History
Oxford RFC grew out of the Oxfordshire Nomads RUFC, formed in 1909 by an enthusiastic group of local sportsmen, leading a Nomadic existence by playing on various grounds in and around the City.
The varying fortunes of a new club trying to make its way in the game were disturbed by two World Wars but the experience gained put the club in good stead for the events of 1947.
At this time a site on the Southern Bypass became available but was too expensive for one rugby club standing alone and so the Oxford Sports Club was formed, which included the Oxford City Cricket Club and the City of Oxford Hockey Club. This was later joined by a Tennis Club and an Archery Club. The ground took three years to prepare and, in later years, the rugby club was able to take over the site when the other main groups struggled financially.
In the same period the club agreed to a proposal by other clubs and the County Union to promote a side to represent 'Oxford' as a way of raising local standards in the game with a view to the County team playing better rugby on their entry into the County Championship. The club became 'Oxford RFC' and now owns the fifteen acre site which remains as its Headquarters today.
There followed a 'Golden Age' in the 1950's and 1960's where the club bordered on first class status. This gave encouragement for other local clubs to form whilst Oxford were unable to maintain the momentum and the club now plays in the Premier Division of the Oxon, Berks and Bucks League.
Floodlights erected on the main pitch twenty five years ago have just been replaced, giving a much needed boost to dark training and match nights at the club, whilst renovations have taken place in the clubhouse and changing rooms. One of the club's aims is for a new clubhouse in the near future.
The benefits of work on the playing field that began in 1991 with the formation of Mini Rugby has recently been rewarded by the Club's Colts team winning the Oxfordshire Cup in 2004 as the club, as a whole, strives to reach again towards those halcyon days.
Oxford RFC is an open club with a very warm and friendly welcome for anyone who ventures through the doors. Providing rugby for everybody from the age of 6 years old, in separate age groups, in every age range to Under 19, Senior teams, a Veterans team, a Ladies team and Junior Girls teams, it cannot help but to provide a great family atmosphere in which both players and supporters can enjoy themselves.
After all those years Oxford RFC is in great heart and is looking forward to celebrating its Centenary in 2009 in style!
