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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 play in Powergen London Division 3 SW
League. We are an ambitious Club, fielding 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.
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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