OUR HISTORY
In the autumn term of 1922 Mr H. P. Lunn, the Headmaster of Yardley Grammar School, decided that rugby should be played at the school rather than soccer. Results of school matches in the early years were very variable, despite having outstanding players in Eric Cuttriss, Bill Anderson and Horace Johnson.
A flourishing Old Yardleians Club for former pupils already existed with several sub-sections, but nothing for male sporting activities. By 1926 there was talk of forming a rugby section, providing a suitable ground could be found. The Head offered the use of the schools new playing field in Redding’s Lane.
During July 1927 two important meetings were held at the Mikardo Caf in Martineau Street by an ad hoc committee consisting of J. Dawson, E. Cuttriss, R W Roe and C H Coldrick. Plans were drawn up for a general meeting of all the OYs who were interested in the project. At this historic gathering, the Rugby Football Section of the Old Yardleians Club was formed. R. W. Roe became the Secretary, C. H. Coldrick the Treasurer and D. Arnett Club Captain. Subscriptions were fixed at five shillings per season.
The first match was played on the 1st of October 1927 against Old Dixonians Third fifteen. Old Yardleians RFC was born…. In June 1936 Old Yardleians secured the grounds at Windermere Road.
In November 1958 the decision was made to find a new ground. A major step forward in October 1962 of an offer of one of the fields at Betteridges Barn was made by Jack Horne, and then work commenced to build a brick-built clubhouse by the members themselves and the first match at Tilehouse Lane was played in September 1965.
On 27th of August 1966 a new constitution conforming to the Rules of a Members Club was adopted. The new premises built at a cost of a little over 5,000 had taken two years of hard work and completely dominated the lives of those involved. The first function in the clubroom was held on Saturday the 3rd of September 1966.
In 2000 it was decided to apply to have the club incorporated under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. This meant that a new set of rules were adopted and we became Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club Limited. In 2005 major expansion of the clubhouse and changing rooms took place managed by Tony Fitzgerald, followed by an extension of the kitchen facilities with the help of a Sport England grant and Mike Neary.
