ONGAR RFC
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CLUB HISTORY The club was formed in 1971 by a young, enthusiastic, Welsh math's teacher who was determined to bring rugby from his homeland to this area. In his early career he worked at the local Ongar School (no longer open) and in his first year he imbibed his students with his passion for rugby. He set up their first rugby team and it was a logical progression for him to start the Ongar R.F.C. 4 years later. The first season saw Ongar’s opposition changing in the one and only changing room while they jostled around in their Second World War tent! Showers were available for the Ongar team only after their opposition were clean! Things were on the up when in the second season a large pre-fabricated shed housing two changing rooms and a big bath was constructed (no longer in use today). The club grew in popularity, spurred on by the passionate Welshman, and the swelling ranks ensured that 4 teams were fielded weekly. Over the past thirty or so years the Ongar RFC has enjoyed notable successes including reaching the quarter finals of the National Junior Cup (a tantalizing glimpse away from a final at Twickenham). There have been the inevitable ups and downs that are part of the game. Alf remained a stalwart player and later a trainer at the club and is still remembered by many. He sadly passed away, in his early fifties, a few years ago. Alf’s legacy lives on. Ongar RFC is renowned for supporting juniors through their rugby career and is popular for both it’s social and competitive side. Players are loyal and enjoy all that is important in rugby.
The club has an active social calendar with events for the players or all the
family, including:
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