Welcome to Hampstead RFC. These few notes give you an introduction to the club and (hopefully) tell you what you need to know.
If there is anything you would have liked to know, but has not been included, please contact us or download the Welcome Pack.
An Overview
The club is based at the White Horse, Fleet Road, plays and trains on Hampstead Heath., both locations easy to get to from central, west and north London, using either the northern line, silverlink or buses.
We run six Men’s teams and two Ladies teams and is the largest ‘playing’ club in what can described as Central London. The club have also just formed a junior section , introducing boys & girls aged 7 – 14 to the game.
The standard of play varies a good deal. The 1st XV play in London North West 2: As you go down the teams, the standard becomes much more social, although teams 2 – 5 compete in Merit Tables. Whatever your standard, or level of commitment, we can find a game for you.
Brief History
Hampstead Rugby Club is one of the oldest clubs in the world, but as only been active in its current form just over 40 years.
Originally the Hampstead Heathens Sports Club was founded in 1863 and was the birthplace for other notable clubs, such as Harlequins, Wasps & Rosslyn Park. There was a ‘temporary dissolution’ of the club at the start of the First World War & stayed dormant until 1967, when Mike Flynn & friends got together & re-formed the club.
Since the introduction of League rugby in the late 80’s, the club has been relatively successful, with the 1st team only experiencing one demotion , compared to 5 promotions & reaching the Middlesex Cup Semi Finals seven times in the same period. We were one of the first clubs to embrace organised competitions for our 2s & lower sides.
We formed a Ladies team in 2004 & this is a rapidly growing section. We entered them into the league structure after their 2nd season & they already have gained 2 promotions and have recently formed a 2nd XV.
The most exciting aspect is the introduction of a junior section in 2010 & within just a month of forming we had 30 kids of all ages training & the plan is to grow & grow
Training
Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday nights, (both Ladies & Men’s section) at Parliament Hill running track on Hampstead Heath, starting at 7.00. All welcome!
Juniors train Saturday mornings from 10.30am.
We are the envy of many in regards to our facilities, with a full floodlight training pitch, eight lane all weather track, a trim track and a contingency for indoor training when the elements win. Pre season we tend to introduce the players to the many hills on the Heath
At each session we have physios in attendance, backing up the five man coaching team.
We are often asked if people can just come to training to get fit and not play – people are more than welcome to do so.
Playing
Men’s games are on Saturdays, Ladies & Juniors on Sundays. We have two pitches on the Hampstead Heath Extension, with modern changing rooms in the middle of the Extension (off Hampstead Way).
Getting Involved
Probably the easiest way to get involved is:
- just come on down to training, introduce yourself to anyone who looks vaguely in charge and join in.
- Email info & introduce yourself that way.