Hemel Stags are based in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire, and since 2007 they have been playing in the Rugby Conference National League (formerly known as National League Three). Hemel Stags have played in a wide variety of leagues over the years from the London League, MASWARLA, National Conference League and the Alliance League. Hemel Stags faced a dilemma, they were desperate to raise standards without the costs of many trips to the stronger leagues in the North of England. The Hemel Stags are a relatively modern team and were founded in 1981, as such they are considered pioneers of rugby league in the South of England, an area in which it is not traditionally played. For the first 14 years of the teams existence Hemel Stags found it difficult to operate as a rugby league club because of the restrictions places on rugby union players by the RFU. This meant that union players who wanted to play rugby league risked being banned from playing rugby union for life.

Hemel Stags spent three seasons in the National Conference League Premier Division between 1993 and 1996. They were relegated from the Premier division in 1995/96 finishing bottom, having played 22 won 4 and lost 18, scored 288 points with 619 against. After relegation Hemel resigned, spent a year in the LARL then returned to the Alliance for two seasons 1997 and 1998 winning it in 1998 before joining the RLC after it was abandoned. After Hemel Stags played in the Rugby Conference League for a number of years they entered the new National League Three in 2003 and have worked up the league steadily to become front runners in 2006. 2006 also saw Hemel Stags enter the Northern Rail Cup, they met local rivals St Albans Centurions as well as London Skolars and Celtic Crusaders. 2006 saw them finish in second place and qualify for the play-offs for the Grand Final where they were knocked out by Bramley Buffaloes 30-8.