Club History
Kenilworth Rugby Football Club- A Brief History
Kenilworth Rugby Football Club was founded in 1924 and after a nomadic existence around Kenilworth finally moved to our current ground in Glasshouse Lane, Kenilworth in 1947. A full history of the club has been written by member Mick Wheatley and it documents everything associated with the club from its formation in 1924 through to 2002.
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. The 'town' fixture list was taken to the extreme when a fixture was offered against Cardiff 2nds at the Arms Park in return for the hospitality offered to them following their visit to Kenilworth after a game at Coventry, but the fixture was turned down, 'we only play town sides!
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.
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. The 'town' fixture list was taken to the extreme when a fixture was offered against Cardiff 2nds at the Arms Park in return for the hospitality offered to them following their visit to Kenilworth after a game at Coventry, but the fixture was turned down, 'we only play town sides!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.
Midlands 1 status was retained until 02/03 when a poor season, with only five wins resulted in relegation back to Midlands 2. It took Kenilworth four
years to return to Midlands 1 and this they did in style, as champions in 06/07, under the guidance of coach Ian Fergusson and after a near miss in the play offs in the previous season. Season 08/09 saw the club's best ever finish in the league, just missing out on the play offs and finally ending a very credible fourth in Midlands 1.This good work was not extended into season 09/10 and the club finally finished mid table but not before a fight against relegation, saving our place with a final day draw against Luctonians.
Disappointment continued into season 10/11 with relegation from National League 3, midlands, back to Midlands 1 west (level 6).
This set back has prompted the club to re-think it's structure and aims and a Future Strategy Group was formed in May 2011 to outline how the club is to return to the top level of junior rugby, and beyond. This is outlined elsewhere.
The club currently own the lease on 16 acres of land (affectionately known as 'the Cow Patch') 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, was used to create and drain four brand new pitches, one with floodlights. The four pitches have been in use since September 2003. The final re-location of the club 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'. However recent announcements from Warwick DC for the need for houses within the district has given renewed hope that this dream may be fulfilled 'soon' and we were advised in May 09 that it has been recommended that our land, both the first XV pitch and clubhouse and the 16 acre Cow Patch will be available for development from 2016. This means the club is potentially looking for a new site within Kenilworth although this is now subject to new government and local authority approval.
A particular feature of the club is its very strong social side and the club bar has a full-time steward and is open six days of the week. In the past few years the club has been very successful in attracting a number of Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans 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.
For this season it is hoped to run three senior sides (first to thirds). A colts XV will be run, continuing the success at this level of the past few years.
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. All levels are present throughout the minis and juniors section and this section has grown dramatically over the past few years and in season 10/11 had around 350 playing members. The minis and juniors section achieving the RFU Seal of Approval in 2005.
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.
