Richmondshire RUFC's Return
Celebrations could be heard at Richmondshire rugby club in North Yorkshire recently as the club achieved something which only a few years ago might have seemed impossible.
They fielded two men’s teams on the same day. The second XV game was refereed by Samantha Griffiths, a former-player encouraged to take up the whistle by the club.
For some clubs this may not seem like a big achievement, but less than two years ago Richmondshire were struggling to put out just one team and in 2022 were forced to pull out of the RFU leagues.
Since Richmondshire RUFC was founded in 1986, it has served both the local agricultural community and residents of the nearby Catterick army base and both would have been affected if the club had been forced to close.
Fortunately, the club rallied after the 2022 season and has been working to build itself back up. The men’s side re-entered the Yorkshire 4 league in 2023 and recruited two new coaches mid-season, Matt Cooke, a locally based army officer, and Stephen Michaels, a local builder.
The club’s determination was rewarded at the end of the 2023 season when they won a filmed club takeover day. Cameramen from the RFU visited the club and players to film them in action, culminating in one of their games being broadcast live on the England Rugby YouTube channel.
Men’s team player, Ben Kilby, earned the nickname ‘Superstar’ for his turn in the spotlight. Like many other players, he returned to rugby in recent years after stopping playing almost 20 years earlier. He was encouraged to get back into the game by his 16-year-old daughter who played for the club and has since progressed to play at Bishop Burton College and Yorkshire at U18s level this season. Inspired by this, Ben bought himself a pair of boots and turned up to play, saying he had missed the game day camaraderie.
First team captain Donovan Falvey has been with Richmondshire since he was a junior, coming to his first training session aged four. For Donovan, it is the team spirit which has kept him coming back,
“Quite a few players have returned to the game and played for the 1st XV this season,” he says. “The squad go into town in their kit sharing a good night out and helping to recruit players with their infectious team spirit.”
The men's first team have had to tough it out in Yorkshire 4 but have never struggled to put out a team and have focused on improving player numbers, fitness and game experience rather than results.
And it is not just the men’s team which has been improving. The girls’ teams at age-grade and age grade teams have also had a boost this year, recruiting 155 players, supported by coaches and first aiders for each team. In 2024, the club also had its first ever Yorkshire players, with six girls selected to play for Yorkshire U16s.
Richmondshire’s women’s side, the Ravens, may have struggled for players this season but they are determined to start afresh this summer. Their captain is Kat Hastie, a local vet who discovered rugby at university. She loves playing for Richmondshire in local derbies against teams that include her farming clients.
The club also boasts a strong Vets team whose shirts next season are sponsored by the local Broadacres not-for-profit housing association, G H Gardening and The Swaledale Coffee Company.
The whole club has also been supported by local sponsors in Marcus Alderson Estate Agents, Rodbers of Richmond, Darlington Roofing and Peacocks Property Development. CU Phosco also sponsor the club’s training lights.
In June there’s a Workforce Day planned when players will turn out to help sort out the clubhouse and grounds for the new season. It’s one they will all be looking forward to as Richmondshire continue to get their mojo back.
