are ranked club No. 153 by Pitchero.[1]

History

Background

MK Wolves were founded in early 2012. MK Wolves played home games at the Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion from their inaugural season until 2015.[2] The Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion was also home to MK RUFC.[3]

England and Wigan player Sam Tomkins, who was born in Milton Keynes, agreed to become honorary chairman.[4]

2012

The Wolves' first match was an away friendly against Hemel Stags, on 25 April 2012, which MK lost 20–6. Their only try was scored by prop Ian Gray, with captain Scott Aspinall converting it.[5]

MK Wolves' first competitive match was a home game at Emerson Valley against Bedford Tigers on 5 May 2012, which MK lost 24–40.[6][7]

MK Wolves' debut competitive match lineup
NumberPlayerPosition
1 John MarchbankFullback
2 Kieran PerryRight wing
3 Ian UmneyRight centre
4 Simon ReadLeft centre
5 Kelvin DwumfuoLeft wing
6 Chris MellyStand-off (or Five-eighth)
7 Scott AspinallScrum-half (or Halfback)
8 Ian GreyProp
9 Mickey JamesHooker
10 Kieran McConnell (Capt.)Prop
11 David BrownSecond row
12 Stuart TomkinsonSecond row
13 Phil PowellLoose forward (or Lock)
East RL Premier Division 2012[8]
WinDrawLossPosition
1186th

MK's first league points came in a 24–24 home draw against Kings Lynn Black Knights in July.[9] The club won its first victory the following week, on 14 July 2012, beating the previously undefeated St. Ives Roosters 38–24.[10] Head coach Gareth Edwards expressed his surprise in an MK News article, stating "I knew a win was coming, but honestly didn't expect it against the side who hadn't lost a game all season".[11]

2013

East RL Premier Division 2013[12]
WinDrawLossPosition
2064th

In 2013, MK Wolves welcomed Hemel Stags and former Ireland international player Wayne Kelly on board as coach.[13] He was heavily involved in the club's pre-season preparations, however after sustaining a serious injury during a match for the Hemel Stags, Kelly decided to return to his native Northern Ireland with his family. The club then appointed Abe Kerr—a former Bedford Tigers and Hemel Stags player—in his place. He already had experience with the players, having previously led fitness training sessions.[14]

MK Wolves unveiled a new kit using the colours of white, black and red.[15]

After wins against Bedford Tigers and Kings Lynn Black Knights, MK Wolves qualified for the play-offs. They were beaten in the semi-finals by top-of-the-table—and eventual play-off winners—North Herts Crusaders.[16] They also made it to the East RL Shield Final, where they were beaten by St Ives Roosters 38–16.[17][18]

2014

East RL Premier Division 2014[19]
WinDrawLossPosition
3075th

2014 began with a victory in the season-opening East RL 9's tournament—the club's first ever silverware.[20][21]

MK Wolves secured a spot in the East RL Cup semi-final by defeating Cambridge Lions 54–4. Notably, Cambridge did not have any substitutes, with Wolves head coach Abe Kerr stating: "we really saw the benefit of ... a much larger squad allowing us to regularly rotate tired and injured players – a luxury Cambridge didn't have."[22]

On 7 June 2014, MK Wolves overcame reigning champions North Herts Crusaders on their home pitch; the score was 26–12. It was the Crusaders' first loss in around two seasons.[23]

At the inaugural 4-Counties Rugby League Tournament, an U16s inter-county tournament—with teams from Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Gloucestershire and Buckinghamshire—MK Wolves' U16s team represented Buckinghamshire. Ben Savage was nominated as man of the tournament for MK Wolves.[24]

In the East RL Cup, MK Wolves lost in the semi-finals to Bedford Tigers.[25]

The following week, in a match at Bedford, the game was overshadowed by an injury to player-coach Abe Kerr, which necessitated the summoning of the local Air Ambulance. He was flown to Bedford Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. MK Wolves went on to lose the match to the Bedford Tigers 48–10.[26]

2015

In January 2015, before the start of the rugby league season, MK Wolves announced that their home ground would be moved to Manor Fields, in Bletchley.[2]

A new coaching team was announced for the 2015 season: Jason Talbot, who was previously head coach of the Conference League South team at Bristol Sonics, and Mike Stewart, a former Super League player for Castleford Tigers, Batley Bulldogs, and the Dewsbury Rams. Stewart also captained the Scotland national team twice. Abe Kerr returned to his previous focus on player fitness.[27]

