|
 |
|
History
Andover Rugby Football Club was founded in 1959 by some enthusiastic
local rugby players who were looking for a ‘home’ to base themselves. Their
first original meeting place was the Anton Arms public house on Salisbury Road.
One of the key figures from that group was Peter Goodship who sadly passed away
in 2002. In recognition of Pete and his outstanding contribution to the club,
the present grounds were named after him, when a new club house and pitches
were built in 1992.
Andover RFC now occupies a wonderful facility in Charlton, a small village on
the outskirts of Andover, but prior to that the club had a 10 year spell at our
first facility (which was built by the players), on the Walworth Industrial
Estate situated on the south east side of the town. Before Walworth Industrial
Estate, the players utilised local pubs and clubs in and around Andover, with
most of their rugby being played at the Army Air Corps pitches at Middle
Wallop.
The players have always played in a black strip and are often referred to as
the “Hampshire All Blacks” – the original club badge incorporated the Hind and
lozenge from the Hampshire county badge which was then “rebranded” in 2001 to
reflect a more modern image.
As with other clubs we have had to move with the times to survive the demands
of modern life, but rugby tradition and passion is still at the heart of
Andover Rugby Football Club, and there will always be
a warm welcome for all our visitors.
Playing
Situated in the North of Hampshire approximately one hour from
London,we currently reside in Powergen London Division 4 SW. Having
previously operated higher up the divisional league structure (London 2 South),
our goal is to return to our former glory in the next couple of years.
Whilst we are have these ambitions we are in a transitional stage with playing
resources with a a large crop of youngsters soon to move into Senior rugby in
the next twelve months.
To reach our goal and improve upon our league standings, we are always on the
look out for new players to bolster our 1st XV squad, particularly those who
have had previous experience of playing at this level, or higher. That said,
Andover RFC welcomes players of all abilities who would like to play for any
one of our Senior Teams.
We field four senior sides as well as a comprehensive Youth Academy for players
from age 6 upwards.
To view an overhead shot of our facilities
click here.
Surrounded by several military bases at Tidworth, Larkhill, Monxton, Perham
Down & Middle Wallop, we have a good representation of Army personnel
within these sides and are keen to attract any new players posted to the area.
Combined with the warm welcome you will receive at training, off the pitch you
will see that Andover is keen to maintain the social ethos of the game and that
is reflected by the camraderie and club spirit offered to all newcomers.
Training is every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7.00pm until 9.00pm,
commencing the first week in July and continuing through to the following
April.
So if you are living in
Hampshire, live within commutable distance from neighbouring counties, or you
are from overseas and looking for a Club in the UK, then get in touch by
accessing the Contacts Page. |
| |
 |
|
 |
Travelling
from the East (Basingstoke/M3/A34/A303)
Travelling along the A303 Westbound (towards Amesbury &
Exeter) IGNORE all junctions to Andover (staying on the A303), until you see
the signs for Andover & Newbury A343 – Devizes A342 – Marlborough A346.
Leave the A303 at this junction. At the end of the slip road, take the third
exit signposted Ring Road – Newbury – Marlborough – Devizes – Portway Ind.
Estate.
At the next roundabout, take the second exit off the roundabout signposted Ring
Road – Town Centre – Newbury A343. Continue along the Ring Road (passing
“Stannah Lifts”) on your right hand side.
Continue over the next roundabout (still signposted Ring Road – Newbury A343).
Continue along the Ring Road and “Charlton Sports and Leisure Centre” will be
on your left-hand side.
At the next roundabout take the first exit, signposted Charlton, Hatherden
& Tangley (road name – Goch Way).
At the next roundabout, take the first exit, signposted Charlton, Hatherden
& Tangley, & as you exit the roundabout you will enter the village of
Charlton.
You will then approach a small roundabout in front of a pub “The Royal Oak” –
turn right and follow the road along (with the church on your right hand side),
DO NOT TURN OFF this road, and continue along, driving out of the village.
After approx. half a mile, you will then come to another roundabout, take the
fourth exit, signposted Sports Centre, and follow the road round past Foxcotte
Park (which is a football ground). You will then turn into a large car park and
the Andover Rugby Clubhouse & pitches are located on your right hand side.
|
|
Travelling
from the West (Amesbury/Exeter/A303)
Travelling along the A303 Eastbound (towards Basingstoke &
London) you will pass the Weyhill Services (Little Chief & Texaco filling
station). Just after these services, leave the A303 signposted Ring Road –
Andover A343 – Devizes A342.
At the end of the slip road take the second exit off the roundabout signposted
Ring Road – Town Centre – Newbury A343. Continue along the Ring Road (passing
“Stannah Lifts”) on your right hand side.
Continue over the next roundabout (still signposted Ring Road – Newbury A343).
Continue along the Ring Road and “Charlton Sports and Leisure Centre” will be
on your left-hand side.
At the next roundabout take the first exit, signposted Charlton, Hatherden
& Tangley (road name – Goch Way).
At the next roundabout, take the first exit, signposted Charlton, Hatherden
& Tangley, & as you exit the roundabout you will enter the village of
Charlton.
You will then approach a small roundabout in front of a pub “The Royal Oak” –
turn right and follow the road along (with the church on your right hand side),
DO NOT TURN OFF this road, and continue along, driving out of the village.
After approx. half a mile, you will then come to another roundabout, take the
fourth exit, signposted Sports Centre, and follow the road round past Foxcotte
Park (which is a football ground). You will then turn into a large car park and
the Andover Rugby Clubhouse & pitches are located on your right hand side.
|
|
|
