Havant RFC

Last updated

Havant RFC
Havant RFC Hooks Lane Bedhampton 2007.jpg
Mick Chalk Stand, Havant RFC
Full nameHavant Rugby Football Club
Union English RFU
Nickname(s)Hav
Founded1951;72 years ago (1951)
Location Bedhampton, Havant, Hampshire, England
Region Hampshire RFU
Ground(s)Hook's Lane (Capacity: 1,500 (500 seated))
ChairmanNigel May
PresidentJon Mangnall
Director of RugbyRob Matthews
Coach(es)Will Knight
Captain(s)Joel Knight
League(s) London & South East Premier
2021–22 5th
Official website
www.havantrfc.co.uk

Havant RFC is an English rugby union club, playing in the RFU's London SE Premier , [1] and is a member of the Hampshire RFU. [2]

Contents

Havant currently run four senior men's teams [3] – 1st XV, 2nd XV (Dolphins) – who play in the Solent League, 3rd XV ('A' XV) – who play in Hampshire 2 and a veteran's side (The Mariners). In addition to the senior men's teams there is an Academy team (under 19s) – who play in Hampshire Colts League Division 1 – and two senior women’s teams, the first XV, who are playing in the RFUW's Women's National Championship South 2 League for the 2016–17 season and the Sirens. [4] Additionally Havant Minis and Juniors run sides covering every age from infant school to sixth form. [5]

History

Havant RFC, 'Hav', was founded in April 1951 [6] and came to their present home, at Hook's Lane, Bedhampton, two years later. The clubhouse, which was built by members of the club, was opened in 1955 by the Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth.

Ten years after its founding, HRFC was running five sides. In 1962 the colts were started and there were further extensions to the clubhouse. A new clubhouse was opened at the end of 1975 [6] and in 1993 there were further extensions including the addition of an all-seater grandstand.

Early milestones in the club's playing history were the winning of the Hampshire Cup for the first time in 1974–75 [6] and then, in 1975–76, becoming the first Junior Club to get through to the last 16 of the John Player Cup. [6] HRFC have now won the Hampshire Cup 19 times, most recently in the 2017-18 season and have appeared in the final 28 times in the period from 1970 to 2018.

The highlights of the league campaigns were gaining promotion to National League 3 at the end of 1991–92, and then finishing joint top of that division the following season, missing promotion on points difference after surprisingly losing their last match at Aspatria [6] which, had they succeeded, would have made the club one of the top twenty clubs in the country. After a difficult period in the second half of the 1990s (concurrent with the advent of professionalism), the club halted their slide in 2000–01 and fought their way back into the National Leagues the following season. They were immediately relegated, but bounced straight back at the end of the next season, and in 2004–05 managed a top half of the table finish to establish themselves at this level.

In 2005–06 HRFC consolidated their National League 3 South credentials with a mid-table finish and in 2006–07 they mounted their best campaign in recent years to finish just outside the promotion places in 3rd position. The following seasons have been difficult for 'Hav' with many players leaving the area, retiring or moving to other clubs – ultimately leading to relegations after the 2008–09 season and the 2011–12 season to get to their current level.

League record

HRFC League Record [7]
SeasonDivisionTierPositionOutcome
1987–88 Area League South45/11
1988–89 Area League South42/11
1989–90 Area League South45/11
1990–91 National Division 4 South48/13
1991–92 National Division 4 South41/13promoted
1992–93 National Division 332/12
1993-94 National Division 339/10relegated
1994-95 National Division 444/10
1995-96 National Division 448/10
1996-97 National Division 3414/16
1997-98National Division 2 South412/14
1998-99National Division 2 South414/14relegated
1999-00London League 158/17
2000-01London League 152/12
2001-02London League 151/12promoted
2002-03 National League 3 South413/14relegated
2003-04London League 151/12promoted
2004-05 National League 3 South47/14
2005-06 National League 3 South49/14
2006-07 National League 3 South43/14
2007-08 National League 3 South410/14
2008-09 National League 3 South414/14relegated
2009-10National League 3 London & South-east58/14
2010-11National League 3 London & South-east511/14
2011-12National League 3 London & South-east514/14relegated
2012-13London 1 South69/14
2013-14London 1 South69/14
2014-15London 1 South67/14
2015-16London 1 South69/14
2016-17London 1 South63/14
2017-18London 1 South63/14
2018-19London 1 South66/14
2019–20London 1 South61/14promoted
2020–21London & South East Premier5cancelled due to Covid-19
2019–20London & South East Premier55/14

Honours

1st team:

3rd team:

Notable club members

The club badge

Havant RFC club badge Havant RFC club badge.png
Havant RFC club badge

The figure in the top half of the shield is that used in heraldry to represent a Dolphin. The significance to the club of the Dolphin is that the club was founded at a meeting in The Dolphin Hotel in Havant on 27 April 1951. At that time The Dolphin was in West Street in Havant where it had been since the early part of the 19th Century; stagecoaches used it as the principal inn in Havant on the road between Brighton and Portsmouth. In 1958 it was demolished to make way for the West Street Arcade - itself demolished when the Meridian Centre (since renamed Meridian Shopping) was built – and was re-sited in Park Road South. This has since been demolished to make way for a special needs home.