Due to a lack of players,[28] MK Wolves decided to drop from East Rugby League Premier Divison to East Entry League.[29]

On 23 May, at their first home game at Manor Fields, and their first game in a grade below East Premier Division, MK Wolves lost to Bedford Tigers 32–40.[30]

The following week, against Kings Lynn Black Knights on 30 May, MK Wolves lost 40–32.[31][32]

2016

MK Wolves moved up to the East Division 1 competition in 2016.[29]

The club's first points of the 2016 season came in a 36–36 draw against Southend Spartans on 21 May 2016 in Essex.[33]

On 23 June, MK Wolves lost 26–12 to Kings Lynn Black Knights.[34]

After Cambridge Lions forfeited,[35] the club arranged to play a friendly match against Midlands South Premier Division team Northampton Demons. MK Wolves lost the match 64–30, but scored more points than any of their other games of the season. Additionally, Cambridge Lions' forfeit meant that MK Wolves trailed competition leaders Kings Lynn Black Knights by a single competition point, as did Southend Spartans.[36] However, Southend had a points differential of 16, compared to MK Wolves' 14.[37]

MK Wolves played their next game against Southend Spartans, and came back from an early 12–0 deficit to lead 20–16 at half time; MK Wolves won the match 38–28, sending them to the top of the table.[38][39] Kings Lynn moved into second, Southend Spartans into third, and Cambridge Lions remained in fourth.[40]

On 30 July, Kings Lynn forfeited, ensuring MK Wolves finished the regular season at the top of the table.[41]

The grand final of the East Rugby League Division 1 was played on 20 August 2016, between MK Wolves and Southend Spartans. While Southend Spartans led 10–0 at half-time, MK Wolves came back to win 30–10.[42] MK Wolves try-scorers included Stuart Tomkinson, Kai Muroi, Saope Sako, Dave Brown, and Ryan Eaton.[43]

At the Player of the Year awards held later that night, the winners were:[42]

  • Young Player Of The Year: Ryan Eaton
  • Most Improved: Munsukh Punian
  • Players' Player: Scott Aspinall
  • Man of Steel: Scott Aspinall

The full grand final squad was:[42]

  • Scott Aspinall (Capt.)
  • Ryan Jordan
  • Jordan Cummins
  • Kelvin Dwumfuo
  • Chris Melly
  • Nathan Thomas
  • Stuart Tomkinson
  • Kai Muroi
  • Ed Kilby
  • Callum Moon
  • Dave Brown
  • Brian Purcell
  • Stuart Bowers
  • Ciaran Walter
  • Nathan Hubert
  • Saope Soko
  • Dil Punian
  • Munsukh Punian

2017

A friendly match on 16 April between Bedford Tigers and MK Wolves resulted in a 42–16 Bedford victory.[44]

On 6 May, MK Wolves defeated Luton Vipers 34–32 after scoring and converting two last-minute tries.[45]

In June, at MKRuggerfest, a rugby sevens festival, MK Wolves beat the Barbarians to win the Beer Drinkers tournament.[46]

MK Wolves announced in August 2017 that they would be withdrawing from the East RL Division 1 competition, citing season-long issues and, particularly, miscommunications about the awarding of competition points.[47][48]

