Trowbridge: It Means Everything
On Sunday, Trowbridge Rugby Club celebrated 10 years to the day of being at their new facility, Doric Park. From opening till evening, the clubhouse was full with friends and families enjoying rugby in all its forms.
Trowbridge Rugby Club is where rugby began for England’s World Cup debutante, Henry Arundell.
“My time at Trowbridge was amazing, it’s where my rugby career started,” said Arundell. His talent was clear to those who played with him, even from a young age.
“It was always clear he was going to make it in some capacity. There was always something special about him, he had that x-factor. It’s amazing, especially from someone from around here,” said Archie Robertson. Archie played mini rugby with Henry, and now plays for the 1st XV at the club.
Proud of what we’ve achieved
From their previous humble facility in Green Lane, the club has moved to Doric Park, where they boast seven pitches and a state-of-the-art clubhouse, which was funded through a planning application to build houses on their previous site’s pitches.
“The club was formed in 1931 and we came from our old ground, not a million miles from here ten years ago. We were very fortunate that previous generations had gone out on a limb and committed some money to enable that to happen. The club’s continually about growing really; we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved here.” said club president, Chris Lamb.
There is much for the club to be proud of. As well as their thriving mini and junior set up, the club have a touch team and a walking rugby team as well as their women and men’s teams.
The women's team has seen a massive uptake in numbers since they started out.
“Over the past 18 months, we’ve gone from ten women to about 48. As soon as you walk through the door, you feel like you are part of the family. That’s why we’ve grown so much. We’re a family, everyone’s welcome, everyone’s valued. That’s why it’s special,” said Emma Santer, women’s lead.
Enduring value of rugby
“We can help these youngsters on a long journey to perhaps a World Cup in years to come or if it’s not at that level, to still being involved when they’re 40 or 45, or even longer, that’s great because that’s what the game’s all about really. No-one will remember the results of today’s games necessarily, but they might have made some friends and they might stay in touch for years to come and that’s the enduring value and appeal of the game of rugby.” said club president, Chris Lamb.
Whether it be basking in sunshine or sheltering from showers, playing in the senior teams, training with the mini and juniors or watching their homegrown talent play for England, for the Trowbridge Rugby Club family, everyone is invited and it really does mean everything.
