A Brief History
The Corps Rugby Union side has evolved over the years and its centre of gravity has shifted around the units; in the late eighties through to the early nineties it was based around 7th Signal Regiment under the watchful eye of an emerging figure on the Army coaching scene, Andy Hickling. As a large portion of the Corps made its way back to the UK the centre of gravity settled around 2nd Signal Regiment in the beautiful city of York. Success came easily under the tutelage of Geordie Gainsford who brought humour, passion and pride to the Corps set up. Rotational postings meant that the majority of this team made its way down to 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support) who were based in Colerne just outside Bath and Tom Hall came to the forefront as the key figure within the Corps set up. There have been mixed fortunes over the years in the Merit Table and after having won on three consecutive occasions at the end of the nineties a loss of senior players and junior stars alike left a significant void within the Club. Demotion followed and it has taken some time for the Corps to regain its rightful position in Merit Table 1. In recent years operational commitments have impacted on the continuity however, the team has remained relatively successful and is looking to gain an established foothold within the League.
Rugby League has had a slightly more shaky start with the team being run as a separate entity until this season. This has placed a burden on the limited pool of players who were already largely involved in Union. Having deconflicted the length of the season, both codes are now looking to develop in tandem and the intention is develop a Corps League team which is capable of challenging for the Lawson Cup.
Women’s rugby in the Army has developed significantly over the past few seasons with some notable successes from our ladies team whose members have broken into the Army and Combined Services teams. It is our intention to ensure that more women in the Corps are given the opportunity to play rugby. The side will be given the opportunity to tour and will have the backing and support of the Committee.
Corps Players and International Representation
(1933 onwards)
|
Year
|
Name
|
Country
|
Caps
|
|
1933
|
E H Sadler
|
England
|
2
|
|
1937
|
G R Davies
|
Wales
|
11
|
|
1937
|
T G H Jackson
|
Scotland
|
12
|
|
1947
|
N M Hall
|
England (Capt)
|
17
|
|
1951
|
H M Thomson
|
Scotland
|
7
|
|
1953
|
R J Robins
|
Wales
|
13
|
|
1954
|
R Higgins
|
England
|
13
|
|
1957
|
K J F Scotland
|
Scotland (Capt)
|
27
|
|
1960
|
G Sharp
|
Scotland
|
4
|
|
1997
|
B Johnson
|
England ‘A’
|
1
|