Blood, Sweat & Glory: From 1971 to the Present Day
The first full club photograph, Spratt's Barn, 1972.
Standing L-R:
Fred Davies, Tony Trussell, Bob Campbell, Colin Bullock, Chris Hillier, Ian Campbell, Melvyn Wright, Colin Applegate, David ?, Jim Dartnell, Ian Keith, Bob Wise, Dave Snell, Paul Hibbert, Phil Weaver, Mark Osborne, Chris Tabb, Rez Brewser, Mike Leighfield, Roy Wright, Johnny Keenan.
Front row:
Andy Marchment, Tony Kirk, Graham Spencer, John Ward, Colin Crook, John Forbes-Keith (founder member of the club and former landlord of the Curriers Arms), John Mortimer (Captain), Andy Sparkes , Mark Scholes, Roy A'Court, ? , Rod Hart, Steve Sparkes, Bob Mills, Haydon Pugh.
Royal Wootton Bassett RFC was founded on 21st December 1971 at a meeting held at The Curriers Arms. Thirteen people attended that meeting and became the club's original 'Founding Fathers'.
At the time, many future Wootton Bassett players were committed to other local clubs, principally Calne Bentleian RFC, so only seven games were played during the club's inaugural season.
The 13 Founding Fathers of the club were:
- Colin Applegate
- John Baker
- David Brown
- Michael Brown
- Ian Campbell
- John Forbes-Keith
- Ian Keith
- Hamish Keith
- Michael Leighfield
- Vernon Nation
- Royston Smith
- Tony Trussell
- Melvyn Wright
Back row L-R: Gordon Stanford, ?, Bob Wise, Ian Miles, Rod Smith, John Wilks, Colin Crook, ?, Graham Spencer.
Front row L-R: ?, Chris New, Tony Kirk, Mark Osborne, Dave Brown, ?
Circa 1974-75
The very first match played by a full Wootton Bassett RFC XV took place in February 1972 against a combined team of teachers and senior pupils from Wootton Bassett Secondary School.
The club used the match to give trials to around 40 prospective players, and recorded a 24-0 victory.
The first selected XV then faced nearby RAF Lyneham, winning 16-8. The club's first defeat came against touring side Pinner and Grammarians RFC from Middlesex, who were on an Easter tour of the West Country.
Other matches in that first season produced victories over Swindon College and Minety, while Chippenham and Hereford proved too strong.
Back row L-R:
Dave Price, Paul Gleed, Trevor Gibbs, John Nutt, Jim Brierley, Jon Petit, Brian Smith, Les Hunt, Mick Leighfield, Phil Williams.
Middle Row:
Simon Hobson, ? , Richard Pinnock, Ian Keith, Hamish Keith, Wyn Rees, Jim Dartnell, Brian Hamley, ? , ? , Paul Anderton.
Front row:
Gwyn Davies, Steve Wehrle, Paul Morgan, John Wilks (Chairman), Graham Spencer (coach), Ian Midson (Capt), Colin Bullock (Secretary), Phil Hicks, John Lewis, Roy Jamieson.
Wootton Bassett Comprehensive School gymnasium, circa 1977.
At the club's first Annual General Meeting, held on 19th June 1972, the first elected Executive Committee was formed:
- Chairman: David Brown
- Secretary: John Forbes-Keith
- Treasurer: Vernon Nation
- Social Secretary: Ian Campbell
- Public Relations: Tony Trussell
- Fixtures Secretary: Colin Applegate
- Team Secretary: Royston Smith
- 1st XV Captain: John Jones
On 30th June 1972, Peter Arkell, Chairman of Arkell's Brewery, accepted the invitation to become the club's first President.
In the first full rugby season of 1972/73, the club also fielded a Colts XV on two occasions. Home matches were played on vacant land owned by Wootton Bassett Town Council, while the Curriers Arms remained the club's headquarters.
On 1st December 1972, the club was accepted as a probationary member of the Dorset and Wiltshire County Rugby Football Union.
