Basingstoke RFC Ltd

Basingstoke RFC Celebrates 75^th Anniversary

Basingstoke Rugby Football Club is celebrating its 75^th Anniversary this year.  Formed in 1948, the Down Grange based club has long been a focal point for sport in the town, providing a welcoming asset for the local community.

The club was officially formed in March 1948, with the team playing two matches that season, followed by a full fixture list for two teams the following year.  Matches were initially played on Basingstoke Common and later at Whiteditch Field, before finding a long-term home at Mays Bounty in 1958.  A pivotal moment in Basingstoke RFC’s history came in 1971 when the club relocated to Down Grange and opened the purpose-built clubhouse in January of that year.

During the past 75 years the club has had plenty to celebrate both on and off the pitch. Highlights include moving to their current home in 1971, developing the junior section in the 1980s, hosting training for the England World Cup Squad in 1991, reaching the fourth round of the Pilkington Cup in 1993 and 1994 – losing to Harlequins and London Irish respectively, building a new stand, creating a fully enclosed floodlit pitch, and most recently, extending the clubhouse facilities.  Today, the club offers rugby from under-6 level all the way through to senior men’s and ladies team, offering a full pathway for everyone to enjoy the sport throughout their career.    

The club will officially mark the anniversary during a home game against Portsmouth on Saturday 11^th March.  Prior to the game there will be a celebration lunch with tickets available through the clubhouse or by contacting commercial@basingstokerfc.com.  Later in the year, there will be a summer extravaganza when the club once again teams up with Global Kitchen and Catering to deliver a party in park, a full announcement regarding this event will be released in the coming months.

Commenting on the anniversary, James Jagged, Chair of Basingstoke RFC said: “It’s fantastic to be celebrating our 75^th anniversary as a club.  Basingstoke RFC has a rich history in the community and is well respected by other rugby clubs in the region.  We pride ourselves on not only offering our players the opportunity to develop in the sport, but also to develop as individuals. This would not be possible without our brilliant team of volunteers, coaches, supporters, members, and of course the many players that have worn the blue and gold colours of the club.  A special mention has to go to all the sponsors that contributed both financially and operationally to keep our club running, most notably to long-term club sponsor The Champion Group.”