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London Welsh RFC
London Welsh RFC
London Welsh RFC
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London Welsh Rugby Football Club was a rugby union club formed in 1885. Based in Old Deer Park, Richmond-upon-Thames, London Welsh RFC played in the English Premiership in the 2012–13 and 2014–15 seasons, after gaining promotion from the RFU Championship in the 2012 and 2014 play-off final. The club returned to Old Deer Park in 2015 after three seasons at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford.

Key Information

The club went into liquidation in December 2016[1] and was given a temporary licence to complete two fixtures in the Championship. Chairman at the time Bleddyn Phillips claimed to have sold the club to a California-based investment group led by Welshman Trevor Owen Shaw, but no contract or funds ever materialised.[2]

On 24 January 2017 it was announced that London Welsh had been removed from the RFU Championship and their results expunged. The RFU stated that their place in the league was "untenable" and the club were dissolved.[3] The remnants of the defunct club were amalgamated into their amateur set up.

Affiliated teams

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During professionalism, London Welsh's first-XV squad were fully professional, and they were complemented with the London Welsh Amateurs, Druids and Occies. Following the changes at the club in the 2016/17 season the club operates the 1st XV and Druids 2nd XV that form the performance playing squad, the Occies 3rd XV and the Under 23s Griffins player pathway.[citation needed]

London Welsh has one of the longest-standing women's sides – LWWRFC – which celebrated thirty years of women's rugby at the club in the 2015–16 season. While still being amateur, the club has succeeded both in XVs in the winter and 7s during the summer as well as players representing England at the regional level and on the Wales national touch team. There is also a mini and junior section.

History

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Early years

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London Welsh was formed in 1885 by and for London's Welsh community, and has played senior-level rugby since then.[4] Its name in Welsh, is Clwb Rygbi Cymry Llundain.

1960s

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London Welsh enjoyed great success in the late 1960s. John Dawes was appointed captain, and effectively also as coach, for the 1965–66 season. He initially significantly increased fitness levels, and then led the club in an open, running, quick-passing, attacking style of rugby, including an overlapping full-back, and relatively skilled forwards. One 1968-69 performance was described by journalist John Reason[5][6] as "one of the most brilliant exhibitions of club football it has been my privilege to see," and by journalist Terry O'Connor[7] as "the finest display by a club team I can remember', further describing London Welsh 'switching attacks with speed and handling skill.'[8][9]

Seven London Welsh players were selected for the 1971 British Lions tour to New Zealand (a Lions record which remains unbroken to this day).[10]

2006-9

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In December 2006, London Welsh revealed their ambition to leave the English league and become the fifth Welsh team in the Celtic League. The club later appeared to go back on this report, claiming they had been misquoted and said this would only be considered if the English Premiership decided to prohibit promotion/relegation, but confirmed their hopes of ground-sharing with Brentford FC either at their current stadium Griffin Park or a new 20,000 seat ground to be built at Lionel Road, near Kew Bridge.

2009–12: Championship era

[edit]

In June 2009, the club went into administration shortly after turning professional.[11] They were bought from the receivers in July 2009 by Saudex Global, owned by Neil Hollinshead, and allowed to continue in The Championship, albeit with a five-point deduction.[12][13] According to the BBC in March 2011, court documents show that Hollinshead is "alleged to have submitted forged documents and fake bank account details in order to continue his control of London Welsh and that he repeatedly lied to ensure that ownership of London Welsh was transferred over to him."[13] The former shareholders of London Welsh RFC rescinded the 2009 agreement, by which they sold the shares of the club to Hollinshead, and had regained control by January 2010.[13]

The 2010–11 season was the club's 125th anniversary and to kick off the celebrations they held a military tattoo on the evening of Wednesday 25 August at Old Deer Park with the Band and Corps of Drums of the Welsh Guards, plus the London Welsh Rugby Club Choir.

2012–15: Premiership era and relocation to Oxford

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On 1 June 2012, it was revealed that Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish had approached senior figures at the club about a possible ground-share at Selhurst Park, as the club's plans to play their matches at Kassam Stadium in Oxford were deemed unsuitable by the RFU, after securing promotion to the English Premiership.[14] However a legal appeal by the club against the RFU's actions was upheld on 28 June 2012, after the appeal panel ruled that the criteria were in breach of EU and UK competition laws. Promotion was ultimately secured when it was announced that Newcastle Falcons, the club facing relegation from the Premiership, would not appeal against the ruling.[citation needed] A move to the Kassam Stadium was then confirmed for the 2012–13 season.

