History and Playing
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 Hampshire 1. Having previously operated higher up the divisional league structure (former London 2 South, now known as London 1), 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 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.
View an overhead shot of our facilities by clicking on this link.
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 or click on the Email Us button on the left hand navigation.