East Grinstead RFC
East Grinstead RFC was a rugby union club based in East Grinstead, West Sussex. The first XV (G-Force) played in National League 3 London & SE for three seasons, until 2015–16, a level five league in the English rugby union system. For season 2016–17 the club has voluntary dropped leagues to Sussex Canterbury Jack Division 2 following the resignation of the main sponsor.[3] In addition to G-Force, East Grinstead run a second XV "Storm", a women's XV, and a range of junior and senior teams.
| Full name | East Grinstead Rugby Football Club |
|---|---|
| Union | Sussex RFU |
| Founded | 1929[1] |
| Location | East Grinstead, West Sussex, England |
| Ground(s) | Saint Hill |
| Chairman | Bob Marsh[2] |
| President | Bob Russell |
| League(s) | Sussex 1 |
| 2019–20 | Runners up (not promoted) |
| Official website | |
| egrfc | |
History
The club was founded in 1929 by Brian Desmond.[1] The current clubhouse at Saint Hill was built in 1997.[4] The club was incorporated as a company in 2009.
In the 2011–12 season, G-Force played in the London 2 South East division (a level 7 division), which they won,[5] gaining promotion to London 1 South. In 2012–13 season they were undefeated and won promotion to the national leagues.[6]
The club made news headlines in September 2020 when its coach, Metropolitan Police officer Matiu Ratana, was shot and killed while on duty in Croydon.[7]
Honours
1st Team:
- Kent 1 v Sussex 1 promotion playoff winners: 2007–08
- London Division 3 South West champions: 2009–10
- London Division 2 East champions: 2011–12
- RFU Intermediate Cup winners: 2012
- London Division 1 South champions: 2012–13
- Sussex 2 champions: 2016–17
- Sussex 1 champions: 2021–22
2nd Team:
- Sussex Asahi Division 4 East champions: 2016–17
3rd Team:
- Sussex Asahi 2 East champions: 2012–13
Sunshine Sevens
Since the 1950s, East Grinstead have hosted an annual Rugby Sevens tournament, which raises money for children's charities.
References
- "About Us". Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- "Who's Who". Archived from the original on 5 April 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- Harvey, Neale (22 May 2016). "Talking Rugby". Sunday Independent (Plymouth). p. 62.
- Satchell, Sam. "East-Grinstead-Rugby-Club-appeals-help". This is Sussex. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- "London 1 South". Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- "Matches by division". Archived from the original on 21 May 2013. Retrieved 21 April 2013.
- Martin, H., and Loren, A., "New Zealand-born police officer Matt Ratana shot dead in London was 'big in heart'," stuff.co.nz, 26 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.