In 2013 London Welsh caused controversy by fielding an ineligible player (Tyson Keats) in nine league matches during the season, eventually receiving a 5-point deduction and £10,000 fine.[15]

On 14 April 2013, London Welsh were relegated from the English Premiership in their first season (pending the winners of the RFU Championship meeting the Premiership entry requirements) after a 14–31 defeat at home to Northampton Saints. Newcastle Falcons were eligible for promotion and therefore confirmed Welsh's relegation.

On 4 June 2014, London Welsh won promotion to the English Premiership again, defeating Bristol Rugby 27–8 at home and 21–20 away, 48–28 on aggregate.[16] However, the club endured a difficult season back in the English top flight, and suffered defeat in all of their 22 league fixtures of the regular season, claiming only 1 bonus point throughout the entire campaign. The team therefore finished bottom and was relegated to the RFU Championship for the 2015–16 season. The team was also defeated in every single European Challenge Cup game, as well as every single Anglo-Welsh cup game. As a result, they became the first top-flight English side for over 10 years to suffer defeat in every single competitive match over a season.

2015–2017: return to Richmond and liquidation

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Further information: London Welsh Amateur

The club left Oxford and returned to Old Deer Park at the end of the 2014–15 season. Following the return the club, led by head coach Rowland Phillips, went on to win the British and Irish Cup, beating Yorkshire Carnegie 10–33. Phillips then moved on to take up a coaching role with the Welsh Rugby Union. He was succeeded by forwards coach James Buckland who took the role of head coach, assisted by Sonny Parker and Richard Tonkin.[17]

HMRC petitioned the High Court to wind up the club in September 2016 due to unresolved debts. The debts were paid and the petition was dismissed by the High Court. HMRC returned to court with a second winding-up petition in October 2016 and the insolvency court granted a stay of two weeks to arrange refinancing. After failing to pay their debts, the club went into voluntary liquidation on 23 December 2016.[18] The club ceased to be a member of the RFU at that point and the liquidator stated that London Welsh would not be fulfilling the club's fixtures in the league. A separate entity, "Rugby 1885 Limited", was created on 21 December 2016. The club were deducted 20 points from the Championship dropping them from 5th to 12th. Rugby 1885 Limited were granted a temporary licence to complete London Welsh's two fixtures until a further decision on their future in the Championship.[19] When the temporary licence expired on 17 January 2017, the RFU Board met and extended a deadline to allow the new entity to show it could meet RFU regulations.[20] After a further deadline was not met, on 24 January 2017 it was announced by the RFU that London Welsh had been removed from the Championship and their results expunged. The RFU stated that their place in the league was "untenable".[3]

Honours

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Merit Table Rugby

Sunday Telegraph Pennants

  • English-Welsh champions 1967–68, 1970–71

runner-up 1965–66 third 1971–72[23]

  • English champions 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1970–71, 1977–78, 1978–79,

runner-up 1965–66, 1971–72 third 1972–73[23]

  • Welsh champions 1970–71, 1971–72

third 1965–66[23]

Herts & Middlesex 1 Champions 2017/18 season

London 3 NW Champions 2018/19 Season

Western Mail

  • Welsh Championship champions 1972–73

runner-up 1967–68, 1971–72[23]

Daily Mail

  • Anglo-Welsh third 1978–79[23]

Whitbread

  • Welsh Merit Table champions 1971–72[23]
Promotions
  • National Division 4 – runner-up, 1995–6 (fourth tier of English rugby)[24]
  • Jewson National League 1 – 3rd, 1997–98 (third tier of English rugby)[25]
  • Lowest league position 6th 1993–4 Courage League Division 5 South (5th tier)[26]
  • Highest league position 12th Aviva Premiership 2012–13 (1st tier)[27]

Notable former players

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Players who have won international and Lions caps

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Over the years the club has contributed 177 players to the Wales national team and 43 players to the British & Irish Lions.

Seven London Welsh players were selected for the 1971 tour to New Zealand (a Lions record which remains unbroken to this day): captain John Dawes, J. P. R. Williams, Gerald Davies, Mervyn Davies, John Taylor (now Managing Director[28] and ITV commentator), Mike Roberts and Geoff Evans.

British and Irish Lions

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The following former players were selected for the British & Irish Lions touring squads while playing for London Welsh.

Wales International Captains

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The following former players captained the Wales national rugby union team while playing for London Welsh.

See also Wales rugby union captains

Other notable former players

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See also Category:London Welsh RFC players

London Welsh Football Club

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The club set up an association football side in 1890 called London Welsh FC. They continue to this day in their own right, based in Chiswick.

