A brief outline of the inception and early days of the Club by Haydn Adams, written some years ago
Oundle RFC 50th Anniversary
So, we’ve made it to 2026 which many will be aware and excited about, as it marks the 50th Anniversary of the Club. This milestone gives us a chance to honour the past while setting a course for the future.
Our 50th Anniversary year, which we will be launching on 18th April 2026, will include special events and initiatives to celebrate this historic moment, and we look forward to involving everyone in marking 50 years of rugby at Oundle.
From its humble beginnings in April 1976 following a public meeting at The Ship, Oundle RFC has grown to become a powerhouse in East Midlands and English Rugby. None of this would have been possible without the selfless dedication shown by its many volunteers, players, coaches and officials over the last 50 years.
It is my hope that everyone will get behind the Club and celebrate this landmark over the next 15 months. We look forward to seeing all of you enjoy a variety of events culminating in the Grand Ball on June 5th 2027.
This notice is intended to give you advance notice of the events that we are planning, so that you can commit the dates to your diary.
Further information about individual events will be released in future bulletins.
Yours in Rugby
Graham Snelling – 50th Anniversary Committee Chair
Events List
50th Anniversary Launch Event at the Clubhouse on Saturday 18th April 2026
Golf Day at Oundle Golf Club on Friday 19th June 2026
Annual Bowls Match hosted at OTBC in August – date tbc
Pre-season match and Beer Festival at ORFC on Saturday 22nd August 2026
Cricket match vs OTCC (their bi-centennial celebrations) on Monday 31st August 2026
Family Fun Day at the Club on first 1st Team home fixture in September 2026
Mini & Junior Festivals – dates to be confirmed
Grand Christmas Raffle launched at the end of October 2026 – draw in December 2026
Auction of promises & Wine Tasting at the Club on 26th February 2027
Gala Ball on 5th June 2027
Ladies Festival in July 2027
ORFC - IN THE BEGINNING
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The Club’s first fixture list
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List of the first committee members
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Early poem by Haydn Adams
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The Brave Ones – photo of the team that played and lost to Kettering in the infamous 137-0 first cup game in October 1976
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Minutes of a committee meeting dated 2 December 1976
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An aerial view of the first pitch used by the Club and Prince William School in Oundle
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A bar rota from the first season
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The players with Haydn Adams outside the first clubhouse at The Ship in Oundle in 1976
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Minutes of the first AGM on 5 May 1977
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Minutes of the first AGM 2 on 5 May 1977
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Photograph of the first committee
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Notes from a committee meeting dated 28 October 1976
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Awards at the end of the first season. From left to right, Nick Slater (Young Player of the Year), Haydn Adams (Chairman), Graham Snelling (Captain) and Chris Ellard (Player of the Year)
