Falmouth Rugby Club celebrated its 150th year in the 2022/23 season, focusing on growth and community as they look ahead to 'Year 151', as well as the new season starting this month.
With more than a century and a half of a history, Falmouth Rugby Club has evolved significantly over the years, producing countless talent. Some have gone on to play for the likes of Bath Rugby, Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs, as well as for Cornwall, England, Ireland and even the British & Irish Lions.
Most recently, as part of the Club's drive ‘to recapture our history and produce legacy’, they have created Falmouth’s first Women’s Team, who have entered the RFU Warrior League for season 2023/24. One of the club’s star players is Tom Spiller, who has played since he was eight years old. He was Club Captain for a record equalling five years and is now Head Of Rugby after retiring from playing as Captain for the 150th year. Tom is keen to continue the club’s legacy alongside his teammates.
John Bullock, chairperson of Falmouth Rugby Club, is proud of the club’s progression over the last 150 years, referring to it as a ‘family’. John said:“Every penny made is ploughed into the facilities and sport in the Club. We’re trying to expand our role in the community; for example, we were open for the Sea Shanty Festival, and on Armed Forces Day we welcomed 650 uniformed personnel in to be fed and watered, before historically marching from the club grounds through the town as the biggest military parade ever held in Cornwall. Most recently we held a sports day for the Tall Ships crews - great fun!”
Falmouth has played 150 years of continuous rugby. During the world wars, the club was kept open because of employment at the docks, meaning rugby could carry on even in the darkest of times. During COVID, the club played as soon as the regulations allowed them, something that no other Cornish club can boast. Its men’s team has produced consistent talent over the years. Now with a women’s team and a youth academy that has some promising players, and is always expanding, the future feels bright.
“Once you make the connection, it’s for life. The history and the people make the sport what it is,” John continued. “It’s all part of our legacy. Next year, we want to keep the momentum going - that includes bringing in volunteers, recruiting for the women’s team and bringing more youngsters into the academy, as well as continuing to recruit adult men players."
The players bring the game and excitement to the pitch each weekend, but it’s the club’s team of willing volunteers who help bring everything together. John explained: “It’s all about attracting volunteers to the club who can give an hour here or there, even if they know nothing about rugby. I would hope they would come here and feel welcome, no matter their skillset. We all muck in together!”
Lydia Hawkin is the captain of Falmouth’s women’s team, which is rapidly gaining momentum after only a year, although she is keen to ensure it remains a fun team. She said: “We’re an amateur rugby team, with a real mix of people. We want to nurture women who never see themselves as sports players, and encourage them to give it a go, giving them the chance to be away from being a mum or a carer of some description to focus on themselves.”
The team has joined Camborne’s women’s team, and it is hoped the Falmouth team will continue to grow with this connection.
The club is also home to the academy, created for youth players who are the future of Falmouth’s rugby community. Coaching a mix of boys and girls up to the age of 16, chairpeople of the Academy, Mark and Melody Hitchens, are encouraging more youngsters to get involved and hope the academy will continue to grow.
For more information about Falmouth Rugby Club, email info@falmouthrugbyclub.co.uk or simply turn up to have a chat with a member of the friendly team.
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