The Fawley & District Rugby Club was established in the southern Waterside area in the 1920s and drew players from the villages of Fawley, Blackfield, Holbury and Hythe.At that time the area population was employed mainly in the small AGWI oil refinery, the Drummond estate, the New Forest and Calshot RAF station.

In 1935 the fawley and district rugby football club became affiliated to the AGWI recreation club and the club name was changed to AGWI RFC. The club joined the Hampshire RFU.

Membership was open to AGWI employees and associate members from the locality. Military establishments Marchwood camp, RAF Calshot and HMS Diligence have contributed players.

Fixtures were arranged on a friendly basis with most Hampshire and Dorset clubs. An indication of the strength of the Club can be seen from the fact that the 1958/59 senior side lost their first game in February.

Following the Second World War the club was restarted. The area expanded quickly with ESSO taking over AGWI and starting a petrochemical complex. The club was renamed Esso Fawley RFC and moved to Long Lane Holbury. Many employees from the expanding Esso refinery joined the club and it flourished until the advent of league rugby. The nickname 'Oilmen' and 'Oilers' was earned during this time and, although the association with Esso was lost some time ago, the nicknames bubble to the surface occasionally.

With the advent of league fixtures the senior side progressed to London South West 3 but is now firmly established in the Hampshire Leagues.

In 2000 the Club changed its name to FAwley RFC, a return to its roots.

When the Esso Recreation Club severed its ties with Esso it became the Waterside Sports and Social Club, leasing the existing facilities from ExxonMobil.

The Club now runs two senior sides, and a very senior Veterans side, and has flourishing youth and junior section.... perhaps a ladies team may eventually appear.

The club invites players and supporters of all ages to become members for mutual enjoyment and contribution to the progress of FAWLEY RFC.