Home of West Hampstead Rugby
Menu

Sponsors & Club affiliations, We love our team.

SPONSOR OUR CLUB

Welcome to UCSOBRFC.

As current Chairman I am very proud to be part of what is vibrant, modern rugby club – one that embraces all the traditional values of Rugby Union but combines it with a strong drive to be part of the social community at the heart of West Hampstead.

As one of the oldest rugby clubs in London (EST 1892) we are proud of our heritage and the role that we have played over many years in promoting the game. In the current era we have developed a thriving club which provides highly competitive 1st XV League rugby at Herts-Middlesex Division 1 level, 2nd XV League rugby within the Herts-Middlesex Merit Tables, winning the playoff final. There is more social rugby for an occasional 3rd XV team. Finally, we have a Vets XV side that competes in the Middlesex Vets Merit table, losing in the playoff final by only two points.

We have a strong coaching team led by Director of Rugby, Nick Gourlay (RFU Level 3-qualified) and 1XV Coach Charlie Esdon (RFU Level 3-qualified). Training is currently held at our home ground at Ranulf Road (UCS Playing Fields, NW2 2BS) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm. Feel free to come down then, or make contact with me at enquiries@ucsobrfc.co.uk (Via Contact page) and see how you can join the club.

UCS rugby has been at the heart of my life for the last 35 years and we are happy for you to make it part of yours.

Regards

Gideon Bard (Chairman UCSOBRFC)

Our ethos

  • How We Work

    The club itself is operated by an extremely well organised and enterprising committee, that run many social events through the year. We look forward to this season’s opening event, ‘Ladies Day’ on Saturday, September 10 th , when we play our first 1 st XV league match of the season. The programme on that day also includes two other games of rugby (2 nd XV and Veterans games), live music, attractions for families and children, and a hog roast and barbeque. Whilst the lifeblood of the club and many players starting out on their adult rugby journey, is from leavers from UCS (University College School), we welcome players from all backgrounds. Over the last 10 years we have had mixture of players from all over the world play for us (including a few ex- professionals and two ex-All- Black captains who played socially for the club!). The current demographic sees the club made up of UCS alumni, local professionals working in London, students attending London universities and colleges, and friends and acquaintances of current members. The bar provides a social hub for the club and the clubhouse screens International and Club rugby live through the year. In addition, many club members live in the local area and meet up regularly at the many pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants that make up West Hampstead’s lively social scene. The Club is supported by a host of local sponsors who offer services to members that range from property investment, financial and mortgage advice, car sales and legal services.

  • Our Vision

    We champion Rugby Union, it is at the heart of everything we do and we are serious about playing the game to the highest level we can. But, what we are also proud of is the scope and the reach of the rugby club network and the value that that provides to club members and to their families and friends. The rugby club is part of the wider UCS community and we see ourselves as the beating heart of the West Hampstead and Hampstead area. Through the interconnectedness of the community that includes the School (UCS), its pupils and their parents, the many adult sports sections which play at Ranulf Road (soccer, cricket, rugby, tennis) and the collection of residents and businesses, we have the ability to help our members get on in life. Whether that is in finding a home, looking for a job, seeking business or investment opportunities, or just wanting to make new friends.