The bottom left of the shield contains the figures to be seen on the Hampshire badge, a crown over a rose. These figures are also used in the badge of the Hampshire RFU. This is a badge of great antiquity and was accepted in its present form by Hampshire County Council in 1895. In some forms of the badge there is a double rose – white in the centre and red on the outer edges – but the more ancient form, and the one shown on today’s badge is a Lancastrian red rose.

The bottom right contains a figure to represent a sheet of parchment representing the ancient craft of parchment making that was practised in Havant for hundreds of years and which finally ceased in 1936. There were a couple of firms still making parchment in Havant at the turn of the 20th century, Stallards working in Homewell and Stents in West Street. Stallards finally closed in 1936 and the buildings were occupied by the building firm, Carrells. Stents became glove makers before closing down in the 1950s, their premises being taken over by the building firm, Henry Jones.

Related Research Articles

Gosport and Fareham R.F.C. is a Rugby Union club located in Gosport in Hampshire, England, with home games and training taking place at Gosport Park on Dolphin Crescent. The men's first XV currently play in London 3 South West following their relegation from London 2 South West at the end of the 2018–19 season. The men's second XV will play in Hampshire Premier from the 2018–19 season.

Newbury Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club based in Newbury, Berkshire, England. Following league reorganisation, they are playing in Regional 2 South Central, a league at tier 6 in the English rugby union system. Newbury RFC is a community rugby club using players drawn from the local community and those coached through its youth rugby program.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redruth R.F.C.</span> English rugby union club, based in Cornwall

Redruth RFC is a rugby union club from the town of Redruth, Cornwall, currently playing in the fourth tier of the English league system, National League 2 West. The club runs a number of men's teams including 1st XV, 2nd XV, Colts and a Select XV as well as a number of junior teams from age 7 through to 16. They are one of the most successful club sides in Cornwall, having won the Cornwall Cup 10 times and the Cornwall Super Cup 3 times, and are currently the second highest ranked club side behind the Cornish Pirates. Redruth enjoys a strong rivalry with neighbours Camborne, with the two clubs meeting annually, in what is the world’s longest enduring rugby fixture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petersfield R.F.C.</span> English rugby union club, based in Petersfield

Petersfield Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club based in the town of Petersfield, Hampshire, England. The men's first XV currently compete in London 3 South West - a league at the eighth tier of the English rugby union system - following the club's promotion from Hampshire Premier at the end of the 2019–20 season. There are also men's 2nd XV and 3rd XV, both of whom play in the Hampshire regional leagues.

Basingstoke Rugby Football Club is a Rugby Union club based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in southern England. The men's 1st XV currently plays in London 3 South West - a league at level 8 of the English rugby union system - following their promotion from Hampshire Premier at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Regional 1 South East is a level five league in the English rugby union system. It is one of six leagues at this level. When this division began in 1987 it was known as London Division 1. The format of the league was changed at the beginning of the 2009–10 season following re-organisation by the Rugby Football Union while the name change from National League 3 to Premier was introduced for the 2017–18 season to make it more obvious that it is a regional league. London & South East Premier was the highest regional rugby union league covering London and south east England. Following the RFU Adult Competition Review the league was decreased from 14 to 12 and the name changed to Regional 1 South East. Part of the area formerly covered by London & South East Premier is now covered by a new league Regional 1 South Central.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tunbridge Wells RFC</span> English rugby union club, based in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells RFC is an English Rugby union club that plays in Regional 1 South East from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harlequin Amateurs</span> Rugby team

Harlequin Amateurs Rugby Football Club are a Hampton Wick-based English rugby union club who play their rugby in the RFU league system, currently in Surrey 3. They train and play in Bushy Park.

Sussex 1 is an English level 9 Rugby Union League. It is made up of teams predominantly from Sussex. Teams play home and away matches from September through to April. The league champions are automatically promoted up to London 3 South East, while the second placed team plays a promotion playoff against the second placed team from Kent 1. Relegated teams drop to Sussex 2 although in recent season there has been no relegation. Only 1st XV sides can be promoted into London 3 South East.

