The 1st XV currently compete in Regional 2 East Midlands – a level 6 league in the English rugby union system – following their promotion as champions of Midlands 1 East at the end of the 2018–19 season.

The earliest available records indicate that the playing of rugby football in Kettering was initiated by the Rector of Barton Seagrave village in 1871.

After a period of playing under Uppingham Public School Rules the club formally adopted RFU rules in 1875, quickly becoming a significant participant in both local community and the fast developing rugby scene in the East Midlands.

In the early days games were played on a number of sites including farmers' fields and council owned grounds.

It was during this period, prior to adopting a home of its own, that the club developed its high profile in the town.