In April 1973, land adjacent to Stoneover Lane was first suggested by the club to the Town Council as a possible venue for playing rugby. Later that year, Graham Spencer, a former England Colts reserve, was appointed Club Coach, and the design of the first club tie was produced, incorporating the local 19th-century Town Hall as the official emblem.
At the end of the season, Wootton Bassett RFC, sponsored by Swindon RFC and Vickers RFC (now Supermarine), was accepted as an affiliate member of the Rugby Football Union.
The first overseas recruit
In January 1977, following several years of consolidation, improving fixtures and the introduction of a Third XV, the club welcomed its first overseas recruit — Alan 'Kiwi' McLennan from Wellington, New Zealand.
Back row L-R: Gary McMaurray, Jon Petit, Alan McLennan, John Lewis, Pete Sirett, Hamish Keith, Ian Keith,Gordon Stanford,Graham Spencer (Coach).
Front row L-R: Roy Jamieson, Brian Hamley, Jim Dartnell, Ian Midson (Capt), Mark Warchal, Wyn Rees, Gwyn Davies.
Circa 1978
A lock forward in true 'All Black' tradition, Alan quickly became an important figure at the club. His influence helped the First XV record its best series of results to that point, culminating in a place in the Dorset & Wilts County Cup final in March 1978.
Bassett defeated old rivals Swindon 6-0 in the semi-final before losing 10-3 to Salisbury RFC in the final at Devizes. Despite the defeat, it was an exceptional season: the final represented only the second defeat suffered by the First XV in 32 matches.
Alan's farewell match in November 1978 attracted an impressive collection of opposition, including British Lions and England player Peter Larter, Wales B and London Welsh player Dai Llewellyn, and representatives from Bath, Harlequins, Rosslyn Park and Swansea.
The move to Stoneover Lane
During the club's first eight years, it had used a number of different playing grounds and relied on local pubs for its post-match facilities.
The search for a permanent home became increasingly important as the club grew. In the autumn of 1979, members dismantled and stored a wooden structure donated by RAF Wroughton, hoping it could form the basis of a new clubhouse.
In May 1980, the club was told that a strip of land adjacent to Stoneover Lane would be made available for a clubhouse and car park. A 15-year lease between the club and Wootton Bassett Town Council was signed on 18th May 1981.
The late Roy Wright sweeping up during the clubhouse extension. The late Roy Wright sweeping up during the clubhouse extension.
The wooden structure had deteriorated during storage, so the club decided to construct a new block building containing a clubroom, bar, kitchen and toilet facilities. Much of the groundwork and construction was undertaken by club members and volunteer labour, with the completed building costing £16,700.
The new facilities became available for the 1984/85 season and were officially opened by the Mayor of Wootton Bassett, Ken Scott, on 7th October 1984. The opening was marked by a match against a Wasps XV, watched by a crowd of more than 500.
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Rob Bloxham with wheelbarrow during the Stoneover Lane extention work
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England Classicals Match, Stoneover Lane
The availability of a permanent playing base provided a major boost to the club. Mini rugby and Colts rugby developed rapidly, while a regular fifth senior side also took to the field.
Floodlights were installed in 1987 to allow evening training, with additional lights added in 1990. A fully equipped gymnasium followed in the early 1990s, alongside improvements to the club's social facilities.
Stoneover Lane would remain the club's home for almost three decades.
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Royal Wootton Bassett Vets Match, Stoneover Lane, 1996
.jpg "Wyn Rees Memorial 7s Tournament, Stoneover Lane, 2004.")
Wyn Rees Memorial Sevens Tournament, Stoneover Lane, 2004
The Wyn Rees Memorial Trophy
In April 1985, the club established the Wyn Rees Memorial VIIs competition in memory of a much-respected player and supporter of the club who lost his battle with cancer in his 30s.
Fittingly, Wootton Bassett won the inaugural competition, defeating Swindon 21-12 in the final — Swindon having been Wyn's former club.
The competition continued annually until the early part of the 21st century, attracting teams from across the country, including Gloucester, Bath, Cardiff Post Office and London New Zealand.
