Kenilworth Rugby Football Club were founded in 1924 and moved to their current ground in Glasshouse Lane, Kenilworth in 1947, the fiftieth anniversary being marked by a game against Grenoble
University Club in August 97. In Sept 1999 the club celebrated their 75th anniversary and to mark the occasion the
Five Nations Trophy was obtained (courtesy of the SRU) and paraded prior to the club's league fixture against Lichfield.
A history of the club has been written by Mick Wheatley and this is currently in production for issue before the end of 2003. It will document everything associated with the club from its formation in 1924.
The club were always deemed to be a strong "town" side and early fixtures were predominantly against similar "town sides" who now generally reside in the
National Leagues. In the late 80's and 90's the club was in serious decline and a bold decision was taken to appoint Steve Brain, the ex England International hooker, as player/coach in an attempt to restore the club to its former glories. A mission statement was formed "to make Kenilworth RFC the most successful
Junior Club in Warwickshire by the year 2000." The subsequent success both on and off the field was phenomenal and Kenilworth were promoted consistently over a seven year period to reside in level 5, Midlands 1 Division, which was only one level below National League, the ultimate aim. Following a run of defeats and low morale in 1999 Steve Brain resigned his position and the club looked to its senior players and existing coaches to see us through a relegation scare. The following season saw the appointment of Huw Duggan, a former Bristol player who extended the good work of Steve Brain by finishing in our highest ever league position of fifth in Midlands 1 at the end of the 2001/2002 season. The good work was not extended into season 2002/2003 when a rather depressing season ended with relegation back to Midlands West 1, level 6 and the resignation of Huw Duggan.
In the summer of 2003 however the club responded by appointing Peter Rossborough as Consultant Coach to guide ex players Neil Riley and Rich Bennett through what will be a difficult season and the goal of returning to Midlands 1.
The club currently own the lease on 16 acres of land further down
Glasshouse Lane and away from our current first team pitch and clubhouse. The club was successful in obtaining Lottery money which, together with funds raised by club members, has been used to create and drain four brand new pitches. The four pitches will be in use as from September 2003.
The final re-location however will only become possible once the sale of the existing first team pitch and clubhouse is realised and this may not be for a while yet as it remains in 'green belt'. Current estimates are that it will remain in green belt for possibly up to ten more years. It was therefore realised by the club committee that something needed to be done with the existing clubhouse that has very much remained untouched, apart from add ons and essential repairs, since its construction some fifty + years ago. An appeal was launched with the membership and further funds were raised to allow substantial refurbishment work to be undertaken. This commenced with the resurfacing of the car park and the creation of a new car park in the summer of 2002 and the main work on the clubhouse itself is scheduled for completion in July 2004.
A particular feature of the club is its very strong social side and the club bar is open six days of the week and a warm friendly welcome is always available. In the past few years the club has been very successful in attracting a number of
Australians and New Zealanders and these players have helped improve the status of Kenilworth RFC both on and off the field.
In March 98 the club voted to become a limited company, primarily to relieve the Trustees of an unnecessary burden but also to streamline the running of the club into an efficient professional organisation.
The club also has a very successful Minis and Juniors Section which has provided a stream of players to our own and other senior sides.
At the start of the 2003/2004 season it is hoped to run three senior sides (first and second XV's and a development XV) and a 'soon to be colts' XV who will play this year as an U17's. The club is represented at all levels throughout the minis and juniors section. A notable ex mini and junior is prop Nick Cox who has represented England U21.
The club run a large very successful "Former Players Association" started by the late Jack Davies and who meet regularly throughout the year at home and away pre match lunches. Details of this sub section can be obtained from Pete Boyle on 0780 1914 833.