See also

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Bibliography

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

London Welsh RFC

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
London Welsh Rugby Football Club (London Welsh RFC) is a historic rugby union club founded in 1885 by expatriate Welshmen living in London to provide a home for Welsh rugby in the English capital. Based at in Richmond upon Thames, the club has long been renowned for its strong ties to Welsh rugby, producing over 190 players who have earned caps for and 47 who have toured with the . The club enjoyed significant success in the professional era, winning the RFU Championship in the 2011–12 and 2013–14 seasons, which led to promotions to the English Premiership for the 2012–13 and 2014–15 campaigns. However, financial challenges culminated in the club's expulsion from the Championship and subsequent liquidation in January 2017, marking the end of its professional operations after 132 years. Following a period of reformation as a semi-professional outfit, London Welsh has rebuilt through its community and amateur structures, maintaining sections for men's, women's, youth, and mini rugby teams. As of the 2025–26 season, the club's 1st XV competes in , the fourth tier of English , with recent performances showing competitiveness including a promotion from in the prior campaign. London Welsh continues to emphasize its Welsh heritage, including a famous club choir and supporters' initiatives, while fostering international talent and community engagement at its Richmond base.

History

Founding and early years (1885–1960)

London Welsh Rugby Football Club was founded in 1885 by a group of Welsh expatriates living in London who sought to create a team to promote rugby among their community. The club, initially named Clwb Rygbi Cymry Llundain, emerged from a meeting at a Fleet Street hotel, reflecting the desire of Welsh workers and professionals in the capital to maintain ties to their homeland through sport. The club's first match took place on October 24, 1885, against London Scottish at . Early operations were challenging, with the team playing on borrowed grounds such as Heathfield Ground in and facing financial difficulties that led to a temporary disbandment after nine years; it reformed soon after but continued to move between venues, including the County Ground in and Memorial Ground in , basing at post-World War I until relocating to in Richmond in 1957 as a more stable base. A key early milestone came in 1889 when forward Rowley Thomas became the club's first Welsh international, earning seven caps while playing for London Welsh. During the 1890s, Welsh participated in informal local competitions and alliances, building a reputation in 's rugby scene despite modest results. The club endured the disruptions of both World Wars, suspending full operations but resuming play postwar at until 1957, when it relocated to as its primary home. Throughout these years, the club emphasized its Welsh heritage, fostering community through events and the tradition of singing Welsh songs and anthems at matches, which became a hallmark of its identity among expatriates.

Golden era (1961–1979)

The golden era of London Welsh RFC began in earnest with the appointment of John Dawes as player-coach and captain in 1965, when he joined the club from Newport RFC and implemented an innovative, open style of rugby emphasizing quick passing, counter-attacks, and skillful forwards. Under Dawes' leadership, the club attracted a host of Welsh exiles, transforming into one of Britain's most formidable and entertaining teams, known for their attacking flair that drew large crowds to Old Deer Park. This period saw London Welsh secure the English club championship in the 1966–67 season, marking their first major national title and establishing them as a dominant force in Anglo-Welsh rugby. The 1968–69 season epitomized the club's prowess, as the side—nicknamed the "Untouchables"—went unbeaten in the Merit Table, delivering performances hailed by critics as "brilliant rugby" for their fluid, expansive play. This unbeaten run showcased the tactical brilliance of Dawes' coaching, with the team blending international talent and cohesive unit play to overwhelm opponents. The era's success was further underscored by the selection of seven London Welsh players for the 1971 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand—John Dawes (captain), J. P. R. Williams, John Taylor, Mike Roberts, Geoff Evans, Mervyn Davies, and Gerald Davies— a record that highlighted the club's role in producing world-class talent and contributed to the Lions' historic 2–1 series victory over the All Blacks. League dominance continued with London Welsh claiming the English-Welsh Merit Table titles in 1967–68 and 1970–71, solidifying their status as Anglo-Welsh leaders through consistent excellence in competitive fixtures. In 1972–73, they were crowned Western Mail Welsh champions, capping a decade of supremacy in unofficial national rankings. Key victories included a hard-fought 14–8 triumph over in 1970, which demonstrated their resilience against top Welsh provincial sides, and reaching the John Player Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 1972, where they fell 4–9 to in a memorable clash at . These matches exemplified the club's ability to compete at the highest level, blending flair with tactical discipline. In 1965, London Welsh established a permanent base at in Richmond, which became the hub for their training and matches, enabling increased sessions to two evenings a week and fostering the fitness regime central to their success. This facility upgrade supported the influx of players and the development of a professional ethos in an amateur era. The golden era's innovations under Dawes not only elevated London Welsh but also influenced the broader Welsh national team's playing style in the 1970s.

