Woodrush History & Awards
  1. Woodrush The Early Years
  2. Award Winners
Woodrush History & Awards
  1. Woodrush The Early Years
  2. Award Winners
Woodrush The Early Years
Woodrush History & Awards 1 of 2

1. Woodrush The Early Years


Where it all began.....

Old boys of Woodrush High School formed the Club in 1966 when they approached Graham Williams, a master at the school, for his advice and guidance on how to set up a rugby club. Graham was duly elected Chairman and was later followed by another Welsh 'missionary' Nelson Wollacott, before one of the 'old boys', Mike Betts took over the reins. Their influence during these early years enabled good foundations to be built both on and off the field.

Woodrush Old Boys first match was played on the school pitch on Saturday 29th October 1966 against Redditch. Unfortunately we lost 10-8, but Bobby Gibbs secured the honour of becoming the Club's first try scorer.

The Club relied heavily on the School for its facilities and still today maintains good relationships with its birthplace. The Headteacher of the School had always been President of the Club and the first three Heads, Mr Bingham, Mr Toogood and Mrs Kirkham were all active in their support. In 2001 the Headteacher, Ms Warnes, accepted our invitation to become the first Patron of the Club and at the same time Mike Betts became President until succeeded by Ken Hussey in 2012 who continues in this key position today..

Our Club Logo derives from Woodrush High School. When the school opened in 1957 the two green field sites it was built on were 'Woodrush Field' at the front of the school and 'Houndsfield Field' at the rear. The school took its name from the Woodrush Field.
Occupying the central part of the school badge is the Worcester Black Pear tree standing on the banks of the river Severn. This motif was taken from the Worcestershire coat of arms, the two hounds, Talbot hounds, represent the Houndfield estate on which the greater part of the school was built.

The Peacock Inn was our original 'watering hole' until 1968 when we hired a pitch from Wythall Community Association in Silver Street and used its other facilities as our social base.During our 10th season in January 1977, we purchased the land at Icknield Street, Forhill and built the present Clubhouse and at the same time it was agreed to drop the Old Boys from the title. To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, additional changing rooms and a lounge bar were built. In 1994, this was followed by building a small gym and additional shower facilities.

That same year mini/junior rugby was started and this has developed into a thriving section of the Club with over 120 members regularly taking part on Sunday mornings and with a significant number of players in our senior sides having come through from the juniors. In 2002 the Club was accredited its RFU Active Sports 'Seal of Approval' and through this has coaches going into local schools both promoting and developing the sport