Playing achievements
The 1986/87 season brought the club its first senior trophy when the Second XV won the Dorset & Wilts County 2nd XV Cup.
Captained by Gwyn Davies, Bassett defeated Salisbury RFC 13-12 in the final at Calne, with full-back Adrian Sugden scoring an injury-time penalty.
1986/87 Dorset & Wilts County Cup won by Bassett Second XV
The Colts then enjoyed two remarkable seasons.
In 1988/89, the Colts, captained by Christian Michaelis, won all 24 of their matches, scoring 766 points and conceding just 79. They also won the Dorset & Wilts Counties Colts Shield, defeating Wimborne RFC 19-3 in the final.
The team was subsequently voted joint runners-up, alongside Cardiff High School Old Boys Youth, to Rosslyn Park Colts in the Umbro Youth Team of the Year category at the Whitbread Rugby World Awards.
The following season, the 1989/90 Colts won all 19 of their fixtures, with a points differential of 483. Captained by Paul Floyd and coached by Ian Midson, they retained the Counties Colts Shield by defeating Swanage and Wareham 10-8 and also won the Cirencester Colts Sevens trophy.
The 1988/89 Colts team celebrated winning the County Shield for the first time
Mini & Junior Rugby
The development of youth rugby has always been central to the club's story.
Haydn Pugh and Fred Davis, two respected local school teachers, were among those who recognised the importance of giving young people the opportunity to play rugby at a time when the sport was declining in secondary schools.
Pete Sirett and later Paul Randell helped establish a structured Mini & Junior section, with Steve Cameron, Stuart Fulling, Geoff Martin and many others playing important roles in its development.
Over the decades, thousands of boys and girls have come through the club's youth sections. Many have progressed into senior rugby, with a number going on to represent Dorset & Wilts and at higher levels of the game.
The growth of youth rugby was one of the major factors behind the club's eventual move from Stoneover Lane.
The Ballards Ash era
During the 1990s, the club began seriously considering its long-term future and the possibility of establishing a permanent home at Ballards Ash.
The move to Ballards Ash was the result of many years of planning, determination and hard work by successive club committees and volunteers. The project was initiated during the chairmanship of Alec Adams, who played an important role in getting the plans underway. As the vision developed, President Peter Orton became a central figure in driving the project forward, using his contacts, expertise and determination to help secure the land and find a way to finance the ambitious move.
Copyright: © matt prince
A well-known media entrepreneur and television producer, Peter was one of the founders of HIT Entertainment and was closely involved in the creation of some of the world's best-known children's television programmes, including Bob the Builder. He was also a former town councillor and a much-loved figure in the Wootton Bassett community.
Peter was a passionate supporter of the rugby club and would visit and support the team whenever his business commitments allowed. The project continued to evolve over a number of years, with successive Presidents, Chairmen, committee members, Vice Presidents and volunteers all playing their part in turning the plans into reality.
RFU President, Bob Reeves cuts a ribbon to open the new Ballards Ash clubhouse
The club raised significant funds itself, alongside substantial personal support from Peter and contributions from the club's Vice Presidents. Peter also left a £30,000 legacy to the rugby club in his will following his death in 2007.
Peter did not live to see the move completed, but his contribution was fundamental to making it possible. In recognition of his commitment to the club and his role in establishing its new home, the clubhouse at Ballards Ash was named the Peter Orton Pavilion in his honour.
After years of planning, fundraising and hard work, the new clubhouse and pitches were officially opened on 7th September 2013, giving RWBRFC a permanent home and facilities capable of supporting the club's future growth.
The opening was marked in memorable fashion. A marching band led club members in a parade from the town’s Memorial Hall, through the closed High Street and on to Ballards Ash, where RFU President Bob Reeves officially opened the clubhouse by cutting the ribbon. Before the first match on the new pitches, a military fly-past provided a spectacular highlight, followed by parachutists delivering the match ball from the sky.
Mark Wightman
The Mark Wightman years
Mark Wightman became President of the club in 2008, a position he held for 15 years.