Decline and lower leagues (1980–2008)

Following the golden era, London Welsh RFC encountered significant challenges in the 1980s, marked by economic pressures that reduced the influx of top Welsh talent to London and contributed to a decline in competitive standing. The club reached a highlight in the 1984–85 season by advancing to the John Player Cup final at Twickenham, where they fell to Bath 24–15 in a match attended by 32,000 spectators, despite a strong second-half effort led by fly-half Colyn Price's five kicks. This appearance in the club's centenary year underscored lingering potential, but broader difficulties persisted as league structures were formalized in 1987, placing London Welsh in lower divisions. By the late 1980s, the team had dropped to Courage League Division 5 South amid these struggles, reflecting a shift from national prominence to regional competition. The brought restructuring efforts under coach Clive Griffiths, fostering a renaissance through targeted recruitment and development. This culminated in promotion as Courage League Division 5 South champions in the 1994–95 season, securing a place in Division 4. Building momentum, London Welsh achieved third place in Jewson National League 1 during 1997–98, earning promotion to the second tier with a strong campaign that included notable wins like 55–12 over Liverpool St Helens. The arrival of coach Adrian Davies in 1999 further bolstered the squad with experienced players from clubs like Saracens, enhancing stability and performance. Entering the 2000s, financial constraints intensified, prompting a transition to semi-professional operations to manage costs while sustaining operations. Despite these issues, the club maintained its Welsh identity through community initiatives, including the London Welsh Choir and supporters' events that fostered connections and cultural continuity amid inconsistent results. By , Welsh competed in National Division 1, setting the stage for a pivotal shift to full-time professionalism in the 2008–09 season. Looking ahead, the club's 125th anniversary celebrations in 2010 highlighted its enduring legacy with events like a , reflecting pre-2009 resilience.

Administration and Championship success (2009–2012)

In June 2009, London Welsh RFC entered administration due to mounting financial pressures following its transition to professional status, resulting in a five-point deduction for the upcoming season by the . The club was rescued in July 2009 through a by Saudex Global, led by businessman Hollinshead, which provided a multi-million-pound to settle creditor debts and ensure continuation in the RFU Championship. This intervention stabilized the club's immediate operations, allowing it to field a competitive team despite the penalty. By January 2010, former shareholders, including key supporters, had regained full control of the club through legal action in the against Hollinshead and Red Dragon Rugby Ltd, his holding company, effectively ending the Saudex involvement amid allegations of irregularities in the original deal. This fan-driven reclamation marked a pivotal step toward , with supporters playing a crucial role in funding the buyback and restoring governance to club members. The 2010–11 season celebrated the club's 125th anniversary, commencing with a event at on 25 August 2010, featuring performances that honored the club's Welsh heritage and rugby traditions. Under the leadership of Lyn Jones, appointed in June 2011, the team built momentum, with standout contributions from players such as centre James Lewis, whose tries in key matches exemplified the squad's attacking prowess. In the 2011–12 RFU Championship, London Welsh finished fourth in the regular season with 13 wins from 22 matches before triumphing in the play-offs, defeating Leeds Carnegie in the semi-finals (30–27 aggregate) and in the final (29–20 aggregate) to secure the title. Following a successful against an initial RFU rejection over ground facilities, the club earned promotion to the Premiership for the 2012–13 season. This achievement was underpinned by robust fan support and initiatives that helped cover operational costs, fostering a sustainable recovery from earlier instability.

Premiership years and Oxford relocation (2012–2015)

London Welsh secured promotion to the English Premiership in 2012 after clinching the RFU Championship title and successfully appealing an initial (RFU) rejection based on ground standards at . The club had defeated 66-41 on aggregate in the play-off final, marking their return to the top flight for the first time since 1983. However, persistent pitch condition issues at their Richmond home led to a temporary relocation to United's for the 2012–13 season, a move confirmed in May 2012 to ensure compliance with Premiership requirements. In their debut Premiership campaign, London Welsh recorded three league victories—against (29–19), (16–9), and London Wasps (25–20)—amid a challenging to top-flight . The season was marred by off-field controversies, including an RFU investigation into the fielding of ineligible scrum-half Tyson Keats in nine matches, resulting in a five-point deduction and a £15,000 fine in March 2013. These penalties contributed to their relegation, confirmed after a 31–14 defeat to on April 14, 2013, as they finished bottom of the table. Average home attendances at the hovered above 3,000, with peaks such as 10,045 for the 2012 clash against Wasps, reflecting modest local support during the stint. Following relegation, London Welsh dominated the 2013–14 RFU Championship, securing the title with a 48–28 aggregate play-off victory over Bristol Rugby, including a 27–8 home win at the Kassam. This propelled them back to the Premiership for 2014–15, where they managed only two league wins—against Newcastle Falcons and London Irish—while enduring a winless run in other competitions. The season culminated in another bottom-place finish and relegation, exacerbated by ongoing financial strains and the Kassam Stadium tenancy, which the club maintained through 2015 before planning a return to Richmond.

