History

The History of Our Rugby Club: A Story of Community, Resilience, and Growth

Our rugby club’s journey is a tale of camaraderie, determination, and passion for the game. While records before 1927 are scarce, we know from Major Steven Elvery, one of our Vice Presidents, that the club’s home was at Barrs Avenue until 1963, with the Station Hotel serving as our bustling headquarters. Back then, our teams—usually a first XV and occasionally a second or third XV—played for the love of the game, often cobbling together players from the pub on match days! Fixtures took us far and wide, from Bridport, Taunton, and Bridgwater in the west to Chichester in the east. Dressed in white shirts (unchanged until the 1970s), we played for the sheer joy of rugby and the challenge of taking on senior Hants and Dorset first XV teams—a hard-earned privilege achieved after consistent victories against their second XVs.

A New Era: Finding a Home and Building a Future

The introduction of leagues marked a turning point for the club. The sale of Barrs Avenue for development forced us to relocate, and the Borough of Lymington provided two pitches at Ashley Sports Ground. These were basic at best—changing rooms ranged from tin baths behind the Station Hotel to the old Boys’ Club in Old Milton Road, where we finally enjoyed the luxury of showers. Post-match teas were equally modest, hosted at makeshift venues like the Station Hotel outbuildings, the Boys’ Club, or The Woodpecker (now the Oak and Yaffle) on Ashley Common Road.

In the late 1960s, we joined forces with the local cricket club to form the New Milton Sports Club, pooling resources to improve facilities at the Ashley pavilion. Thanks to years of fundraising and the dedication of Vice President John McQuillan, our dream clubhouse became a reality. In August 1971, the Mayor of the Borough of Lymington, Mrs. Iris Nedderman, officially opened the new clubhouse—a landmark moment for the club. Later that year, we adopted our iconic green shirts, a tradition that continues to this day.

Growing the Game: Mini Rugby and Touring Adventures

The 1970s saw the birth of our Mini Rugby Section, founded by Mike Evans, Russ Jones, and Robin Jackson for players’ sons and their friends. What started as a small group quickly grew into a thriving part of the club, introducing countless young players to the sport. By the 1980s, the introduction of Merit Tables brought a new competitive edge, but the spirit of fun and friendship remained at the heart of our club.

Tours have always been a cherished tradition, from our first trip to Guernsey in 1966 to the excitement of our first overseas tour to France in 1971. Today, we proudly host touring teams from across the country, drawn to our warm hospitality and prime location near the New Forest, Bournemouth, and Southampton.

A Legacy of Community and Passion

From humble beginnings to a vibrant hub of rugby, our club’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and a love of the game. Whether you’re a lifelong member or a newcomer, you’re part of a legacy that values teamwork, friendship, and the shared thrill of rugby. The journey continues, and we look forward to making even more history together.