A long-standing Vice President and supporter of the club, Mark brought considerable professional expertise to the role as a chartered surveyor and former President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. His knowledge proved particularly valuable as the club worked towards its move to Ballards Ash and the development of its new facilities.
Mark was never a purely ceremonial President. He took an active role in the running of the club and was a familiar presence at Ballards Ash, supporting teams, volunteers and events — and was just as happy to be found helping out in the clubhouse as attending a formal function.
His presidency coincided with a period of significant growth for RWBRFC, including the move to Ballards Ash, the development of the club's facilities, the expansion of the senior section and the continued growth of the youth and girls' rugby programmes.
Mark retired as President in 2023, having played an important role in guiding the club through one of the most significant periods in its history. His enthusiasm for the club was summed up by two phrases that became closely associated with him: "Believe!" and "Come on Bass!"
Building a rugby pathway
The move to Ballards Ash marked a new chapter for the club.
With the new facilities came a renewed focus on developing players from within the club and establishing a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior teams.
Alan Low was appointed Director of Rugby and helped establish a coaching structure designed to align the club's different age groups around player development, recruitment and retention.
The club's four core values — Commitment, Community, Consistency and Connected — were established across the club, alongside a Player Pathway and Parent Charter.
Royal Wootton Bassett Colts squad, 2024
The senior section expanded, with the regular return of a Third XV and the development of additional Colts teams. The club's First XV progressed through the leagues, with a strong emphasis on homegrown players.
The club also continued to produce players who represented Dorset & Wilts at senior and age-grade level, while several players progressed to higher levels of the game.
The Ravens and the growth of girls' rugby
In 2019, the club launched its first dedicated girls' rugby programme, the Bassett Ravens.
What began with a small group of girls quickly developed into a thriving section. The Ravens progressed from early friendly matches to structured competition, with players representing Dorset & Wiltshire and progressing into regional and national development programmes.
The growth of the Ravens has been one of the most significant developments in the club's recent history. By 2025, more than 70 girls were involved across four age groups, and the programme had created a genuine pathway from girls' rugby into the senior game.
Ian Chard coaching RWBRFC U18 Ravens
The growth of the Ravens has been one of the most significant developments in the club's recent history. By 2025, more than 70 girls were involved across four age groups, and the programme had created a genuine pathway from girls' rugby into the senior game.
The growth of the Ravens has also created a genuine pathway for girls to progress through the age groups and into representative and senior rugby.
Players have gone on to represent Dorset & Wiltshire, take part in regional development programmes and make the transition into adult rugby — a reflection of the opportunities the club now provides for girls to develop and continue playing the game.
The Strength & Performance Centre
One of the most significant facility developments of the Ballards Ash era was the creation of a dedicated Strength & Performance Centre.
The project took several years to develop and was funded mainly by Crapper Landfill. Development was completed despite delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The new facility was officially opened in April 2022 by broadcaster John Inverdale, shortly before the club's 50th Anniversary celebrations.
The centre was designed specifically to support player development and performance, with a dedicated indoor turf run and specialist strength and conditioning equipment. Some of the equipment had previously been used by Team GB during the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The opening represented another major step in the club's continuing investment in the playing and development environment at Ballards Ash.
The ribbon cutting by John Inverdale for the Royal Wootton Bassett RFC Strength & Performance Centre
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The 50th anniversary
Although the club was founded in December 1971, the 50th anniversary celebrations were held during 2022 following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate five decades of rugby in the town and, more importantly, the people who had built and sustained the club over those years.
At a Vice Presidents’ Lunch, the remaining founding members — Ian, Hamish, Mike, Mick, Melvyn and Royston — together with Stuart Nation representing his late father Vernon, were presented with commemorative match shirts bearing their names.
The shirts were presented by members of the current 1st XV, all graduates of the club’s own youth section — a fitting connection between the club’s original founders and the next generation of players.
From the original thirteen founders meeting at the Curriers Arms to the modern facilities at Ballards Ash, the club's history has been shaped by players, coaches, volunteers, supporters, families and local businesses giving their time and resources to keep the club moving forward.
