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THe History of the Isle Of Wight Rugby Football Club

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Playing Development

The overall pattern of Club life in the early years was common at all levels of the game at that time, Training was very limited (and still is!) and for the team to finish the season with a positive points balance combined with a bank balance that was in the black, was regarded as a great success.

It was during the season 1964/65 that things began to change for the better with a proper coaching and training system provided by Roy Jones at the British Hovercraft gymnasium which brought about a substantial improvement in playing standards.

Training alone however did not bring about this transformation. Other important factors were the move to Ryde and the development in Club Spirit arising from the use of the Tennis Club headquarters, a spirit that is still very much in evidence today. An additional boost was given in 1965 when the late Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Admiral of the Fleet agreed to become the clubs Patron greatly boosting members morale.

Since that year the fortunes of the club have shown a steady development. 1968 saw the first of numerous tours abroad and in 1971/72 the 1st XV won the Portsmouth Evening News Cup tournament, perhaps the clubs playing highlight to date and reached the semi-finals of the Hampshire Cup. In 1975 the club played an International XV to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the clubs foundation and this year will see its 80th anniversary.

The Early Years :: 1930's :: Post War Years :: Grounds and Headquarters :: Playing Development :: Past Officers