Formed in 1904

Gloucester Old Boys RFC was formed in 1904 when the then Gloucester RFC captain George Romans placed an advert in the local Citizen asking any old boys of the three city schools Sir Thomas Richs, Crypt and Kings if they were interested in forming an Old Boys rugby club.

It was interesting to note that, at that time all three schools played the round ball game. However, on 31st August 1904 the Old Boys, as they continued to be called, was born.

George Romans, still captain of Gloucester RFC, served on the Old Boys committee, and the first match was played against Gloucester A (now Gloucester United), and the Old Boys lost 5 points 15 points.

In 1906/7 George Romans joined the Old Boys as a player, and another Old Boy D R (Dai) Gent joined Gloucester RFC and became their captain, and later played for England.

Up to 1923 the club colours were navy blue, but after a complaint from the Old Plutoniums (Old Richians soccer team) who also wore navy blue, the club changed to claret, red and navy hoops after the colours of the three city schools from which they were formed.

International Players

The Old Boys produced many good players who went on to play for Gloucester, Gloucestershire and England. Players such as F J (Jim) Fielding, Roy James, Tommy Burns, John ABear, W G (Bill) Hook, Digger Morris, Ken Pickford, Trevor Halls, Howard Terrington, Roy Long, Doug Wadley, Francis Edwards, Joe Hopson, Roy Hopson, R N Loveridge, Dave Pegler, Fred Smith, Bob Timms, John Wooley, Viv Wooley, Steve Baker, John Gadd, John Brain, Paul Ford, Russ Ellis, Alan Evans, Pete Wickenden, Andy Broady, Eddie Pinkney, Nigel Smart, Mark Calver, Paul Mansell, Rich Temple, Paul Knight, Simon and Steve Baldwin, and recently Kevin Dunn and Andy Hazell. Many of whom have returned to the Old Boys and became players or administrators.

Worthy of note is the fact that F G Edwards, W G Hook, D R Gent and Andrew Hazell all became full international players. Other players such as John Gadd, John Brain, Steve Baker and Paul Ford represented their country at various schools and under 21 levels.

Local Success

Locally the Old Boys have been Gloucestershire County Cup winners and North Gloucestershire Combination cup winners on several occasions.

With the advent of league rugby the Old Boys reached South West One status for many years, but now currently play in Gloucestershire One.

Centenary Year 2003-04

During the Old Boys Centenary year, many events were staged, including Centenary Dinner, Golf Day, Sports Quiz night, 1976/77 under 17s reunion, Veterans matches, Captains night, Colts XVs tournament, Presidents Night, Centenary Buffet Dance etc.

All matches are played on the club ground at Horton Road (tel. 01452 302390) where there are excellent clubhouse facilities and a genuine rugby club atmosphere.

Gloucester Old Boys RFC

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