THE RUCKED FILES – No.12
Richmond RFC
Who are you?
One of the oldest rugby clubs in the country and a founder member of the RFU. We provide well-coached rugby for over 700 players of both sexes from the age of five upwards. We have five senior men's teams including the multi-touring Heavies (Veterans), three senior women's sides, colts, youth and minis. The 1st XV are currently unbeaten in London 1 and hopeful of regaining national league status next season. The women's 1st XV are one of the strongest in the country lying third in the Premiership.
How long have you been going?
Having been formed in 1861 we are a pioneering club, playing the first game under the Football Association Rules of 1863, a code which was quickly dropped; the first inter-club fixture against Blackheath in 1864; and the first game at Twickenham in 1909 against Harlequins. We were one of the first clubs to embrace the professional era although this was short-lived when our backer withdrew his financial support and the club went into administration in 1999. The club was returned to the control of the directors in 2002. We have played at the Richmond Athletic Ground since 1889.
Why should we care about you?
Having come close to disappearing as a club in 1999, through the hard work and determination of a number of members and others, Richmond has successfully come back from the brink and resurrected itself as one of the leading community clubs in the country. The flagship 1st XV set a national record of 83 wins in a row in bringing the club up from level nine, at which we were re-introduced having been ejected from the Premiership, to the current level five.
We aim to be the best community club in the country and currently provide well organised rugby for over 500 juniors at a time when school playing fields are on the decline. We believe this provides opportunities for organised sport which teaches self discipline and good behaviour.
But what makes you different from the rest?
Whilst the 1st XV is undoubtedly the flagship of the club, the director of rugby has the mandate to improve the club over all sections. Culturally we still veer towards the amateur Corinthian ideal.
What was your finest moment?
In nearly 150 years of existence that is a difficult question, but in the recent past, the saving of the club and its ground for future generations must rank up there as does the record run of league wins; winning the National U21 Trophy in 1998/9 and winning the women's National Cup in 2005/6 for a record seventh time.
And your worst?
Going into administration in 1999 with the consequent disbanding, by the Administrator, of a fine squad of players under the captaincy of Ben Clarke. The decision by the RFU to drop us eight leagues in 2000/1 as a result of going into administration also rankles as no other club has been penalised to such an extent in similar circumstances.
Any famous players (past or present)?
The club has had 127 men's internationals including Agustin Pichot, Scott and Craig Quinnell, Ben Clarke, Tony Bucknall, Chris Ralston, Geoff Windsor-Lewis and Nim Hall and 76 women's internationals including Carol Isherwood, who was awarded an OBE in 2003 for services to Women's rugby. Bobby Skinstad played for Richmond as an amateur in 2005/6 during his sabbatical period from international rugby for South Africa.
Any current players who are a bit special?
Our skipper Matt Hart exemplifies the spirit of our current 1st XV squad where everyone plays for each other. Matt leads the league points table with 245 points including four tries - nearly 45 per cent of the season's total so far!
Describe your club in three words?
The mighty 'Mond
What are you after?
A return to the National leagues, preferably level three, on a sustainable basis but within a vibrant broadly based community club.
If we want to find out more?
Visit www.richmondfc.co.uk or call Andrew Gordon on 020 8332 7112.
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