London 2 South West is an English level 7 Rugby Union League. When this division began in 1987 it was known as London 3 South West, changing to its current name ahead of the 2009–10 season. The division is made up of teams predominantly from south-west London, Surrey, and Hampshire. The 12 teams play home and away matches from September through to April. Each year all clubs in the division are also invited to take part in the RFU Intermediate Cup - a level 7 national competition.

Regional 2 South East, previously known as London 1 South, is an English level 6 rugby union regional league for rugby clubs in London and the south-east of England including sides from East Sussex, south Essex, south Greater London, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey and West Sussex. When this division began in 1987 it was known as London 2 South, changing to London 1 South ahead of the 2009–10 season.

Hove Rugby Club is an English community rugby union club, who play at Hove Recreation Ground in Shirley Drive Hove, and are affiliated to the English RFU via the Sussex RFU. They currently play in London 2 South East - a league a level 7 of the English rugby union system - following their relegation from London 1 South at the end of the 2018–19 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jersey Reds</span> Rugby union club based in Jersey, Channel Islands

Jersey Reds is a rugby club based in Jersey, Channel Islands, that are currently champions of the RFU Championship, which is the second tier of English professional rugby.

Hampshire Premier is an English level 9 Rugby Union league for teams based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Up until the 2017–18 season it was known as Hampshire 1 but was changed to Hampshire Premier due to restructuring of the Hampshire leagues, which would see the re-introduction of a third division as well as 2nd and 3rd XV sides joining for the first time. Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition.

Hampshire 1 is an English level 10 Rugby Union league for teams based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Up until the 2017–18 season it was known as Hampshire 2 but was changed to Hampshire 1 following the restructuring of the Hampshire leagues, which would see the re-introduction of a third division as well as 2nd and 3rd XV sides joining for the first time. Each year some of the clubs in this division also take part in the RFU Junior Vase - a level 9-12 national competition.

Surrey 1 is a level 9 English Rugby Union League. It is made up of teams predominantly from Surrey and south-west London. Teams play home and away matches from September through to April. Promoted teams move up to London 3 South West with the league winners going straight up and the runners up playing against the runners up from Hampshire Premier. Relegated teams drop to Surrey 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guernsey RFC</span> Rugby union club based in Guernsey, Channel Islands

Guernsey Rugby Football Club is an amateur rugby union team who play at Footes Lane in St Peter Port on the Channel Island of Guernsey. The club was formed in 1928. The club runs two senior teams, a veterans side and a colts side. Their first XV, the Guernsey Raiders currently play in level 4 following their promotion from London & South East Premier at the end of the 2019–20 season. The Guernsey Raiders Ladies team plays in level 4, Women's National Challenge South East South 1.

East Grinstead RFC was a rugby union club based in East Grinstead, West Sussex. The first XV (G-Force) played in National League 3 London & SE for three seasons, until 2015–16, a level five league in the English rugby union system. For season 2016–17 the club has voluntary dropped leagues to Sussex Canterbury Jack Division 2 following the resignation of the main sponsor. In addition to G-Force, East Grinstead run a second XV "Storm", a women's XV, and a range of junior and senior teams.

The Hampshire Cup is an annual rugby union knock-out club competition organised by the Hampshire Rugby Football Union. It was first introduced during the 1970–71 season, with the inaugural winners being U.S. Portsmouth. It is the most important rugby union cup competition in Hampshire, ahead of the Hampshire Bowl and Hampshire Plate.

Winchester RFC is an English rugby union club that is affiliated with the Hampshire RFU. Winchester currently run three senior men's teams - 1st XV, 2nd XV - who play in Hampshire 2 and a 3rd XV who play in Hampshire 3. There is a Women's team and mini and juniors and Colts sides covering all age groups from U5s upwards. The men's 1st XV currently play in London 2 South West - a tier 7 league in the English rugby union system - having won promotion as champions of London 3 South West at the end of the 2018-19 season.

References

  1. ↑ "London 1 South results". English RFU. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  2. ↑ "HRFU Club Directory". Hampshire RFU. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  3. ↑ "Havant Rugby Football Club". Havant RFC. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  4. ↑ "Ladies NC South 2 League results". English RFU. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  5. ↑ "Mini & Junior Information". Havant RFC. Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Havant RFC Memorable moments". Havant RFC. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  7. ↑ Havant RFC Handbook. 2016.
  8. ↑ "Queen's Birthday Honours BEMs, 2012". The Guardian . 15 June 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  9. ↑ "Messages of Condolence for Mick Chalk BEM". Havant RFC. Archived from the original on 24 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  10. ↑ "Ngapaku Ngapaku". ESPN . Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  11. ↑ "Jim Syddall". ESPN. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
  12. ↑ "Derek White". ESPN. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.