Return to Richmond and liquidation (2015–2017)

Following relegation from the Aviva Premiership after a winless 2014–15 season, London Welsh returned to their traditional home ground at in Richmond for the 2015–16 campaign, initiating their third spell in the RFU Championship. The club had relocated to Oxford's in 2012 to meet Premiership venue standards, but the move back to Richmond—where they had been based since —allowed a reconnection with their local community amid efforts to stabilize operations in the second tier. In their first season back at Old Deer Park, London Welsh experienced a highlight by winning the 2015–16 British and Irish Cup, their first major trophy since promotion to the Premiership. The team advanced to the semi-final, securing a 36–15 victory over at the Mennaye Field on 19 March 2016, before claiming the title with a 33–10 win against Yorkshire Carnegie in the final at on 10 April 2016. This success provided a morale boost, though the club struggled in the league, recording a mixed performance that placed them mid-table without contention for promotion. The 2016–17 season brought escalating financial pressures, with the club facing repeated delays in player wages and mounting debts, including an outstanding £27,000 in rent at . By October 2016, London Welsh had avoided an initial winding-up order by settling some HMRC tax liabilities, but ongoing issues led to further wage withholdings and a second petition over an unpaid £250,000 tax bill. On 7 December 2016, the club entered voluntary , citing an "unsustainable" £1.7 million annual budget against declining attendances of around 400 per game. The RFU granted a temporary licence to fulfill fixtures, but deducted 20 league points, exacerbating their poor form where they had won only four of 14 matches by mid-season. On 24 January 2017, the RFU revoked the temporary licence and expelled London Welsh from the , expunging all their results for the season and effectively ending the club's professional era. The liquidation process terminated all player and staff contracts, leaving the squad to disperse to other clubs across the and Welsh regions, with the club's most recent accounts revealing losses of nearly £1.2 million and total creditor liabilities exceeding £1.8 million. This collapse marked the conclusion of London Welsh's attempts to sustain professional rugby at , paving the way for an amateur reformation.

Amateur revival and recent promotions (2017–present)

Following the of the professional club in late 2016, the remnants of London Welsh RFC merged with the existing amateur setup to form London Welsh Amateur RFC, based at in Richmond, with the (RFU) granting approval for entry into Herts/ 1 for the 2017–18 season. The club's board launched "Project Reset" in 2017, a strategic initiative aimed at achieving four promotions within five seasons to rebuild from the base of English rugby's lower tiers while maintaining amateur status. This grassroots revival drew on the club's deep Welsh heritage to sustain community support and volunteer involvement, fostering a renewed sense of identity amid the challenges of operating without professional funding. The amateur side quickly demonstrated rapid progress through the leagues. In 2017–18, they won the Herts/Middlesex 1 title, securing promotion to London 3 North West. The following season, 2018–19, saw them claim the London 3 North West championship, advancing to London 2 North West. The 2019–20 campaign in London 2 North West was interrupted by the , but the RFU confirmed their promotion to London 1 based on pre-interruption standings. Due to the paused 2020–21 season in London 1 and RFU criteria amid disruptions, they advanced to Regional 2 South East for 2021–22, where they won the title, elevating them to (level 5) for 2022–23 and completing four consecutive promotions (pandemic aside). After three seasons competing in —finishing sixth in 2022–23 and third in 2023–24—London Welsh clinched the 2024–25 with a 31–17 victory over Wimbledon, achieving their fifth promotion in seven seasons and returning to the National Leagues in National 2 East (tier 4). Key to this structured resurgence was the implementation of professional-level training regimens adapted for an squad, led by figures like player-coach , who emphasized discipline and tactical development. The club's revival gained wider attention in 2025 with the release of the documentary London Welsh: A Dragon from the , which chronicled the journey from to league success, highlighting community resilience and on-field achievements. Entering the 2025–26 season in National 2 East, London Welsh opened with strong performances, including a 57–26 away win over RFC on May 3, 2025, during pre-season friendlies that underscored their attacking prowess. As of November 15, 2025, the team sits competitively in the table, with early league results showing resilience against established National League sides. Despite these gains, the club faces ongoing challenges in balancing its fully amateur ethos—relying on player jobs, volunteers, and limited sponsorship—with ambitions for sustained higher-tier competition, as neighboring semi-professional outfits like London Scottish provide models but also highlight the financial and logistical hurdles ahead.

