Club History

This page contains extracts from 'The History of Osterley RUFC' written by Tennant Eastman. First published March 1978. Updated and amended by Stephen Viney, May 1999. It is not possible to include it all here and therefore the full and detailed version of this text is available to download at the end of this page.

In the summer of 1922 several of the younger members of Osterley felt the need of a local rugby club. The majority of these enthusiasts were members of the Osterley Tennis Club.

The first meetings were held at the 'Hare & Hounds' at Wyke Green, where arrangements for the season were discussed and the rules formulated and the officers elected for the first season. Happy to say there are still a few of the Founder members around and in contact with the club.

There were only 13 members at the commencement of the season and we borrowed players from the Army School of Music at Kneller Hall to make up the numbers. Very soon the number grew to 16 plus 2 vacation members.

The first match on 7th October was against a St Pauls School XV and was lost 8-11. At the commencement of the second season membership had increased to 21 and it was possible to field a full team each week.

In 1926-7 although fixtures were stronger, results were much better, but in 1927-8 the club received a severe setback. Several of the founder members left for various reasons. However, the existing members drafted in more players and all this resulted in a burst of enthusiasm and the outcome was that the club won the last five games of the season.

Season 1929-30 saw the formation of a 3rd XV as the membership had grown to 59. For the first time on record, training took place on two evenings each week and this extra fitness and skill was soon reflected in the results. It was towards the end of this season that Fitz and Tennant produced the first issue of the ORFC Magazine.

All in all the club had made a good start. It had established a reputation for good clean rugby and had already made some firm friends amongst neighbouring clubs. The membership was at a safe level to ensure turning out three teams each week and it was confidently assured of continued progress for the next decade.

After several moves, the club continues to this day on the basis of this reputation and has strong links with other clubs in the area and a large contingent of players from overseas which adds to it's diversity.

The photographs show the team of 1954/55.

If you would like to read more about the history of the club, please click here for 'The History of Osterley RUFC' written by Tennant Eastman.