In 1927,soon after the Public Central School in Cobourg Street, Plymouth, first opened its gates to an 11+ intake, the "Old Public Oaks" association was formed.Four years later it was decided that the association should form an Old Boys' rugby team.

Inspired by school master, Percy Lobb; and with the help of Eddie Rickard and Cyril Littlejohns (Captain) an OPO XV played its first game at Plympton, behind the George Hotel. This was against Plymouth Argaum.One of our Life Members - Jack Rundell - played in the backs on that very day in March 1931. He recalls changing in the stables behind the pub!

In the 1931 - 2 Season, it was necessary to borrow senior boys from the School Fifth Form to make up the numbers: but, a year later there were sufficient players to form a genuinely Old Boys' outfitPlayers such as George Canterbury, Leonard Truscott, J.S. Harries and Bill Fisher were regulars: and the half back combination of Leonard Kirkpatrick and Ronald Emond, both England Schoolboy Final Trials, with Kirkpatrick representing his country in 1931.Sadly, Emond was killed aboard H.M.S Gloucester during the War.

Bill Jones, one of our other Life Members, started playing as a skillful wing (or centre) in 1933. Andy Robertson - a few years younger played as a schoolboy before the War - and later as an Old Boy whenever his naval commitments permitted (see paper report opposite).

It would be Bill and Andy, too, who would contribute greatly to the successful running of the Club's affairs during the the years following the War, and for many seasons afterwards. These two former players and their colleague Jack Rundell, have worked tirelessly for the Club.

We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.