Affiliated teams

Senior and development squads

The London Welsh RFC's senior and development squads form the core of the club's men's performance rugby structure, emphasizing progression through the English rugby pyramid while fostering player growth and sustainability. The 1st XV serves as the primary senior team, competing in National League 2 East during the 2025–26 season after securing promotion from Regional 1 South Central the previous year. This marks their return to the fourth tier of English rugby, building on a remarkable resurgence that included four consecutive promotions from 2017 to 2021, followed by stabilization and further advancement despite the challenges of the global pandemic. The squad operates in a professional environment with a full commitment to training and match preparation, blending experienced former professionals—who have competed at Premiership, Championship, and National League levels—with emerging talent to drive competitive performance. Complementing the 1st XV, the 2nd XV—known as the Druids—competes in the , providing essential squad depth and a platform for player rotation between the two sides to enhance development and resilience. This integrated approach allows fringe players and those recovering from injury to gain valuable match experience while maintaining the overall team's competitive edge. The Druids' role extends beyond results, prioritizing the nurturing of club loyalty and tactical understanding in a supportive, lower-pressure setting. The club's development framework incorporates an that feeds directly into the squads, focusing on transitioning players through structured pathways without formal senior contracts at the outset. Academy members, often including age-grade internationals, integrate with the senior group to build skills in a high-intensity setting, supported by ties to organizations such as the RFU, WRU, universities, and Premiership academies. This emphasis on skill-building and exposure to senior-level demands prepares players for potential professional opportunities while aligning with the club's broader integration of and women's programs for holistic rugby development. Overseeing these squads is a dedicated coaching structure led by Director of Rugby and Head Coach Cai Griffiths, a former Ospreys, , and U21 player with extensive professional experience. Griffiths is supported by Senior Coach Max Bodilly (handling backs and attack), Forwards and Defence Coach Florent Rossigneux (a former London Welsh and Wasps player), and Head of Strength & Conditioning Will Taylor (previously with Ospreys, Wasps, and U20). This group instills a dynamic, attacking style influenced by Welsh rugby traditions, aiming to maximize player potential through innovative methods and a focus on both individual and team progression.

Women's and youth sections

The London Welsh Women's RFC was established in 1985, making it one of the oldest women's rugby teams in England. The team emphasizes rugby excellence alongside building strong team bonds, with training sessions held weekly at the club's facilities in Richmond. Currently competing in Women's National Championship 2 South East, the fourth tier of English , the side plays matches on afternoons and welcomes players of all experience levels. London Welsh's youth programs form a cornerstone of the club's community engagement, spanning from introductory levels to competitive age-group teams. The minis section caters to children aged under-6 to under-12, providing a fun, skill-building environment through festivals and matches that prioritize development over competition. The youth section includes teams from under-13 to the colts (under-17/under-18), participating in national and regional leagues to foster talent progression. These programs operate under dedicated coaches who adapt to growing participation amid school and extracurricular demands. Development initiatives within the women's and sections highlight pathways to higher levels, including opportunities for juniors to advance to senior squads following the club's 2017 amateur revival. Inclusivity efforts, such as mixed-gender minis sessions and for new players, have strengthened ties and participation since the revival. All teams share facilities at , including two full-size rugby pitches, changing rooms, showers, and a clubhouse with access, enabling coordinated training and events.

London Welsh Football Club

London Welsh Football Club, the association football affiliate of the London Welsh Rugby Football Club, was established on August 16, 1890, by members of the Welsh expatriate community during a meeting at the Old Rodney Head pub in Old Street, London. The club played its inaugural match on October 17, 1890, defeating Blackheath’s Unity FC 1-0 at their first home ground, The Farm in Dulwich. Like its rugby counterpart, the football club emerged from the efforts of Welsh exiles seeking to foster community and sporting ties in the capital, with both organizations sharing roots in promoting Welsh cultural identity through athletics. Throughout its history, London Welsh FC has competed in various amateur and semi-amateur leagues reflective of its community-oriented ethos. It joined the London League as a founder member in the 1896–97 season, finishing last with 2 points from 12 matches, though the club was suspended late in the campaign. By 1921, it entered the Southern Olympian League, and in the early , it participated in the London Spartan League, including the Intermediate Section Division One in 1980–81 (23 points from 24 games) and the Southern Olympian League Senior Section Division Two in 1982–83 (15 points from 18 games). In 2002, following the merger of the Southern Olympian League and the Old Boys' Football League, the club transitioned to the , one of Europe's largest amateur leagues. Today, it fields two senior teams in the Southern Amateur League, emphasizing grassroots participation over professional competition. The club's early ties to the rugby section were particularly close, as London Welsh FC players assisted in reviving the dormant rugby club in 1895, leading to a shared season at Tufnell Park ground that year. This collaboration underscored the intertwined heritage of the two clubs, both dedicated to serving the Welsh diaspora in London. Notable early successes included victories over professional sides Bristol City, Swansea City, and Newport County in 1895, alongside a draw against Cardiff City, highlighting the club's competitive spirit in its formative years. In its modern incarnation, London Welsh FC operates as a fully outfit, welcoming players from diverse backgrounds and prioritizing and development, much like the rugby club's post-2017 amateur revival. matches are now held at Barn Elms Sports Centre, continuing the tradition of accessible, inclusive football rooted in Welsh expatriate values.

