English Rugby’s third-division national one to some of English Rugby’s great clubs that have stood the test of time to remain competitive in a hyper-professional world.
One such club is South West London’s Richmond, which is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world, having been founded back in 1861 (163 years ago).
As one of the founding clubs in the RFU, Richmond have always been a major player in the English Rugby landscape.
On the pitch, the club has reached as high as the Premiership for the 1997/98 season and were the first team to play at Twickenham in 1909. The club has also produced over 100 male and female internationals and have played against several international touring sides.
Based just a stone’s throw from Twickenham and fellow historic club Harlequins, Richmond have not held the same level of professional success as their neighbours.
Unfortunately, the club were relegated from the Championship at the end of last season and now plays in the National One League.
Sitting mid-table, Richmond faced the pace setters in this year’s league in Oxfordshire-based Chinnor.
Under the tutelage of former England international and Harlequins stalwart Nick Easter, Chinnor have been playing some superb rugby this season to sit five points clear at the top of the table.
Downing Richmond 41 – 16 over the weekend, Chinnor continued their push towards promotion.
Highlighting their slick play was a sublime clean break try that nudged them ahead whilst the scores were locked at 10 – 10.
Taking the ball to the line, hard flyhalf George Worboys popped a slick inside ball to winger Grant Hughes, who put the foot down and raced away for the crucial try.
The move itself was well worked, with Worboys’ commitment to hitting the line, opening up just enough space for Hughes to break through.
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