Rugby’s oldest rivalry celebrates its 160th anniversary
On Friday, Richmond will play Blackheath in the 160th anniversary of the first ever club rugby match.
On 2 January 1864, Richmond first played Blackheath on Richmond Green, the game ending 0-0. On Friday 8 March, 160 years later, the two teams will meet again at Richmond Athletic Ground.
Both teams are in National League 1. Richmond currently sits in 6th while Blackheath, who are in 8th, are on a run of three consecutive wins, including against league leaders, Chinnor.
Nick Preston, Richmond Chairman, said: “We’re very much looking forward to Friday’s game. This fixture is always special. Both Richmond and Blackheath are very proud to be clubs at the heart of their communities, who put out mini, youth, and women’s teams each week.
“The chances are the game will be a very good one! Our league often provides high-scoring games with lots of tries and this fixture always has an air of excitement around it.”
Friends and Competitors
The two clubs have a long history of friendship and competition. Having met many times throughout the 160 years since the first fixture, including a 31-31 thriller on the anniversary ten years ago, the club have also fielded a team together.
In 1945, the teams combined for the first time, against Northampton.
It was the first match for both clubs since the end of the Second World War, and although the Londoners were beaten 17-5 at the Athletic Ground, the event acted as a return to normality as rugby in Britain gathered peacetime momentum.
The merge came because Blackheath’s then home ground, Rectory Field, having been used as an anti-aircraft balloon site, part of the defences of London, suffered severe damage rendering the pitch unplayable and the stand unrecognisable.
Across the season, the combined team played 15 fixtures. When playing at Athletic Ground, C. Laborde - the Richmond captain - would lead the team in a bid to keep club identity when playing at home. For away fixtures, a Blackheath player would be given the honour, although there was not just one player acting as captain.
At the end of the season, thanks to volunteers, the RFU, and Kent County Cricket Club, Blackheath returned under their own banner and the teams regained their separate identities.
The Best of Rivals
Since their first game against each other in 1864, Blackheath and Richmond’s history has been intertwined. Their relationship is unique in rugby circles, and having already shared a team, pitch, clubhouse and league, it looks set to continue for many years to come.
James Fleming, Blackheath Chairman, said: “Steeped in history, we have 160 years of tradition to look back on. The games are usually very close and have always been enjoyed by players and supporters on both sides. A Friday evening game under lights makes it all the more special.”
Tickets for this Friday’s game can be purchased here or on the door. As the day coincides with International Women’s Day, all women will receive free entry.
For more stories like this, sign up to our monthly newsletter Touchline.