Honours

League titles and promotions

London Welsh RFC's league achievements span the amateur and professional eras, marking key milestones in the club's history through unofficial merit tables, structured leagues, and rapid post-crisis recoveries. In the pre-professional period, the club dominated English rugby via the Sunday Telegraph Merit Tables, earning recognition as English champions in six seasons: 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1970–71, 1977–78, and 1978–79. These successes highlighted London Welsh's emergence as a powerhouse, often topping both English and Anglo-Welsh standings during a golden age that attracted international talent and elevated the club's prestige. Additionally, they finished as runners-up in National Division 4 during the 1995–96 season, securing promotion to Division 3 and signaling a resurgence after earlier declines. The advent of professional rugby brought further triumphs in the RFU Championship, with London Welsh claiming the title in 2011–12 and again in 2013–14, both times earning promotion to the English Premiership. These victories followed a turbulent period, including administration in 2009, from which the club was rescued through a led by supporters and stakeholders, enabling a swift rebuild under coach Lyn Jones. The 2011–12 championship win, in particular, was achieved with a points tally of 91 from 22 matches, underscoring the team's attacking flair and resilience. Following in 2017, an amateur revival spearheaded by fans and volunteers propelled London Welsh through the lower tiers with remarkable speed. They won Herts & 1 in 2017–18, followed by the London 3 North West title in 2018–19, initiating a sequence of promotions driven by community investment and youth development. Between 2019 and 2022, the club secured two further promotions—from London 2 North West (champions, 2019–20) and London 1 South (runners-up, promoted 2021–22)—to reach , aided by RFU restructuring amid the . Culminating in the 2024–25 championship, this fifth promotion in seven seasons returned them to for 2025–26, exemplifying fan-led determination in restoring the club's competitive standing. These promotions not only rebuilt infrastructure but also reinforced London Welsh's identity as a resilient, community-focused club, with successes post-2009 and post-2017 largely attributable to supporter initiatives that stabilized finances and fostered talent pipelines.
EraCompetitionAchievementSeason(s)
Pre-professionalSunday Telegraph Merit Tables (English champions)Champions1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69, 1970–71, 1977–78, 1978–79
Pre-professional 4Runners-up (promoted)1995–96
ProfessionalRFU ChampionshipChampions (promoted to Premiership)2011–12, 2013–14
Amateur revivalHerts & Middlesex 1Champions (promoted)2017–18
Amateur revivalLondon 3 North WestChampions (promoted)2018–19
Amateur revivalLondon leagues (various)Two promotions: Champions London 2 North West (2019–20); Runners-up London 1 South (promoted 2021–22)2019–2022
Amateur revivalChampions (promoted to National 2 East)2024–25

Cup competitions

London Welsh RFC has had sporadic success in cup competitions, often providing memorable moments amid varying fortunes in league play. The club's most notable achievement came in the inaugural John Player Cup during the 1972–73 season, where they advanced to the quarter-finals before being eliminated. They repeated this feat in the 1975–76 edition, reaching the quarter-finals again, and continued to make deep runs in the 1980s, including a standout performance in 1984–85. In that season, London Welsh progressed through the rounds to reach the final at Twickenham Stadium, defeating Coventry in a replayed semi-final after a 10–10 draw and then overcoming Gloucester 12–11 in the other semi-final path, only to fall short against Bath by 15–24 in the decider on 27 April 1985. This appearance marked the club's first national cup final and remains a highlight of their amateur-era prowess. In the professional era, London Welsh's cup fortunes peaked with their triumph in the 2015–16 British and Irish Cup, their sole major trophy win. Topping their pool stage, they navigated the knockout rounds decisively: a thrilling 45–39 quarter-final victory over Leinster A at on 12 March 2016, followed by a commanding 36–15 semi-final win against at on 19 March 2016. The campaign culminated in a 33–10 final victory over Yorkshire Carnegie at on 10 April 2016, securing the title and providing a boost during a turbulent season that preceded the club's later that year. This success underscored the team's resilience amid Premiership relegation struggles. Beyond these national competitions, London Welsh enjoyed regional success in the Middlesex during the , winning the prestigious tournament three consecutive years from 1971 to 1973 at , contributing to their eight total victories in the event across decades. In the post-liquidation amateur revival from 2017 onward, the club has competed in local cups such as the Herts/ , using these platforms to rebuild and foster , though without major titles to date. Cup runs have historically offered uplifting narratives for the club, particularly the 2016 victory as a final professional highlight before restructuring.