Royal Wootton Bassett RFC - Past player reunion, 2023
Continued progress on the pitch
The club's senior teams have continued to progress during the Ballards Ash era.
The First XV reached Level 5 rugby before subsequently moving between the upper levels of the regional game. In the 2023/24 season, the team produced one of the strongest league campaigns in its history, winning 21 of 22 league matches and securing promotion back to Level 5.
The achievement took the First XV back into Regional 1 rugby for the 2024/25 season, where it faced clubs from across the South West and significantly increased the demands placed on the squad and its travelling supporters.
The Second XV has also continued to develop alongside the First XV. In 2024/25, the team enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning its league title and securing promotion to Level 6 after scoring 135 tries during the season.
These achievements reflect the club's long-standing approach of providing competitive rugby across multiple senior teams while continuing to develop players through its own pathway.
By the 2026/27 season, RWBRFC was fielding four senior men's teams, with the First XV competing at Level 5, the Second XV at Level 6, the Third XV at Level 8 and the Fourth XV at Level 9.
Senior Women's Rugby
The development of the Ravens eventually created another important milestone for the club: the return of a senior women's team.
In 2025, RWBRFC launched a new Senior Women's team, creating a pathway from girls' rugby into adult rugby for the growing number of players coming through the Ravens.
The team enjoyed its first season in 2025/26, becoming an established part of the club's senior section and marking another significant step in the development of women's rugby at Bassett.
The team continues to provide opportunities for both players progressing from the Ravens and women who are new to the sport or returning to rugby.
More than rugby
The growth of RWBRFC has never been solely about senior league positions or trophies.
RWBRFC has developed into a community organisation offering rugby and social opportunities for people across a wide range of ages and abilities.
The club also runs community rugby initiatives, community festivals, family activities, social events and fundraising activities, while Ballards Ash provides a venue for local and business events alongside its role as the home of the club.
The annual Sausage & Cider Festival has become a popular fixture at Ballards Ash, bringing together rugby, live music, food and the wider community.
The festival also hosts the annual McCue Cup, a special fixture between an RWBRFC President’s XV and the REME, held in memory of Lance Corporal James McCue, who was killed in Iraq in 2003. The match is a lasting tribute to James and reflects the strong connection between the club, the town and the armed forces.
The work of the club's volunteers remains fundamental. From coaches and team managers to grounds staff, administrators, event volunteers and those who simply turn up to help when needed, RWBRFC continues to depend on the contribution of its members and supporters.
Walking Rugby has become an established part of the club, providing an accessible and enjoyable form of the game for older players and those who may not be able to play traditional rugby.
A new chapter
In 2026, another significant chapter in the club's recent history came to an end when Imagine Cruising concluded its 13-year partnership with RWBRFC.
The partnership had provided substantial support for the club, helping fund capital projects, improve facilities, support outreach work in local schools and assist families facing financial hardship.
The end of the partnership also marked the beginning of a new phase, with a new group of sponsors and local businesses stepping forward to support the club's future.
This is typical of the story of Royal Wootton Bassett RFC. The club has continually changed and developed, but its progress has always depended on people who believe in the value of community rugby and are prepared to invest their time, energy and resources in it.
Looking forward
More than five decades after those thirteen founders met at the Curriers Arms, Royal Wootton Bassett RFC is a very different club from the one they created.
From a single team playing wherever a pitch could be found, the club has grown into a multi-team organisation with senior men's and women's rugby, Colts, Ravens, Minis, Juniors and Walking Rugby, all based at Ballards Ash.
There have been promotions, trophies, setbacks, memorable matches, great players and characters, changing facilities and changing times.
A rare reunion of Royal Wootton Bassett RFC club captains, March 2023.
But the central idea remains the same.
Royal Wootton Bassett RFC exists to provide people with the opportunity to play rugby, be part of a team and contribute to their community.
The names, teams, leagues and facilities will continue to change. The club will continue to evolve.
