1971-2018
Today's Belsize Park RFC
It was not until 1971 that the current incarnation of Belsize Park RFC was re-established by a group of local players who developed a philosophy to not only win the game, but to also win the party! The spirit of the ‘new’ club was set in its first season, when Belsize developed its 15-man game style of play and the Club had its first tour – Paris. Party to 7 a.m., kick off 9 a.m., cognac/beer 11 a.m., femmes to finish, etc.
The die was cast and Belsize developed a reputation for fun rugby, immortalised in the words of our resident Doc … “how much energy does it take to die?”. By the late 1970s, the special spirit had evolved, enticing friends from all over the world, including a number of established internationals, who relished the concept of good, free-spirit rugby, blended with partying and socialising. And Belsize was also well on its way to building its reputation for touring. Indeed, the Club is now considered the most widely toured amateur club in Britain.