Notable former players

Welsh internationals and captains

London Welsh RFC has a storied history of nurturing Welsh talent, with the club contributing 190 players to the since its founding in 1885. Of these, 62 earned their first caps while playing for the club, underscoring its role as a vital development ground for Welsh rugby exiles in . The club's influence peaked during the and , when it produced a surge of internationals who helped define Welsh rugby's golden era, including multiple Grand Slam winners. Among the most prominent figures were those who not only represented but also led the national team as captains during their time at London Welsh. , who joined the club in 1965, captained from 1968 to 1971, earning 16 caps in that role and guiding the side to a historic Grand Slam in 1971. Earlier captains included Edward "Teddy" Morgan in 1908, who led to victory in the inaugural Triple Crown, and Wick Powell in 1927, both of whom honed their leadership at the club before national duties. These leaders exemplified London Welsh's emphasis on disciplined, attacking rugby that translated seamlessly to international level. Notable Welsh internationals who played for the club include , the iconic full-back who won 55 caps for between 1969 and 1981 while based at London Welsh, contributing to three Grand Slams (1971, 1976, 1978). , a prolific wing, earned 46 caps starting in 1966, with 16 gained during his London Welsh tenure, known for his speed and try-scoring prowess in the 1970s. In more recent times, Tom Shanklin debuted at the club before amassing 70 caps from 2001 to 2009, including a key role in the 2005 Grand Slam, while , a flanker and captain, secured 94 caps from 1996 to 2007 after rising through London Welsh ranks. The 1960s and 1970s represented a period of dominance for London Welsh in producing over 50 caps collectively from its players, fueled by an influx of talented Welsh expatriates and innovative coaching under figures like Carwyn James. This era solidified the club's reputation as a "Welsh nursery" in England, where players like Dawes and Williams developed styles that emphasized flair and territorial control, directly influencing Wales' success. Later contributions, such as Shanklin's in the 2000s, highlight the club's enduring legacy in bridging club and international rugby. Some of these players, including Dawes, Williams, and Davies, also overlapped with British and Irish Lions selections, extending their impact beyond Wales.

British and Irish Lions representatives

London Welsh RFC has produced a significant number of players who have represented the British and Irish Lions, with a total of 47 individuals from the club achieving this honor. These selections span over a century, beginning with early tours in the 1900s and peaking during the club's prominent era in the and . The most notable contribution came during the tour to and , where a record seven London Welsh players were selected while at the club: (captain), John Taylor, , , Mervyn Davies, Geoff Evans, and Mike Roberts. Dubbed the "Magnificent Seven," their inclusion was pivotal to the Lions' successful campaign, which culminated in a 2-1 Test series victory over —the first series win for a touring side there—and an overall unbeaten record in New Zealand matches. Dawes' leadership as captain emphasized expansive, attacking rugby that revolutionized the game and contributed to the Lions' dominance. Earlier, the 1968 tour to featured two London Welsh players: Billy Raybould and John Taylor. The 1974 tour to included and Clive Rees, both selected from the club. In 1977, Alun Lewis represented London Welsh on the tour as a replacement. Selections continued into the 1980s with Rob Ackerman on the 1983 tour, but became rarer post-1980 amid the club's challenges and restructuring. The legacy of these players underscores London Welsh's central role in the Lions' successes of the 1970s, particularly through Dawes' innovative captaincy that influenced Welsh and international rugby.

Other notable players

Throughout its history, London Welsh RFC has been supported by influential players who made significant contributions at the club level without earning international recognition. In the modern era of the , centre James Lewis emerged as a key figure during the club's push for promotions in the English rugby system. Lewis, who joined the squad around 2010, scored crucial tries in matches like the 34-9 victory over Birmingham & in November 2010 and re-signed in 2015 as part of efforts to stabilize the team in the . His consistent performances helped underpin the attacking play that led to back-to-back promotions in 2012 and 2014. Another notable modern contributor was , who had a brief but impactful stint with the club in 2014 as a fly-half and centre. During this period, Henson featured in several Premiership matches, bringing experience to the backline amid the club's challenges in the top flight. His time at added flair to the team's efforts to establish themselves professionally. Long-serving loyalty has been a hallmark of the club's identity, exemplified by lock Jonathan Mills, who made 169 first-team appearances from the early into the . As captain for more than 100 games, Mills led the side through promotions and represented the club's battling spirit, also captaining and playing for the Barbarians. In the revival era of the 2020s, Cai Griffiths served as a starting in the 2017/18 season at the ninth tier, guiding the team through five promotions in seven years, including the latest to National League Two in 2024. Griffiths' dual role emphasized tactical discipline and front-row solidity, fostering a resurgence that drew record crowds and rebuilt the club's competitive standing.

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