About Hampstead Rugby
Hampstead Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world although it has only been active in its current form just over 30 years, having been reformed after a gap of 56 years following a 'temporary' dissolution of the Hampstead Heathens Sports Club at the start of the First World War.
Harlequins and Rosslyn Park are two other clubs to have emerged from Hampstead Heathens at this time and - although not previously so well known - Hampstead is one of the most active clubs in London and the only senior club located in what can only be described as Central London.
Some of the other early clubs include Rugby, Harrow, Cambridge and Richmond and of Hampstead's local competitors only Wasps, Harlequins and Richmond remain in the capital.
Famous Heathens then and today
Hampstead Heath has always been famous for its contemporary residents from the painters and poets John Constable, DH Lawrence and JB Priestly in days gone by to Boy George, George Michael and Annie Lennox more recently. Modern rugby legends Michael Lynagh and Francois Pienaar chose Hampstead to live in when they moved to the UK to begin their careers with Saracens.
Look out for Hampstead's famous blue name plaques. You'll find them all over Hampstead but especially around the area of Well Walk.
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Current structure
Hampstead Rugby Club currently runs 5/6 teams playing weekly matches throughout the season (which is September to May in the UK) with plans for additional teams next season. Please check out our New Player section if you're looking for a new club and haven't already done so.
The 1st XV plays in London Division 3 North West of the Courage Leagues having advanced from the provincial Middlesex / Herts leagues in recent seasons. We are ambitious to continue our progress as is shown through the commitment of our coach, Glen Taylor and the commitment shown by everyone to training.
Training and Playing
The club has, for many years, trained, played and drunk out of different locations in and around Hampstead. This keeps our admin costs to zero and guarantees both a good reception and a great atmosphere wherever and whatever we are doing. It also cuts out the tedious and often unprofitable business (these days) of maintaining a traditional club-house. But it does mean that you have to get to The White Horse either after the game if you're playing against Hampstead or before the game if you want to enjoy the pre-match excitement or if you're actually playing.
Directions
For full directions of how to find us including large printable maps check out the directions page in this section. If you want to go straight for directions to either The Heath (playing), Parliament Hill (training) or The White Horse (pre-post game meeting/drinking) hit any of the tabs on this page.
Playing and non-playing membership
Finally, the club is always looking for new players (Hampstead usually enjoys a fresh influx of 20-30 new players every season) but we're also looking for other professionals and supporters who may like to get involved in the club.
