Hendon History

Tue 19 May 2020 15:13

  • October 1932: A formation meeting was held in Hendon, attended by 25 rugby enthusiasts.
  • October 1932:Geoff Cooper was voted Vice Captain and scores Hendon's first try in November.
  • October 1932:First game was played away against Mullards RFC, Hendon lost 26-0
  • 1932: Hendon's first pitches were rented at Barnet Copthall and the headquarters was located at the Chequers Inn.

  • Hendon resurrected in May 1946 following WW2 and a nomadic existance.

  • Hendon return to Copthall in 1955 and the first Clubhouse is built.
  • 4 senior sides were run and the club regularly received 'first class' opposition.
  • The inaugural Hendon Sevens competition, which is now one of the longest running competitions in England.

  • Hendon Rugby Cricket Club is formed.
  • Colts rugby starts to develop a stream of players for future 1st XVs.
  • Hendon's new clubhouse is built and opened with a game against International opposition.

  • The Seventies saw the strongest playing era in Hendon's history.
  • Hendon ran 5 or 6 senior sides each week, plus a Colts Squad.
  • Cup Rugby begins - Hendon play Crawley in the First Round of the John Player Cup.
  • 1977 - Hendon tour the Caribbean visiting Jamaica and Cayman Islands

  • Hendon are founder members of the Middlesex Merit Table competition - came 2nd to Ealing in the first season.
  • Middlesex Cup semi finalists, lost against Harlequins.
  • A succesful Youth Section is developed.
  • 3rd May 1986 - Hendon play in the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham and lead the holders, Wasps, by 3-0 after 2 minutes... it went downhill from there.

  • Hendon begin a period of struggle with relegation and reduced playing strength throughout the club.
  • 1993 - Seamus Lavelle tragically passes away whilst playing for Hendon. A memorial match against an R.F.U. Presidents XV is held in September
  • Hendon Youth team is revitalised in 1996, this team produced many future Captains of Hendon RFC

  • Hendon start the Millenium with relegation to Herts/Middlesex 3.
  • 2004-2005 Hendon win promotion to Herts/Middlesex 2 by finishing 2nd in Herts/Middlesex 3
  • 2008-2009 Hendon win Herts/Middlesex 2 to achieve promotion Herts/Middlesex 1
  • In 2008, Hendon win the Middlesex Federation Vase and the Floodlight Cup.
  • Hendon Tour to Newquay in 2008

  • 2012-2013 Season - The First XV get relegated to Herts/Middlesex 2 after a poor season.
  • 2012: Hendon host 80th Anniversary dinner at The Crown, Cricklewood
  • 2015-2016 Season: Hendon achieve promotion back to Herts/Middlesex 1 under coach John Casalaspro.
  • 2017: Hendon host 85th Anniversary dinner in The Crown, Cricklewood.
  • 2018-2019 Season: Hendon win 1st game of the season, winners of the Middlesex Federation Vase
  • 2019: Hendon 1st XV lose 1 game all calendar year.

  • 2019-2020 Season: Hendon, under coach Phil Smith, have their strongest season in history. Hendon go unbeaten all season, winning Herts/Middlesex 1 achieving promotion to London 3 NW. To top this off, Hendon become the RFU Junior Vase London & SE champions.
  • 2019-2020 Season: Hendon RFC Women's is launched and play their first game in March. They lost 24-0 to Belsize Park RFC Ladie's
  • 2019-2020 Season: COVID-19 sees a premature end to the season with a potential game at Twickenham for the RFU Junior Vase National Final left up in the air.

Facebook

Gallery