VS Rugby moved into their own ground, Butlin Road, in 1973 the first competitive game there being a 0–0 draw against Burton Park Wanderers in the United Counties League.

In 1975 the club was invited to join the West Midlands League, and took part in the FA Cup for the first time in 1976, being knocked out in the first qualifying round.

Knox turned around the club's fortunes dramatically and in 1983 they won The FA Vase, defeating Halesowen Town 1–0.

In August 1991, VS Rugby played and beat a strong Manchester United side 1–0 at Butlin Road in a testimonial match to recognise Knox's ten years at the club.

A group of supporters that included founder Keith Coughlan, however, rescued the club, and manager Ron Bradbury stayed on to gain promotion behind newly formed Rushden & Diamonds in 1994.

For the first time in the club's history, Rugby Town were moved into the Northern Premier League system for the 2015–16 season.

[4] Rugby recovered and finished the season in ninth place before Belford left the club by mutual consent.

At the start of the 2016/17 season James Jepson was appointed manager but lasted but a few weeks being replaced by former player Gary Moran in September 2016.

A poor run of form towards the end of it cost them the league title, but as it eventuated they still attained promotion via being one of the best second-placed teams in the step.

The ex-Filbert Street structures have a strip of Astroturf laid in front of the dugout area to stop wear and tear.