Honours

Club honours
League Season Team Ref
East Rugby League 9's2014MK Wolves[20]
East Rugby League Division 12016/17MK RLFC 1st Team[42]
Player honours – International
Player Team Ref
Wayne KellyIreland[49][50]
Mike StewartScotland[51][52]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 Nuttall, Pete (24 January 2015). "A New Home For MK Wolves". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "Our History". mkrufc.com. Milton Keynes RUFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  4. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (22 March 2012). "Sam Tomkins Joins Milton Keynes Rugby League!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (26 April 2012). "First Game Report - Hemel 2nds Away (Friendly)". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  6. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (30 April 2012). "First League Fixture this Saturday". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 13 October 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  7. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (18 May 2012). "Rugby League draws in the crowds". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "East league table". www.eastrugbyleague.co.uk. East Rugby League. Archived from the original on 21 September 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  9. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (13 July 2012). "MK Wolves 24-24 Kings Lynn Black Knights". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  10. ↑ Quirke, Andrew (15 July 2012). "Roosters wings clipped". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  11. ↑ "Wolves roar to their debut victory". MK News. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "East league table". www.eastrugbyleague.co.uk. East Rugby League. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  13. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (14 March 2013). "Meet The New Boss..." www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  14. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (13 May 2013). "From Kelly... to Kerr: New boss in town!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  15. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (16 May 2013). "New kit - and training TONIGHT!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  16. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (12 August 2013). "No Luck For Wolves In Play-Off Semi-Final". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 18 October 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  17. ↑ Nuttall, Pete. "East RL Shield Final 2013". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  18. ↑ "Milton Keynes Wolves". eastrugbyleague.co.uk. East Rugby League. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  19. ↑ "East league table". www.eastrugbyleague.co.uk. East Rugby League. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  20. 1 2 Cummins, Mark. "MK Wolves East League 9's Champions 2014". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  21. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (5 June 2014). "More fixtures for MK's Under 16s". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  22. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (3 June 2014). "Wolves power through to Cup Semi-Finals". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  23. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (10 June 2014). "MK Wolves put North Herts Crusaders to the sword!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  24. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (16 June 2014). "MK's Under 16s in County action for Bucks". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  25. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (27 June 2014). "Wolves miss out on East RL Cup Final". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 28 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  26. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (2 July 2014). "Drama At Bedford Overshadows Result". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  27. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (12 February 2015). "Ready to hit the 2015 season? Here's what you need to know..." www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 24 October 2018. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  28. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (11 May 2015). "Changes afoot at MK Wolves". www.pitchero.com/clubs/miltonkeynesrugbyleague/news/changes-afoot-at-mk-wolves--1427723.html. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  29. 1 2 Nuttall, Pete (11 February 2016). "Time to come out of hibernation, MK Wolves. It's Rugby League time!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  30. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (28 May 2015). "PROMISING START FOR MK WOLVES' NEW ERA". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  31. ↑ "News & Events". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  32. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (1 June 2015). "No Giant-Killing in the Cup for MK". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  33. ↑ "Dramatic draw for the Wolves". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk. Milton Keynes Citizen. 24 May 2016. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  34. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (23 June 2016). "Valiant effort from MK Wolves but an injury-ravaged Wolves lost 26-12". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  35. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (9 July 2016). "Match postponed - Cambridge unable to field a squad". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  36. ↑ "Wolves lose friendly but give Demons a run for it". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk. Milton Keynes Citizen. 13 July 2016. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  37. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (10 July 2016). "MK battle hard in Northampton friendly". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  38. ↑ "Wolves hit top spot after Southend win". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk. Milton Keynes Citizen. 18 July 2016. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  39. ↑ "RUGBY LEAGUE". OneMK. 20 July 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  40. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (17 July 2016). "MK go top with hard-earned win over Southend". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  41. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (27 August 2019). "Kings Lynn unable to make trip to MK - so we finish top!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  42. 1 2 3 4 Nuttall, Pete (24 August 2016). "CHAMPIONS!". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  43. ↑ "Second half comeback leads MK Wolves to grand final victory over Southend". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk. Milton Keynes Citizen. 23 August 2016. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  44. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (26 April 2017). "Tigers win our first battle of the season". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  45. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (9 May 2017). "The Late, Late Show". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  46. ↑ "Apache Braves complete a hat-trick of MKRuggerfest wins". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk. Milton Keynes Citizen. 20 June 2017. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026. Local interest was strong in the Beer Drinkers tournaments with a Barbarian team, AZOZ Gwinness Cougars, Fitzy Misfits and Trump Mexican Wall Builders all being formed from local Milton Keynes and Bletchley players. However, it was the local rugby league side MK Wolves that narrowly beat the Barbarians in the final to lift the trophy.
  47. ↑ Nuttall, Pete (11 August 2017). "We are withdrawing from this year's East RL Division One competition". www.pitchero.com. Milton Keynes Wolves RLFC. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  48. ↑ "MK Wolves withdraw from 'chaotic' league". www.miltonkeynes.co.uk. Milton Keynes Citizen. 16 August 2017. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  49. ↑ "Wayne Kelly". www.rugbyleaguerecords.online. Rugby League Records Online. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  50. ↑ "Masters Rugby League unites Nations in thrilling International Festival at London Skolars". www.rugby-league.com. Rugby-league.com. 29 October 2025. Archived from the original on 10 December 2025. Retrieved 1 July 2026.
  51. ↑ "Mike Stewart". www.rugbyleaguerecords.online. Rugby League Records. Archived from the original on 1 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
  52. ↑ "Mike Stewart - RLP". www.rugbyleagueproject.org. Rugby League Project. Archived from the original on 3 July 2026. Retrieved 3 July 2026.
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