Club History


As current Farnham Rugby Club members are now firmly established in a magnificent Clubhouse at Wilkinson Way one wonders what the founders felt was in store for them back in 1975. It has been with great pride that many of those initial players including Peter Bewsey (the first 1st XV captain), Mark Whitford, Charles Macadam, and Duncan Kent now enjoy the Club and its new facilities which were officially opened by Lord Coe in September 2012. Surely none of this founding group could have foreseen the development of Farnham Rugby Club into the highly successful community club it is today. In a little over 30 years, Farnham Rugby Club has grown to become Farnham's largest charitable community sports club with over 1000 members including more than 100 senior rugby players. Each weekend over 600 boys and girls from as young as 6 years old, regularly play rugby at Wilkinson Way. The Club has support from over 100 volunteers including more than 80 qualified coaches.

The Club has produced a number of players who have gone on to play for professional clubs and international honours the most famous of whom includes Jonny Wilkinson World cup winner in 2003 & finalist in 2007, Peter Richards a World Cup finalist in 2007 and Ryan Wilson Glasgow Warriors and Scotland.

Following their 3rd promotion in as many years Farnham 1st XV despite a huge effort at the end of their first season in London 2 South West were relegated back to London 3 South West in the 2015/16 season. This was followed by a promotion back up the leagues and a visit to Twickenham where they won the RFU Senior Vase Final. In season 2018/19 Farnham reached the promotion play off for London 1 South losing to Horsham from League London 2 South East. In season 2019/20, although cut short by COVID lockdown the 1st XV achieved promotion to London 1 South. Despite there be no league fixtures in 2020/21 the Club has remained throughout the season, playing adapted rules whenever possible and kept morale high and enthusiasm bubbling.

New players are always welcome and are actively being sought to further strengthen the Club which has enabled it to field a 5th team on occasions in the past season.

In summary we have:-

  • 1st XV playing in London 1 South

  • Four other senior teams who play in Surrey merit tables and Hampshire leagues throughout the season

  • A vets team L'Escargot which plays in Surrey Merit table

  • A newly re-established Women's league team, a Development Squad as well as an Under 18 squad. There are further squads at Under 15 and Under 13

  • An ever increasing number of O2 Touch Rugby players which has regular fixtures with other local clubs

  • A splendid Academy of Under 18/17 which now provides an excellent source of players for the Senior Men

  • A large and enthusiastic Mini/Junior section that aspires to high standards of play and sportsmanship

  • An army of parents and supporters who help week in, week out

  • A management team staffed with enthusiastic, professional people

  • An impressive and expert coaching team

  • A modest but secure financial situation

  • The ability to provide the community with a multi-use facility

  • Developed home grown players Jonny Wilkinson (ex British Lions, England and Toulon),Peter Richards (ex England and London Irish) and Ryan Wilson(Glasgow Warriors and Scotland)