United Services Portsmouth RFC

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USRFC
We are all aware of United Services Portsmouth’s illustrious history but a recent event underlines just how great the club was in its heyday. Wayne McGrath, the club’s outgoing secretary was thumbing through a file of old papers and came across a letter some 30 years old from the Chairman of US to another club rejecting their offer of a fixture against their First XV. An offer was made that their Firsts might play against the US 2nds but with a note that US were watching their progress with great interest and looked forward to the day when they might be strong enough to play the US Firsts. The other club was Bath. The contrast in fortunes between Bath and US over the intervening years has been striking and the era of leagues and professionalism caught US unprepared. Despite the best efforts of successive committees the club always found itself one step off the pace. Indeed it is a tribute to previous committee members that the club is in existence at all, but a strong finish to the end of last season has given hope that the club has turned the corner and is now looking to the future with renewed optimism.
A new committee chaired by Kev Robertson has been elected and a much needed development plan has been put in place. The aim is to build a sound financial structure to underpin success on the field. There is a much tauter and responsive Executive Committee to run the club’s activities and Tim Forer is leading efforts in the long-term development of the club. The mini section under the guidance of Stuart Crozierl continues to thrive and the club still has the finest facilities in the South. On the field, the club will be playing again in London Division 4 SW and under the guidance of the new club coach, Mal Chumbley, things are looking good for next season. Training will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 1800 commencing 8 July.
Results from last season, especially after the Christmas leave period were very good and demonstrated that with a good start to the forthcoming season the side should challenge for promotion. The club structure will be made up from two senior XV’s, a Veterans XV and mini rugby from Under 7s to Under 12s. So how does a reader of this web site get involved with these exciting developments? Firstly, US are looking for coaches, administrators and above all players – there is a place for you whether you are a serviceman, ex-serviceman or fully fledged civilian with no military ties at all. All are welcome. Details are available via e-mail at or just turn up at training. Parents and younger players will always be warmly welcomed – training starts at 1000 on Sunday mornings from September onwards. Corporate membership is available to anyone who wishes to write some money off against tax. Finally, the club has opened a new membership scheme from only £5 per month for those who just wish to support US and get involved in a great ruby club.